Thread by @SpursWebSeb

Why @DjedSpence is an incredible signing for Tottenham (FINALLY) and what he will bring to the side... A THREAD 🧵

It appears that Djed Spence is finally about to make the move to Tottenham after months of negotiations between Spurs and Middlesbrough over his valuation. The reported fee is around £12.5m, which could rise to £20m after add-ons, which seems like a fair price in the end.

It has been reported that Spence very much tunnel-visioned on Tottenham this summer, and it's always nice when a player joins because they really want to, rather than getting the best wage packet. The only way we have been able to drag talks on this long is because he is so keen.

So, what will Tottenham get from Djed Spence? Of course, he is still a very raw talent and doesn't have Premier League experience, so there is always an element of risk with these transfers. But I would say that is less the case with Spence than it normally would be.

That all comes down to the system. Conte, as we all know, plays a back three with two wing-backs. Not too many clubs play this and, as such, not too many players have experience at right-wing-back. The fact we found a young homegrown player, who looks class, AND has experience...

That's a huge bonus for Tottenham. While is still very young and raw at 21-years-old, he already has over 100 games in the Championship and has big-game experience in the play-offs and FA Cup. In fact, he infamously stepped up in a lot of these big matches, which is good to see.

And while he hasn't played in the Premier League yet, Spence did come up against PL opposition last season, beating both Arsenal and Leicester City in the FA Cup - even scoring against the latter. Check out his incredible highlights below ⬇️

In the Championship in 2021/22, with Spence playing at wing-back, he recorded 508 duels (top defender in league), attempted 187 dribbles (1st), and completed 76 dribbles (1st). This is a player who will take people on all day long down the right wing, which is what Conte loves.

Spence also had 80 touches in the opposition box last season (6th out of Championship defenders), showing that he loves to both drive into the box with the ball at his feet and get himself to the back post when play is coming down the left.

In 42 Championship games, Spence recorded two goals and five assists, which is a decent return. And with the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son to link up with, you would say those numbers have the potential to increase even further.

One criticism that has been thrown his way is Spence's quality of final ball. He has shown a good eye for a cross at times (as shown below) but it can definitely improve. Fortunately, Conte has a track record of drilling this into wingers and full-backs.

But Spence is much more than an attacking winger, he is also an extremely dynamic and athletic ball carrier, known for winning possession and driving his team up the pitch. He also won 60 fouls for Forest last season, the 4th highest of any defender in the Championship.

I would compare the signing of Spence to when Kyle Walker returned from his Aston Villa loan at Spurs. A very raw, lightning-quick, strong, physical and attacking talent who needs to work on his defending and crossing. Kyle Walker didn't end up having too bad of a career.

The key difference is that Spence is also playing at right-wing-back, not full-back like Walker did. Don't get me wrong, Conte still wants him to defend his heart out, but there is less emphasis on it than a defender in a flat-back four.

It's always nice for a wing-back to have decent height too, both for defending at the back post and getting into the opposition box for crosses from the left. Spence stands at 6 foot tall exactly, so that could come in handy in what is a rather physical league.

It creates an interesting dynamic in the Spurs defence. Romero loves to push up high and win the ball back quickly, so there will always be cover behind Spence. However, if a team bypasses the Romero challenge, thinks could look a little tricky.

Compare that to the potential pairing of Davies and Perisic at LCB and LWB - who are far more experienced, steady, workhorse-type players. There could be a really interesting balance to the back line for Tottenham.

Something Conte has never had before at other clubs is a player like Harry Kane. If we can get Spence bursting down the right over and over again, Kane has the ability to drop back and pick him out all day long. We lacked that a little down both sides last season.

Spence loving to get down the wing at to the byline is also perfect for the likes of Kulusevski, Moura, and Richarlison - all of whom love to cut inside and get in the box when they play off the right. The underlap from Spence will provide that opportunity aplenty.

In terms of injury history, there is none for Djed Spence so far in his short career. Let's hope Doctor Tottenham stays away. He has also never had a red card in his senior career - only picking up seven yellows in 102 Championship games.

All-in-all, Spurs are getting a player with huge potential in a position they arguably need it most. The best thing is, Spence won't walk into the XI either with Doherty and Emerson still at the club. He will have to fight to prove himself, which is healthy for a youngster.

It's hard to see a downside to this deal... because there are none. Young. High ceiling. Fast. Strong. Direct. Perfect fit for the system. Homegrown. Decent price. Conte clearly wants him.

Welcome to Tottenham @DjedSpence and #COYS