Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Emma de Duve

Djed Spence admission highlights why playing under Antonio Conte at Tottenham could be perfect

What a summer window it has been for Tottenham so far. After Antonio Conte led his side to a fourth place finish, Spurs have been continuing to strengthen their team already this summer.

The Lilywhites have now welcomed four new arrivals to Hotspur Way, with Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma and Richarlison all making the move to N17 on permanent deals. It doesn't seem as though Spurs are finished either, with players across the world linked with moves to join Conte's side.

One of these players is Djed Spence, who has been heavily linked with Tottenham for some time. The 21-year-old spent last season at Nottingham Forest, on loan from Middlesbrough and helped Steve Cooper's side to promotion.

READ MORE: Chris Wilder delivers fresh Djed Spence update, deal expectation and Tottenham negotiations

There are some big decisions for the youngster to make, regarding his future, but Boro manager Chris Wilder gave a positive boost to Spurs earlier in the week. "There's always three parties involved in any deal, and it's got to be right for all three parties for it to happen," he admitted.

"It's got to be right for the player, and obviously, from the noises, it sounds as though [Spurs] is where he wants to go. Tottenham want him, and we're prepared for that, but it's got to be right for us too. It all needs to marry up."

Spence had a more complicated relationship with former Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock. The 73-year-old had made it clear that the defender wasn't in his plans and and that he needed to "sort his head out".

Warnock made the prediction that Spence would either be playing in non-League or the Premier League in the near future, depending on the path he took. The 21-year-old impressed all and that is why he has had interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

This week on talkSPORT, the former Boro manager opened up on his thoughts on Spence and why he believes a Tottenham move could be could for the youngster. "I had a few run-ins with Djed, to be honest, as managers do," Warnock admitted.

"I had one or two chats with him and a few words were said. So the lads said, he had a bit of a go at me. But I’m glad to see it seems the penny has dropped because, like I said to him face to face, it could go either way.

"I told him, ‘you could be playing for Bromley next year, or you could be in the Premier League’. It looks like he’s going to be in the Premier League, so good luck to him," he added.

The 73-year-old then spoke about where he thinks Spence fits best in a team. "I think he’s got to be going forward, he’s got to be in that wing-back role," Warnock explained.

"I don’t really think he can play in a back-four at that level. But, going forward, he’s exciting. He’s a young lad, the penny’s dropped, and I don’t think you get much better than that going forward.

"Conte won’t stand for anything, so it might just be that he needs a tough guy like that," he added. Warnock's comments reiterate why Spence could be a perfect addition to the Tottenham squad.

The 21-year-old has already shown glimpses of the potential he has and working with someone like Conte is only likely to see him develop. If Spence does make the move to N17, it would be even more likely that Emerson Royal will see an end to his Tottenham chapter.

If this is the case, the youngster will have Matt Doherty to compete with, but also learn from. Both Warnock and Wilder seem to think the move to Spurs could happen and Spence ticks a lot of boxes for Conte and Tottenham, so he would be a good addition, ahead of the 2022/23 season.

READ NEXT:

Richarlison fee deadline for Tottenham, Christian Eriksen decision and Clement Lenglet latest

Richarlison transfer proves Antonio Conte's voice has been heard loud and clear at Tottenham

Tottenham news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Richarlison's Tottenham move splits opinion as he becomes Antonio Conte's fourth summer signing

Full Tottenham Premier League fixture list for 2022/23

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.