Tottenham ace should have followed Udogie after Wednesday night – Our View

Follow us on Google Discover

Matt Doherty came off the bench for Tottenham on Wednesday night during a 2-0 Champions League win over Marseille, while Djed Spence remained an unused substitute – so, should Spence have followed Destiny Udogie?

Spence was one of seven new signings at Tottenham this summer. Along with Fraser Forster, Clement Lenglet, Yves Bissouma, Udogie, Richarlison and Ivan Perisic. But Spence has only managed one substitute outing against Forest.

Spence, 22, starred for Forest last season as he helped the newly-promoted side gain a place back in the Premier League. But he is now stuck on the bench at Spurs. Early signs indicate that he is the club’s third-choice option.

Udogie was in the same boat. Signing for the club from Udinese, he found himself behind Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon. So, Udogie decided to return to Udinese on loan and he is impressing in Serie A football.

Scoring against Jose Mourinho’s Roma, Udogie is continuing his development and getting plenty of top-tier game time. For Spence, he is currently feeding off scraps, counting down the days until the Carabao Cup comes along.

Spence should have followed Udogie at Tottenham, and go out on loan

Ultimately, Emerson is first choice. Antonio Conte might not be completely sold on the Brazilian – but he is the club’s best option at right-back. Ireland international Doherty is liked by Conte, and is slowly on his way back from injury.

While Doherty remains at the club – he has a contract until 2024 – Spence will be third choice. He is not going to get the necessary game time to prove to Conte, any different. The only way he would have done so, is by going on loan.

With Udogie, he has the platform and the chance to show Conte and Tottenham that he can come back next summer – above Sessegnon and Perisic. A loan to Forest this summer would have been ideal for Spence.

Instead, he has remained at Tottenham and Forest have since signed ex-Spurs defender Serge Aurier on a free transfer. Perhaps, when January comes around, Spence will realise his mistake and request a loan move.