Peter Crouch is blown away by player axed by Tottenham
Peter Crouch has weighed in on Djed Spence’s positive performances for Tottenham in the Premier League this season.
Spence featured in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday, 30 September but was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win at Leeds United.
The fullback has played a key role in Thomas Frank’s largely positive start to life in the dugout since replacing Ange Postecoglou.
Meanwhile, Tottenham handed Rodrigo Bentancur a new contract on Friday, 3 October, as they vie to continue progressing in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Peter Crouch heaps praise on Djed Spence’s approach to defending
Spurs can sign Joao Palhinha permanently from Bayern Munich, which would help the North Londoners perform well next term.
Meanwhile, Spence has continued to perform well under Frank, having helped Tottenham win the Europa League under Postecoglou.
Discussing a recent interview he conducted with the 25-year-old live on TNT Sports, ahead of Spurs’ clash with Leeds United on Saturday, 4 October, Crouch said: “What I liked about him is that his first thought was talking about people not going past him, defending first and foremost.
“I think quite often now you see fullbacks, all they want to do is go forward consistently. But he’s talking about pride someone not going past him, and I found that refreshing.”
Tottenham star Djed Spence is in the driving seat for an England World Cup spot
Spence made his senior international debut when England thrashed Serbia 5-0 in Belgrade last month, thanks to goals from Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, and Marcus Rashford.
The Tottenham man clearly impressed Thomas Tuchel, as he has been selected by the Three Lions once again, ahead of the international friendly with Wales and World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
Spence’s ability to perform well at both left-back and right-back makes him an ideal option for Tuchel, as versatility could be key for England in next summer’s tournament.
Meanwhile, fellow Three Lions fullbacks Reece James, Tino Livramento, Luke Shaw, and Ben Chilwell are all injury prone, boosting the Spurs man’s chances of selection.
England have just three competitive games remaining before the World Cup, so the fact that Spence remains in Tuchel’s squad is a strong sign that he will be involved in the tournament.
As alluded to by Crouch, his appetite for defending is a unique trait in a modern fullback.