In an interview with Football.London, Spence has spoken on how he is adapting to life under manager Antonio Conte.
Spence’s arrival from Middlesborough in the summer caused a lot of fan fair, following his impressive displays on loan at Nottingham Forest last season. A season in which he notched 7 goal contributions in 39 games as Forest were promoted, via the play-offs.
The England under-21 international, played in a system arguably very similar to the one Conte currently deploys – with Forest also lining up in a 3-4-3 for the majority of their fixtures last season.
Spence has spoken on his adaption to the Italian’s tactics and system:
“I have got to learn but I am working hard to improve, working hard to get in the team and hopefully I can get some run of games soon.”
My tactical side [has improved since arriving]. I am learning a lot from training and learning a lot from the guys, so I am learning a lot at the moment.”
The wing-back’s performance against Arsenal in the FA cup back in January of this year, drew much attention. With his impressive attacking display against the Gunners, showing glimpses of what the Lilywhites have lacked down the right-hand side.
Having only featured twice this season – both short cameos – Spurs fans called for Spence to see more minutes after seeing Emerson Royal’s recent dismal displays. However, recently Conte has turned to Irishman Matt Doherty to cover whilst the Brazilian sits out with suspension.
However, as the fixture list starts to get more crowded as the World Cup approaches, minutes may be more available for the wing-back.
“I am hopeful [of more game time], but I have just got to be patient and when my time comes I’ve just got to take it,” he admitted.
“I’ve just got to take it as it comes. It can take time or be quick [to get your chance], so it is what it is.
“I always believe in myself but you never know what happens in football so you’ve just got to be patient and when the time comes, the time will come.”
The wing-back has received a lot of love from the Spurs fans, receiving a good ovation when he came off the bench against Everton last weekend.
Spence on the love he left from the fans:
“I appreciate the warm welcome. Obviously my first game here so I really appreciate it and I just can’t wait to get going.,” he said. “It was a good day for the team, a good day for myself, so very happy to get the three points.”
Give him a chance. 30 minutes at least not 30 seconds without touching the ball. Also give Harvey White, Alfie Devine and Papa Sarr. We need some young players gaining experience especially with the crowded fixture list.Time to be bold not boring.
Spence may not have an an opportunity to have impressed us on the pitch since arriving, as he’s hardly been on the pitch, but his words reported here and elsewhere seem to show that he has some political sense. He says all the right things.
Hope that his social intelligence translates into an understanding of the spacing on the pitch.
He’s suited to play wing back on the right-hand side, but apparently doesn’t yet have Conte’s way of playing that favorite position for Conte in the way Conte wants. In the mean time, we’ve got Emerson and Doherty. Doherty is looking much better recently. It’s mot really Emerson’s position, but he seems to be getting the hang of it. But Emerson “Royal Jelly” doesn’t yet seem to have the intuitions about what to do with the ball when he’s in the offensive box. With training…. ?
I’d volunteer to come play, but these days I get knackered after 30 minutes walking about the supermarket with a four wheeled basket to lean on. Ah life. What a bitch.
Not that I was all that good with the ball when I was young. lol. My football dream as a lad was to be Billy Nick. I knew I couldn’t be Danny Blanchflower. My feet didn’t do what my mind wanted them to do with the ball. Ah life…
At least I’m headed to Brazil next week in time to watch the WC with Brasileiros.
I’m really looking forward to seeing what’s on offer from Djed Spence.
Hahaha safe journey to Brazil mate, hope you have a great time! I’m looking forward to see Spence at some point with the games coming thick and fast, but we may very well have to wait until the League Cup game at Forest next month to see him start. Who knows though…
Conte won’t put a player into the team until he’s happy that player is not just up to the task but playing the way Conte wants him to play. Its not really a new thing. Back in the days when Bob Paisley ran Liverpool it was normal for them to buy a player and then not play him for months while they drilled him into the way they wanted him to play for Liverpool.
In Spence’s case he’s never played in the premier league so his learning curve is steeper than most. Having said that his potential is tremendous, it just might take a while.