‘Big credit’: Maddison names Tottenham player he was seriously impressed with in 5-0 Southampton win

Tottenham Hotspur demonstrated composure in the second half of their commanding victory, prioritizing defensive solidity to maintain their five-goal lead and return to north London without complications.

Among the standout performers on the day, Djed Spence made a strong case for more opportunities with a performance that impressed both fans and teammates alike. James Maddison, another key figure in the game, offered glowing praise for Spence’s display, highlighting the full-back’s contribution to Tottenham’s dominant performance.

Spence’s involvement has been limited under Ange Postecoglou, with the manager often overlooking the 24-year-old. Notably, Spence was excluded from Tottenham’s Europa League squad, a decision that frustrated supporters who see his potential as a dynamic full-back option.

However, given the chance to start against Southampton, Spence seized the moment, showcasing his versatility and ability to perform on both sides of the defense. He set the tone early with a precise assist for Maddison’s opening goal, which helped Spurs establish control of the match from the outset.

Maddison, who continues to be a pivotal figure in Postecoglou’s system, spoke to TNT Sports after the game about Spence’s contribution. He commended the defender for his patience and praised his laid-back demeanor.

According to Maddison, he offered a few encouraging words before kickoff, urging Spence to focus on his strengths. Maddison noted, “He’s been patient and he’s a great lad. He is a laid-back character and I don’t think he needed too much of a pep talk. But I told him before the game to go out and do what he does best. It was a great pass from him and big credit to Djed for that.”

Spence’s performance was met with widespread approval from Tottenham fans, many of whom have been vocal in questioning why Postecoglou has hesitated to use him more frequently. With Pedro Porro struggling for consistency at times, the Southampton match provided a glimpse of what Spence can offer when given the opportunity.

His assured defensive work and attacking contributions have left many supporters hopeful that he will feature more prominently as the season progresses.

Despite the praise from Maddison and the fanbase, Postecoglou’s post-match comments about Spence were measured. While he acknowledged the defender’s solid performance, the manager stopped short of guaranteeing him a more significant role moving forward.

This has fueled speculation that Spence may not figure into Postecoglou’s long-term plans, though the ongoing defensive injury crisis could present further opportunities for the full-back to prove his value.

The situation surrounding Spence reflects a broader challenge for Tottenham’s squad management. Balancing the need for immediate results with the development of promising talents like Spence will be crucial for Postecoglou as he navigates the demands of a packed fixture schedule.

Injuries to key defenders have already forced the manager to adapt, and Spence’s emergence as a viable option provides a welcome boost to Tottenham’s depth in defense.

For now, Spence’s performance against Southampton serves as a reminder of his potential and underscores the importance of having versatile, motivated players ready to step up when called upon.

As Spurs continue to contend with injuries and fixture congestion, Spence’s display should encourage the coaching staff to consider him a more regular option. Whether he can establish himself as a long-term fixture in the team remains uncertain, but his impact in the 5-0 rout has undoubtedly strengthened his case for increased involvement.

Ultimately, having another exciting talent like Spence pushing for minutes is a positive development for Tottenham. Whether he becomes a central figure in the squad or remains a rotational option, his Southampton performance proves he has the quality to contribute meaningfully.

For Postecoglou, tapping into Spence’s potential could provide the depth and flexibility needed to maintain momentum as Spurs push through a demanding campaign.