Tottenham Hotspur's preseason tour in Asia is proving to be more than just a warmup for the new season; it's also a stage for players to prove themselves to manager Ange Postecoglou.
One player making the most of this opportunity is right-back Djed Spence, who has shown a promising attitude and performance during training in Tokyo.
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A new dawn for Djed Spence?
Spence, who had a tumultuous 2023/24 season with loan spells at Leeds United and Genoa, seemed destined for an uncertain future at Spurs.
However, his recent actions during training suggest a different story. After the main session had ended, Spence was spotted engaging in additional one-on-one drills with coach Matt Wells. This extra effort was notable as he continued working on defensive exercises long after his teammates had finished.
According to reports, Spence focused on preventing crosses during these drills, demonstrating a keen desire to improve and make a case for more playing time under Postecoglou. This dedication could not have come at a better time, with Tottenham looking for reliable options at right-back.
Spence: The perfect backup for Pedro Porro?
Tottenham's right-back situation has been a talking point, especially with the potential departure of Emerson Royal to AC Milan.
The club has been in search of a backup for Pedro Porro, who excels at pushing forward into the final third. Unlike Emerson, Spence possesses the attacking qualities that align well with Porro's style, making him a suitable alternative.
This development could save Tottenham from the transfer market search and provide Postecoglou with an in-house solution. Spence's recent commitment and performance might just be what Spurs need to strengthen their right-back position as they prepare for the new season.
As Tottenham continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against J-League champions Vissel Kobe, all eyes will be on Spence to see if he can carry this form into competitive matches.