Resurgent Tottenham star welcomes competition; speaks volumes of growing confidence

A resurgent Djed Spence welomes competition for Tottenham spot

Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive frailties have been a recurring concern throughout the season. The Lilywhites have kept just six clean sheets in the Premier League, with only two of those coming at home, and have conceded 45 goals so far. While those numbers are alarming, it’s also worth noting that a string of injuries to key players has disrupted the squad’s stability and rhythm at the back.

Spurs began the campaign with hopes of challenging for a top-four finish, but those ambitions have faded fast. It has turned into a dismal season for the North London club, who now find themselves languishing in 14th place. As results continue to falter, the pressure is mounting on Ange Postecoglou to steady the ship and deliver a turnaround before the campaign slips completely out of reach.

As the club continues to drift further from its ambitions, frustration among the fanbase has reached boiling point. Supporters have staged multiple protests against the ownership and the board ahead of recent home fixtures, voicing their anger over the lack of progress and direction. It has now been 17 long years since Tottenham last lifted a trophy, and for many fans, the continued acceptance of mediocrity under chairman Daniel Levy has become unacceptable. The patience is wearing thin, and the calls for change are growing louder with each passing week.

Djed Spence talks about competition for the right-back spot

While we have lamented Tottenham’s bad luck with injuries this season, one player has managed to seize the opportunity and turn his fortunes around—Djed Spence. The English defender has enjoyed a remarkable revival at N17, firmly establishing himself in the starting XI after a difficult start under Ange Postecoglou.

Initially considered an outcast by the Australian manager, Spence found himself on the fringes of the squad at the beginning of the campaign. However, injuries and inconsistent performances from other players opened the door for the 23-year-old to stake his claim. He’s since taken that chance with both hands, impressing with his energy, defensive awareness, and composure on the ball. Spence has even managed to displace Pedro Porro in the pecking order at times, showing the kind of form that Spurs fans can be excited about.

Speaking about his revival at Spurs and competition for the right-back spot, Djed Spence told the official Tottenham Hotspur website,

“I’ve always believed in myself, I always thought it was there. It’s just about getting the opportunity, I have the opportunity and I’ve taken it. I’m really happy to the staff and the players for believing in me.”

The 24-year-old added,

“It’s fantastic (to have competition for places). Pedro is a great player, Destiny is a great player so we keep each other sharp and give each other good advice on and off the pitch so it’s healthy competition. I’m just happy to play, whether it’s on the left or the right, whether I can help the team or not, I’m just happy to play.”

The former Nottingham Forest defender has emerged as one of Tottenham’s standout performers this season. While results have been hard to come by in recent months for Ange Postecoglou’s side, Djed Spence has remained a bright spot. The 23-year-old has delivered a string of solid performances, showcasing consistency and maturity in his play, qualities that have earned him the trust of the manager and the admiration of the fans. In a season full of setbacks, Spence’s resurgence has been one of the few positives for the Spurs’ faithful.

More Tottenham Hotspur News

• Tottenham eyeing Atalanta star to replace first XI South American ace
• Tottenham revive interest in former Chelsea star; Serie A exit on the cards?
• Tottenham first XI difference-maker interested in AC Milan switch

The 24-year-old has well and truly made the right-back position his own, finally beginning to fulfil the potential that many saw in him early on. His recent performances have not gone unnoticed, with several fans calling for his inclusion in the England squad during the last international break. While that opportunity didn’t come then, it now feels like only a matter of time. If the Spurs No.24 continues to perform at the level he has shown in recent weeks, a maiden England call-up could be just around the corner.