Antonio Conte faces a massive decision ahead of the North London Derby on Sunday. His side go into the game just outside the top four but 11 points behind Arsenal who sit at the top of the league. In a repeat of what was a vital game in the race for the top four last season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Conte's side would love to get a result against their arch-enemies.
Spurs' results have rarely told the full story alone this season and despite spending a majority of the matchweeks sat amongst the leaders it hasn't been a smooth ride. Having spent over £150m on a raft of first team players in the summer, doing a large amount of business early - often a sign of a club in good order - the performances haven't always mirrored the pre-season optimism.
Perhaps nobody has failed to live up to the expectations more than Djed Spence. The 22-year-old signed from Middlesbrough over the summer having helped lead Nottingham Forest to Premier League promotion last season in the Championship. As a strong, technical and dynamic wingback he was seen as the perfect fit for a Conte side.
READ MORE: Dejan Kulusevski for Bryan Gil and Tottenham changes Antonio Conte can make for Arsenal showdown
Six months later and he has played less than one half of football for the side in all competitions. He signed for under £15m which is quite a coup for a player of his stature at the time but it's to think Tottenham have had even close to that amount back from him despite his standing in the game as an England youth international.
In contrast to Mikel Arteta's youth policy, which has been to bring through a group of young and hungry stars, Conte has stuck with the methods that make him one of the best results coaches on the planet. That has come at Spence's expense though.
It's not as though the right wingback spot has been held down either. The issues for Conte with Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal and even Lucas Moura on that side have been well documented this season but away from the pitch Conte risks making a similar transfer mistake to one that has cost Spurs millions in the past.
It has been revealed this week that former youth player Noni Madueke has been targetted by Chelsea. The 20-year-old has impressed at PSV Eindhoven despite a run of injury issues in his young career. The Englishman is a versatile and explosive forward that may well thrive in the attacking system Conte has deployed in North London currently, however it's Chelsea looking at him.
Although Madueke had moved on long before Conte was appointed it is worth comparing his situation to the one Spence finds himself in. The wingback is looking for consistent football at the highest level and may no longer see his future at Tottenham if Conte continues to overlook him.
Madueke had similar thoughts and wanted to test himself at a young age. He could end up costing north of £40m having left Spurs for nothing as a teenager, a big blow for a club that are looking for creativity and players to fill in on the right-hand side. Ahead of the North London Derby it already seems apparent that Spence isn't trusted like Madueke felt himself.
If this continues, in complete contrast to the faith Arteta put in his younger players, then it could end up costing Spurs on and off the pitch.
READ NEXT:
The Pedro Porro problem, that Qatar meeting and Leandro Trossard - Tottenham behind the scenes
Qatar Sports Investment meeting with Daniel Levy explained as Tottenham deny funding talks
Dejan Kulusevski takes vital Arsenal step, trio absent - 4 things spotted in Tottenham training
Tottenham news and transfers LIVE: Pedro Porro 'contact', David Raya plan, Sarr ‘dream’ loan
Antonio Conte has dream Tottenham scenario to hand Arsenal north London derby nightmare
