Darren Bent picks Tottenham full-back Djed Spence as the player who has stood out recently
Tottenham Hotspur headed into the October international break sitting third in the Premier League table, which shows the excellent work new boss Thomas Frank has done.
There have been many positives to take for Thomas Frank in the opening months of the 2025/26 campaign. New signings such as Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have blended in well with the team, addressing key areas in attack and midfield respectively. Apart from the duo, there are several players to have stepped up and produced consistent performances.
Djed Spence has enjoyed a complete U-turn in his fortunes at the club since December 2024. Frozen out by several managers since his arrival in 2022 and farmed out on loan several times, it felt like his career was over. However, an injury crisis in defence offered the full-back an opportunity to prove himself under Ange Postecoglou and he took it with both hands.
Since then, Djed Spence has only grown from strength to strength in N17. The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in Thomas Frank’s XI since pre-season. He has started five out of seven Premier League games this season, deputising for the injured Destiny Udogie at left-back. Iconic commentator Ian Darke feels the defender is now undroppable from Frank’s side on current form.
Darren Bent feels Djed Spence has stood out at Tottenham
Now, former Spurs striker Darren Bent has made his feelings clear on Spence. The TalkSPORT pundit thinks the England international has stood out recently for Tottenham and has credited Thomas Frank for the player’s development.
When asked to name a player who’s really stood out recently, Darren Bent told TalkSPORT:
“I’ve gone for Djed Spence. I think his run-up until this point has been incredible.
“Obviously, he had that falling out with Warnock, then went to Forest and was brilliant. Then Spurs signed him, but Conte didn’t sign him.
“It was a club signing and got sent out on loan, then he came back and he’s been given an opportunity and has never looked back.
“He looked brilliant. He completely wrapped up Brennan Johnson, who didn’t want any part of that game whatsoever, and he’s getting better and better. So I’m going for Djed Spence.”
Spence impresses for England on international duty
Spence was called up to the senior England squad for the first time in August 2025. He made his England debut in a 5-0 victory against Serbia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September, coming on as a second-half substitute.
Thomas Tuchel again named him in his squad for the October games against Wales and Latvia. The Tottenham man demonstrated his versatility over the recent international break, starting at left-back in the 3-0 friendly win over Wales. He was outstanding and locked down his Spurs teammate Brennan Johnson. Spence started at right-back against Latvia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. He helped the Three Lions defeat Latvia 5-0 away and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Kensington-born talent will be hoping to continue his strong form for Spurs, who host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
