Djed Spence showed no signs of rustiness last night for the England Under-21 side last night, despite a lack of playing time at Tottenham.
The Spurs No.24 – a £12.5m summer signing from Middlesbrough – is yet to start under Antonio Conte with Emerson Royal preferred at right wing-back.
There have been suggestions that the Italian is not convinced by Spence, and has no intention of using him anytime soon.
Now, an interesting revelation has been made.
Tottenham signed Djed Spence because of Antonio Conte
According to Football London‘s Alasdair Gold, there is a feeling among people at Tottenham that Spence would not have been signed if Conte wasn’t in charge.
Spurs feel that the 22-year-old’s strengths as a wing-back made it worth bringing him to N17 over the summer, as he has the potential to become Conte’s best option on the right flank.
As you will know, the Italian has relied heavily on wing-backs throughout his managerial career.
Spence shone on loan at Nottingham Forest last season in a wing-back role, scoring three goals while also providing five assists as he helped them win the Championship play-off final.
Once he adapts to Conte’s demands and the rigours of the Premier League, the expectation at Tottenham is that he will leapfrog Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty.
Djed Spence did Tottenham chances no harm with England U21 display
Fortunately for Spence, Lee Carsley used a 3-4-3 system against the Italians, so Conte was able to see just how his new recruit can fare in a wing-back role.
The Londoner impressed in that position, with his marauding runs down the right causing plenty of problems, while his end product was also on point – he created one big chance for Conor Gallagher.
Of course, football at Under-21 level is vastly different to the Premier League, but Spence proved he is ready to seize any opportunities given to him by Conte with a solid performance.
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