View: Tottenham outcast has shown signs of life but De Zerbi decision v Aston Villa will speak volumes

Djed Spence has not solidified himself among Roberto De Zerbi’s squad at Tottenham Hotspur in the early stages of the Italian’s reign.

Spence has found himself on the bench twice in the first three games of De Zerbi’s tenure, with one of those as an unused substitute.

He has become a bit of an outcast based on his previous appearances this season, starting just 33 per cent of games compared to an overall seasonal total of 65 per cent.

The 25-year-old has been behind Destiny Udogie in the pecking order, but recent injuries have given him a chance to return. Udogie is set to come back soon, which could threaten his position once more.

However, when Spence lined up for Tottenham against Wolves, there were some signs that he could adapt and become what Spurs need.

Djed Spence showed small signs of life against Wolves

This season, Spence has had a bigger hand in goals conceded for Tottenham than he has in helping create them up the pitch.

The defender has yet to register a goal or an assist in all competitions, and with Spurs needing wins, that is a total that De Zerbi will take notice of.

Despite operating in the final third often for Spurs, Spence has created just four big chances this season for Tottenham and averages 0.4 key passes per game.

They are statistics of an inefficient attacking fullback, and Spence is unlikely to grab De Zerbi’s attention much due to those qualities.

Spence was handed a chance to show De Zerbi something different against Wolves, and while he was not at his best, he lived up to that tag.

At Molineux, Spence outperformed his average dribbles per match by quite a distance. Over the season, he averaged 1.2 successful dribbles, but against Wolves, he completed four out of six attempts as per Sofascore.

Of course, it was against the worst team in the Premier League, but nonetheless it was a promising sign that he can show bravery and carry the ball up the pitch.

Additionally, no player progressed the ball up the pitch through carries more than Spence with 96.2 metres.

Overall, these are qualities that Tottenham have been crying out for, but with Destiny Udogie poised to return, it will signal whether it was enough to impress De Zerbi based on his team selection.

Djed Spence could be key to unlocking Aston Villa

Aston Villa concede plenty of chances on their left side, and Spence could be a key member in continuing that trend.

As it stands, Lucas Bergvall or Mathys Tel are primed for that position, and no matter who starts, if Spence can build an understanding, Spurs could punish Emery’s side.

Timing of overlaps, the left-winger moving inside to create space and simple passing combos could unlock the Aston Villa defence.

Tottenham need to find answers quickly in the relegation battle, and Spence could be the unlikely hero.

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