Rio Ferdinand makes ‘the best’ claim about Djed Spence after Tottenham star continues to impress
The journey of a professional footballer is often a story of resilience, and for Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence, that story has reached an incredible new chapter.
His recent debut for the England national team was more than just a personal milestone; it was a moment of validation that has now sparked a significant conversation about his future role for his country.
The praise coming his way is not just from casual observers, but from one of England’s most respected defensive legends, Rio Ferdinand.
Following a commanding 5-0 victory over Serbia, in which Spence came off the bench to make his first appearance for the Three Lions, Ferdinand made a powerful declaration about the Tottenham defender’s abilities.
In a detailed analysis, the former Manchester United star didn’t just praise Spence—he positioned him as the solution to a looming question for manager Thomas Tuchel.
With the next World Cup on the horizon, the debate over who will succeed the iconic Kyle Walker is heating up, and Ferdinand believes he has the answer.
Ferdinand’s argument is both specific and compelling. He stated unequivocally that Spence is currently “the number one one-versus-one defender in the England squad right now – no one comes near him.”
This is a significant claim, highlighting Spence’s exceptional ability to isolate and neutralize attacking threats, a critical skill in modern international football.
But Ferdinand’s endorsement goes beyond a single attribute. He pointed to Spence’s versatility, noting his comfort playing on either the right or left flank, and even suggested he could excel as the right-sided player in a back three, a role Walker mastered.
This adaptability makes him an incredibly valuable asset for any manager building a tournament squad.
For Spence, the debut itself was the culmination of a lifelong dream. He took to social media to describe it as “arguably the greatest and proudest day of my life,” a moment he had visualised since childhood.
The occasion was made even more special by the person who presented him with his legacy cap: Spurs legend and England captain Harry Kane.
In a heartfelt speech, Kane revealed he had specifically asked to honour Spence, recalling the difficult path the defender had to navigate a few years prior.
“I saw this player three or four years ago at Tottenham, and he had to go through a lot, he had to keep his head up, he had to work hard, and now he’s an England player,” Kane said, adding that he felt “a little bit emotional” knowing how much struggle preceded the triumph.
This recognition from both a former great and the current captain underscores a remarkable turnaround. It validates the hard work that led to a new contract with Tottenham and now positions him at the center of England’s plans.
While the Premier League is full of talented full-backs, Ferdinand’s analysis suggests that Spence offers a unique combination of defensive prowess, blistering pace, and tactical flexibility that sets him apart.
As the World Cup approaches, his name is no longer just one for the future; according to one of England’s best, it might just be the name that defines the team’s defense for years to come.