Djed Spence has garnered significant praise for his performances at Tottenham, with Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott both admiring his skills. Ferdinand, in particular, has been struck by Spence’s confidence in one-on-one situations, a quality he believes sets him apart from many defenders in the Premier League. Ferdinand, during a conversation with Lescott on The Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, highlighted how Spence’s self-assurance, especially in one-on-one duels, is something he hasn’t seen in a long time from a defender. He noted that this confidence extends to how Spence carries himself off the pitch as well, reflecting a unique trait that makes him stand out.
Lescott, for his part, believes that Spence is often misunderstood by people in the football world. He pointed out that despite Spence’s quieter demeanor, he is deeply passionate about the game, contrary to the impression some might have that he is indifferent or lacks love for the sport. This perception, according to Lescott, arises from Spence’s introverted personality, which some people might misinterpret as aloofness or a lack of commitment.
This misunderstanding of Spence’s personality has been echoed by others, including journalist Jay Harris, who noted that while Spence may come across as introverted, it does not mean he lacks a strong attitude toward his career. Harris explained that Spence’s journey has been transformative, particularly after his time at Genoa, where he had a tough period due to a serious knee injury. This experience helped him grow both as a player and as an individual, giving him the determination to push forward and prove himself when he returned to Spurs.
Spence’s versatility on the field, having impressed both at right-back and left-back, combined with his exceptional form, made his omission from Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad for the World Cup qualifiers a surprising decision. Despite this, his recent performances, including being nominated for Player of the Month, continue to garner attention and admiration from football experts.