Tottenham fullback Djed Spence has transformed his fortunes at the club, emerging as one of Spurs’ standout players this season.
After a difficult start to life in North London, the 24-year-old has finally found his feet under Ange Postecoglou, proving his worth in a campaign where Spurs have struggled for consistency.
Spence joined Tottenham in 2022 under Antonio Conte, arriving on a high after helping Nottingham Forest secure promotion to the Premier League.
However, his excitement was quickly dampened when Conte publicly distanced himself from the signing, stating that Spence was a “club investment” rather than his personal choice.
Djed Spence claims Antonio Conte ruined his confidence at Tottenham
Speaking on the signing of Spence, Conte rather controversially said (via Football London):
“Spence is an investment of the club. The club wanted to do it. I said OK, this player is young but he showed he can become a good, important player for us. The club decided to buy him.”
Spence has since opened up about the impact of those comments, admitting that they took a toll on his confidence, whilst featuring on the Rio Ferdinand Presents Podcast.
“It wasn’t a nice feeling, to be honest. Especially as I was coming to the club on a high, I was confident, I was buzzing, I had a great season, had just won promotion. Then it was like running into a brick wall. It shattered my confidence a bit, obviously, I’m young. It’s not nice to hear.
“I knew it was rubbish at the time. It wasn’t a nice feeling. I was even going into the club like [puffs out cheeks] and, ‘What am I doing?’”
The right-back also revealed what it was like working under Conte, criticising him for his poor man-management:
“I felt like whatever I did, that man [Conte] wasn’t happy about anything. Even if you did the right things, you were like, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ Cos he’s not really a complimenting guy. It gets to a point where you don’t really need validation from a coach. You just go, ‘Oh’. where you know if you’re doing well or not. It’s just down to the manager if he wants to see it or not.”
Spence has turned his career around at Tottenham
After failing to break into the first team under Conte, Spence was sent on multiple loan spells, enduring difficult stints at Rennes and Leeds.
However, his fortunes changed when he moved to Genoa, where he rediscovered his form and impressed the Italian club so much that they even considered signing him permanently last summer.
However, he returned to North London ahead of the ongoing season and has since taken full advantage of his opportunities.
| 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 | |
| Djed Spence appearances for Spurs | 6 | 0 | 24 |
Spence has impressed Postecoglou despite not being part of the Australian’s plans initially heading into the season.
His strong form has earned him praise from his manager as well as supporters with fans praising Spence after his performance against Bournemouth.
He has made 24 appearances across all competitions so far, scoring two and assisting two, showing versatility having been played at left-back due to the injury to Destiny Udogie.
In an otherwise miserable season for Tottenham, Spence has emerged as one of the few positives for the club.
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