Djed Spence shone in his much-awaited first Premier League start for Tottenham vs Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur bounced back to winning ways in style on Sunday when they smashed a hapless Southampton 5-0 at the St Mary’s Stadium.
A double from James Maddison, married with goals from Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Matar Sarr helped the Lilywhites end their five-game winless run across all competitions. Ahead of the contest, Ange Postecoglou was under huge pressure following a recent run of poor results. But his lads performed extremely well and hammered the Saints.
The Greek-Aussie tactician had made five changes to his side from the 1-1 draw with Rangers, handing Djed Spence the first Premier League start of his Tottenham career. The right-back made his long-awaited Premier League debut, marking it with an assist and a clean sheet.
-> Son: 9, Maddison: 10, Sarr:?? |Tottenham Player Ratings vs Southampton | Premier League 2024/25
The 24-year-old came in as a replacement for Pedro Porro, who has been looked shattered in recent weeks and that has affected his performance levels. Postecoglou was forced to make that change and bring in some fresh energy to the side by introducing Djed Spence from the start, and his decision was truly vindicated.
Against Southampton, the former England youth international delivered a polished performance that highlighted his tactical awareness and composure on the ball. He played a crucial role in the opening goal while offering an attacking threat throughout the game, with an assist under his banner.
Spence had 82 touches with a healthy 95 per cent pass accuracy, made two key passes and achieved two successful dribbles. He won six out of nine duels and was always an attacking outlet down the right flank. The Englishman added value defensively as well with one interception, three tackles and three clearances, demonstrating impressive discipline in certain moments of transitions. (Stats courtesy: SofaScore)
-> How Big Ange and board are shaping Tottenham Hotspur’s January transfer plans
Spence suits the profile that Big Ange desires in a Spurs full-back; the London-born talent is comfortable running down the byline to stretch the opponents or go inwards to dictate the tempo of play. However, he has struggled to get sufficient game time this season regardless of impressing Big Ange and his coaching staff during the pre-season tour of Asia.
In fact, his chances at the Hotspur Way have been few and far between since arriving from Middlesbrough in 2022. Nonetheless, the moment Spence had been waiting for finally arrived against Southampton and he grabbed it with both hands.
More Tottenham News
- Tottenham insider reveals tensions at club following Postecoglou’s outburst
- Son: 7, Kulusevski: 7, Solanke:?? |Tottenham Player Ratings vs Chelsea | Premier League 2024/25
- Pundit claims £70k-a-week star unhappy with Tottenham fans over recent criticism
With Spurs being hit with an injury crisis as well as Porro looking fatigued of late, the full-back should receive plenty of chances now as the fixture congestion demands rotation to maintain the players’ fitness.
