Tottenham full-back Djed Spence has gone from strength to strength under Thomas Frank this season
Many fans questioned Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to appoint Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s successor in June. Some believed it was too big a leap for the Danish tactician, who has been managing a club like Brentford for the last six years.
However, it’s fair to say that Thomas Frank has silenced his naysayers with an outstanding start to life at Spurs. He has brought stability and given an identity to the team, showcasing tactical flexibility and nous in his early tenure in north London. The Lilywhites have won four and drawn two from their opening seven Premier League games and find themselves third in the table- two points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Summer signings such as Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Xavi Simons have showcased their qualities and made an impact at Tottenham. There have also been players from the previous regime who have stepped up and become mainstays in Thomas Frank’s side. One of them is Djed Spence.
Alasdair Gold gives Djed Spence verdict under Thomas Frank
Djed Spence has successfully managed to revive his Spurs career against all the odds. The full-back’s brilliant form and consistent performances for the Lilywhites has also earned him a new contract extension in August. It was his second contract extension in 2025, which speaks volumes about his rise from being frozen out until last year to now being a reliable member of Thomas Frank’s squad.
It finally looks like Tottenham can be considered a home for the 25-year-old, who has been tipped to succeed in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad by former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. The Englishman is also a key part of Frank’s setup, and his versatility has proven to be a critical factor for regular game time. As such, iconic football commentator Ian Darke feels Spence is now undroppable from the starting XI on current form.
Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has now given his verdict on Spence. He has given him a 7 rating and thinks that the full-back has gone from strength to strength under Frank this season. The Football London chief correspondent wants the England international to add some assists to his game and make better decisions in the final third.
“Spence keeps going from strength to strength. He hasn’t been perfect and definitely looks better on the left but he’s played in 10 of the 11 Tottenham matches and has added plenty of wingers to his penitentiary,” Alasdair Gold wrote on Football London.
“His form has been rewarded with his England debut and first start on Thursday night as well as a new Spurs contract. Just needs to add some assists and better final third play to his game while his European performances haven’t been his best, but this has been overall a good start to the season.”
More to come from Spence
Spence also made his England debut in September coming on as a substitute in the World Cup qualifiers win against Serbia. The 25-year-old started at left-back in England’s 3-0 friendly win over Wales on Thursday evening, completing the full 90 minutes.
The Englishman benefited from Destiny Udogie’s injury at the start of the season, cementing his spot at left-back in Frank’s side. Now that Udogie has returned and produced some strong performances, Spence must keep up his levels to retain his spot in the XI. The fans have been delighted with Spence’s rise and must feel the best is yet to come in a Tottenham shirt.
