Djed Spence has struggled on loan at Rennes since joining the club from Tottenham on a dry loan in January but on Sunday, he was much better – with French media outlet Stade Rennais Online saying it was “probably his best” so far.
Spence, 22, has clocked up six games for Rennes since joining the club – starting all six and only being subbed on one occasion. But he has been criticised to quite a high degree since his move to Rennes from Spurs on loan until June.
He was labelled ‘catastrophic’ in the first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League. He was a ‘shambles’ in a 2-0 win over Clermont, and then being awarded just 4/10 in the return leg against Shakhtar. A tie lost on penalties.
On Sunday, Spence continued in his role at right-back despite his poor start to life in France. His side earned a narrow 1-0 win, with Joe Rodon overlooked again. Stade Rennais Online say it was “probably his best” display since joining.
“Probably his best game since his arrival. He started badly with unnecessary risk taking. Lots of appreciable returns where his speed made the difference in cutting crosses,” Stade Rennais Online report, handing him a rating of 6/10.
French media say Tottenham man Spence better on Sunday at Rennes
Better from Spence and just at the right time. The reason he continues to start for Rennes is that the French side’s other options remain sidelined through injury. Even then, there have been calls for the England U21 star to be axed.
So, Spence really needed a solid outing and he got it on Sunday, as Rennes secured a second successive Ligue 1 win. Another clean sheet. A win that sees Rennes climb to fifth in the Ligue 1 table. Perhaps a springboard for Spence.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
