John Wenham: Tottenham have inconsistent player replacing of the world’s best in his position
Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive unit has emerged as one of the most formidable in the Premier League, with Destiny Udogie establishing himself as arguably the world’s finest left-back when fit.
The Italian defender’s meteoric rise has created both opportunities and challenges for his teammate Djed Spence, whose inconsistent performances have sparked debate about his long-term future at the club.
Udogie’s transformation from promising prospect to world-class operator has been remarkable. His combination of defensive solidity and attacking verve has made him indispensable to Thomas Frank’s system, drawing praise from pundits and supporters alike.
John Wenham, owner of Lilywhite Rose, went as far as declaring Udogie “one of the best left-backs in world football” when speaking exclusively to Tottenham News. This glowing assessment reflects the 21-year-old’s rapid development since joining from Udinese.
However, Udogie’s recurring injury issues have forced Spence into extended action, revealing both the Englishman’s potential and his frustrating inconsistency. The contrast between Spence’s performances has been stark:
Djed Spence’s Performance Spectrum
| Opponent | Performance Level | Key Metrics | Partner (LW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSG | Excellent | 4 tackles, 3 interceptions | Wilson Odobert |
| Arsenal | Outstanding | 2 key passes, 87% pass accuracy | Wilson Odobert |
| Burnley | Poor | 1 tackle, dispossessed 3 times | Brennan Johnson |
| Luton Town | Below Par | 0 crosses completed, dribbled past 4x | Brennan Johnson |
This pattern suggests Spence thrives when paired with Odobert’s direct running and willingness to track back, while struggling alongside Johnson’s more inverted style.
The French winger’s presence seems to provide Spence with clearer defensive responsibilities and more space to overlap.
Wenham highlighted this dichotomy: “Spence was incredibly good against both PSG and Arsenal but fairly poor against Luton and Bayern Munich.
He needs to add consistency to his game before challenging Udogie permanently.”
The statistics support this assessment. In matches with Odobert, Spence averages 2.3 tackles and 1.7 key passes per game compared to just 0.8 tackles and 0.5 key passes when partnered with Johnson.
This 187% increase in defensive contributions demonstrates how tactical fit impacts his performances.
Udogie’s injury history remains a concern for Tottenham:
Destiny Udogie’s Recent Injury Record
| Season | Injury Type | Days Out | Matches Missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Knee | 29 | 2 |
| 2024/25 | Hamstring | 44 | 12 |
| 2024/25 | Hamstring (minor) | 2 | 2 |
These absences necessitate a reliable deputy, making Spence’s development crucial. At 24, the former Middlesbrough man possesses the physical tools to succeed but must improve his concentration and decision-making.
His recent contract extension indicates Tottenham’s belief in his potential, but the clock is ticking for him to establish himself as more than just a squad player.
For Frank, the solution may lie in tactical flexibility. Using Spence primarily with Odobert against attacking opponents while reserving Udogie for matches requiring more defensive solidity could maximize both players’ strengths.
Alternatively, converting Spence to a right-back role might better utilize his athleticism while avoiding direct competition with Udogie.
As Tottenham chase trophies on multiple fronts, resolving this left-back dynamic will be crucial. Udogie’s world-class ability makes him undroppable when fit, but Spence’s flashes of brilliance suggest he could become far more than just an understudy with the right guidance and consistency.
The coming months will determine whether he can bridge this gap and form one of the Premier League’s most formidable full-back partnerships with his Italian teammate.