Djed Spence, Southampton, Tottenham
Djed Spence was impressive for Tottenham v Southampton (Credit: Imago)
Josh Edwards
Sun 15 December 2024 21:15, UK
Djed Spence was handed a starting role for Tottenham in their 5-0 hammering of Southampton on Sunday and responded with an impressive performance.
Spence was drafted in against Southampton on 15 December as part of five changes made by Ange Postecolgou from their 1-1 draw against Rangers midweek.
The omission of Pedro Porro sparked a shock at St Mary’s but it was a decision that paid off as Spurs secured a 5-0 victory over the Saints which could potentially get Russell Martin sacked according to John Percy.
Spence played a key role in the win with Lucy Ward wowed by what he did for the opening goal with a comment made during commentary TNT Sports (15 December, 7:02 pm).
She said: “Tell you what, talking about Djed Spence starting this game, he’s been in and out of playing for a number of seasons but what a run and what a ball. What a terrific start.”
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Djed Spence impresses for Tottenham v Southampton
Spence’s performance begged the question as to why he hasn’t been utilised more often under Postecoglou but surely puts to bed any questions over a potential January exit.
It’s fair to say Postecoglou hasn’t been too sure on him as a member of his squad but surely now he’s won over the manager.
The full-back played a crucial role in the opening goal while offering an attacking threat throughout the encounter, with an assist to his name.
According to FotMob, his ball through to James Maddison for the opening goal had an xA (expected assist) of 0.21. Given the position he was in, that number showcases just how well he did to carve out the opportunity with a surging run forward
Maddison did just as well, scoring the opportunity that had an xG (expected goals) of 0.36 inside 60 seconds.
Quite remarkably, Spence misplaced just two passes throughout the entirety of the first half after 42 attempts with his pass completion rate for the encounter finishing at an incredible 95 per cent accuracy. When it comes to long balls attempted, his accuracy was sublime at 100 per cent.
Defensively, Spence did what was required albeit in a game that Southampton offered little threat. He won 100 per cent of his tackles as well as five defensive duels, four of which were on the ground.
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Perhaps his only downfall, a very minor one at that, was his inability to register a shot on target despite getting into some dangerous areas.
His performance certainly showcased his ability to have a bigger role for Spurs going forward and Postecoglou will undoubtedly have that in mind.
In other Tottenham news, Harry Kane wants Bayern Munich to sign one Spurs star.
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