Outstanding: Tottenham star will be fuming after Ange ignored him again v Brentford
Ange Postecoglou has named Djed Spence on the bench once again for Tottenham’s home match against Brentford, despite the full-back’s impactful performance against Coventry City midweek.
In the EFL Cup game, with Spurs trailing 1-0, Spence slotted in a critical equalizer just two minutes before the end of regular time.
His performance helped set the stage for Brennan Johnson’s 92nd-minute winner, securing Tottenham’s place in the next round.
Despite his solid 45-minute cameo, Spence starts the Brentford match on the bench, raising questions about his role in the squad.
Spence’s frustration may be growing. After a solid showing against Coventry, it seemed likely that he would get more minutes.
However, Postecoglou continues to favor Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie in the full-back positions, leaving Spence on the sidelines.
Although he might come on as a substitute, the apparent lack of trust from the manager could signal trouble ahead.
If his playing time doesn’t improve, Spence could be angling for a move in the January transfer window to find more consistent minutes elsewhere.
Spence’s path to Tottenham was promising, starting from Fulham’s academy and making a name for himself at Middlesbrough.
His breakout moment came during a loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the 2021/22 season, where he played a key role in their promotion campaign.
That performance earned him a £20 million transfer to Tottenham, but his time at the club has been marred by a lack of consistent opportunities.
He made only six appearances for Spurs before being loaned out to various clubs, none of which solidified him as a first-choice right-back.
Below is a summary of Spence’s 2023/24 Championship season stats:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 39 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Pass Accuracy | 75.1% |
| Progressive Passes Per 90 | 3.17 |
| Key Passes Per 90 | 1.03 |
| Progressive Carries Per 90 | 4.46 |
| Tackles and Interceptions Per 90 | 3.09 |
Given these stats, Spence has shown he can be both defensively solid and offensively active, contributing goals, assists, and key passes.
His ability to make progressive passes and carries demonstrates his potential as a dynamic full-back, yet his lack of starts at Tottenham suggests his future at the club remains uncertain.
While Spence’s situation may be a talking point, Postecoglou faces a bigger challenge in keeping another player happy: Cristian Romero.
The Argentine center-back has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, as journalist Ben Jacobs reports. Real Madrid, looking to strengthen their defense, has identified Romero as a prime target.
The 26-year-old, who has three years left on his contract, could be tempted by the lure of playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Although Spurs are keen to keep hold of the World Cup winner, the allure of a move to the Bernabéu could prove difficult for Romero to resist.
Romero has become a key figure in Tottenham’s defense, and losing him would be a significant blow. Spurs’ management will likely work hard to convince the defender to stay, but Real Madrid’s interest might force Tottenham into a tricky negotiation.
While there’s no concrete offer on the table yet, the rumor alone could be enough to unsettle Romero.
Tottenham’s squad faces several uncertainties, from Spence’s lack of minutes to Romero’s potential departure.
The coming months will be crucial for Postecoglou as he navigates these challenges, balancing player satisfaction with the need to maintain competitive performances in the Premier League and beyond.
As the January transfer window approaches, Spurs may have to make key decisions about both Spence and Romero, shaping the future of the club’s defense.
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