View: 22.8% Tottenham regular surely set for bad news from De Zerbi as stats expose limitations

Djed Spence could soon find himself cast aside at Tottenham Hotspur.

Given the risk of relegation and the lack of time he will have had with the squad before they face Sunderland, Roberto De Zerbi is unlikely to make wholesale changes.

That goes for tactics as well as personnel, with the latter more of a restriction than a choice given the ongoing injury issues in North London.

However, De Zerbi is tasked with keeping Tottenham in the Premier League, and if he is to get them playing his way, Spence may be sacrificed.

Djed Spence may not be suited to De Zerbi-ball

De Zerbi’s teams typically adopt a 3-2-5 formation in possession, with plenty of emphasis on the wing-backs to get forward and create.

While Spence has had a solid campaign in general, he has failed to offer much in that sense, as showcased by the fact that he is one of only a few players without a goal or an assist.

In fact, Spence averages just 0.5 chances created per 90, which places him among the bottom 22.8 per cent of Premier League defenders.

The wing-back has created just 10 chances in the 24 appearances he has made in the top flight this season, which again places him among the bottom 40.5 per cent of defenders.

His ability to drive forward with the ball has been on show, as demonstrated by his 26 completed dribbles, but if he is to have a role to play under De Zerbi, his level of creativity will have to be increased.

Spence’s shortcomings could open door for Souza

If only Tottenham had a young, attack-minded full-back to come and play a role under De Zerbi…

If Spence fails to improve that aspect of his game, then there is every chance that the Italian turns to Souza on the left side of defence.

The Brazilian has played just 144 minutes of Premier League football since arriving in the winter, and the tactical tweak expected under De Zerbi could benefit him.

It would most likely see Pedro Porro retain his place on the right, which again will be far more suitable for him given his willingness to offer a creative presence in the final third.

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