Everton linked with Tottenham’s Djed Spence amid Inter Milan interest
Spence’s Career Trajectory and Versatility
Djed Spence, a full-back for Tottenham Hotspur and England, has reportedly attracted interest from Everton. Spence began his football journey in Fulham‘s academy before making his senior breakthrough at Middlesbrough. He had a loan spell with Nottingham Forest and later returned to London in a transfer to Tottenham. Following further loan periods at Rennes, Leeds United, and Genoa, he has accumulated 13 England caps.
Spence’s versatility is notable; out of his 265 career club appearances, 109 have been at right-back, making it his most frequent position. However, 32 of his 44 outings for Spurs last season were at left-back. This adaptability could be beneficial for clubs looking to strengthen their defensive options.
Performance Metrics and Potential Impact
Analysis of Spence’s performance metrics indicates his strengths. He averaged more progressive runs per 90 minutes than other players in his position last season, with 3.08. This figure places him ahead of players such as Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City (2.6) and Ferdi Kadioglu of Brighton & Hove Albion (2.48). Additionally, Spence possesses significant pace, recording a maximum speed of 35.75km/h, a figure only surpassed by Fulham‘s Antonee Robinson (35.92km/h).
When compared to Everton‘s left-back, Vitalii Mykolenko, using a football data comparison tool, Spence shows a dominance in offensive metrics. He recorded more shots (0.47 to 0.19), shots on target (0.24 to 0.06), dribbles (2.65 to 0.91), and successful dribbles (1.52 to 0.47). Physically, Spence also produces more sprints (20.91 to 17.57), though Mykolenko covers a greater distance per 90 minutes (9.333km to 8.654km).
Mykolenko, however, demonstrates stronger defensive and passing statistics. He leads in ball recoveries (8.26 to 6.49), interceptions (4.05 to 3.32), and clearances (2.2 to 1.52). In passing, Mykolenko has higher figures for passes (35.64 to 35.15), successful passes (28.53 to 28.23), crosses (2.45 to 1.94), and successful crosses (0.99 to 0.52). While Spence contests more duels (16.15 to 13.52) and wins more (7.52 to 6.86), Mykolenko has a slightly higher percentage of duels won (51% to 47%).
Transfer Speculation and Club Interest
Everton‘s long-standing need for a right-back has been a consistent issue. The departure of club captain Seamus Coleman after 17-and-a-half years further highlights this requirement. Nathan Patterson, despite featuring for Scotland in the World Cup, has seen teammates like Ben Godfrey and Jake O’Brien selected ahead of him in out-of-position roles, suggesting he may be surplus to requirements.
Beyond Everton, Inter Milan is also reportedly interested in securing Spence‘s services for a summer deal. The Serie A champions are looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, and Spence is among the wing-backs they are considering. Spence spent the 2023-24 season on loan in the Italian top-flight with Genoa, indicating a potential return to the league could be an option if Inter pursues the move.
Reports suggest that Spence may not be in the plans of Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi for the upcoming season. Tottenham already has several options in defensive wide positions, including Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and Archie Gray. His performances for England in recent weeks have brought him to the attention of various clubs.
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Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
