Djed Spence was handed his first outing in Europe for Rennes on Thursday night as the French side took on Shakhtar Donetsk away from home – losing 2-1 – and French media have hammered the Tottenham player, with a 3/10 rating.
Spence, 22, clocked up his third outing for Rennes since joining the club on loan from Spurs. Joining Joe Rodon, he has played alongside the Wales man in his first two League games. However, Rodon was given a rest on Thursday night.
England U21 man Spence continued but his night got off to a woeful start. Having suffered back to back 3-1 losses in his first two Rennes appearances, he was at fault for Shakhtar’s first goal. After just 10 minutes, Dmytro Kryskiv scored.
A poorly-executed long ball deceived Spence. He failed to make an easy interception. Then, he almost stopped running to chase it down – as Shakhtar raced into the area. Bohdan Mykhaylichenko’s shot was parried, and Kryskiv scored.
Shakhtar got a second just before half-time from the penalty spot. Fellow new signing Karl Toko Ekambi got one back for Rennes, but it was a disappointing night for the French side. Maxi Foot gave Spence a rating of just 3/10.
“The English right-back was catastrophic. At fault on the first goal, he left his lane abandoned on the action leading to the second Ukrainian goal. Offensively, he did nothing,” Maxi Foot report on Thursday night, as Rennes lost 2-1.
French media hammer Tottenham player Djed Spence on Thursday night
What a woeful but of defending from Spence. Only he will know how he did not cut out, what was a poor long ball forward. Yes, Rennes’ right-winger could be accused of cheating and not following his man – but Spence is to blame.
Indeed, Jeremy Doku would have simply believed Spence was going to stop the pass. Then, to stop in his recovery run is unforgivable. Plenty to learn for the Tottenham man in what was a crucial night for his new side, Rennes.
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