Robinson: This may be real reason Djed Spence snubbed at Tottenham
Paul Robinson suspects a lack of fitness is behind Djed Spence’s lack of game time for Tottenham.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former White Hart Lane number one said Antonio Conte requires a high level of physical ability before including players in his plans.
Spurs signed Spence from Middlesbrough for a fee that could rise to £20million in July.
The wing-back has played just one minute of Premier League football this season.
As quoted by Football.London (2 September), Conte said the 22-year-old is the “perfect prospect for Tottenham” but suggested he is not yet ready to have a major impact on the first team.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of Conte’s comments, Robinson said: “I don’t think it will be long before he is integrated into the squad.
“He didn’t play much in pre-season. There is a certain level of fitness that the manager expects from his players before he integrates them into his squad.
“When you look at all of the new signings, they have not come straight into the side. [Yves] Bissouma, Richarlison and [Clement] Lenglet have all had to wait. There is a certain level patience from the manager. He is taking his time and that is no different with Djed Spence.
“He will not be involved much until he is fully match fit and ready to perform. I have no doubts that Spence will be part of the squad and starting XI at some point this season. I just think the manager is taking his time with a new, young player.”
In other news, a Tottenham idol is ‘surprised’ by Son Heung-min after Antonio Conte admission.