Ange Postecoglou explains why Spurs gave Djed Spence a new contract

Djed Spence has signed a new contract at Tottenham Hotspur, completing a fantastic turnaround in his fortunes at the club. Now, Ange Postecoglou has revealed why he’s been so happy with the player.

Djed Spence redemption arc

Despite signing for Tottenham back in the summer of 2022 with much anticipation on what he could offer, Djed Spence‘s career at the club never got going under Antonio Conte.

The Italian used the young defender sparingly, to say the least, and loan spells away from North London soon followed.

A less-than-remarkable showing at French side Rennes was followed up with moves to Leeds United and Genoa last season, after failing to impress Ange Postecoglou upon his arrival at Tottenham.

However, this summer, Spence returned to the squad, worked hard, and got himself back in contention after a reported change in his attitude.

The 24-year-old is now firmly in Postecoglou’s plans, is playing well, and just signed a new deal with the club taking him through to 2028.

Spence controlled his own fate

Postecoglou has been speaking to the press (via Football.London) about Spence’s situation, and made it very clear why he wanted the player to sign a new deal.

He said: “I said a couple of days ago and consistently say, most of a player’s future is in their own hands. They’re as much in control as anyone else. I think sometimes footballers forget that. With Djed, it could have been easy for to go out on loan again. But when he came into pre-season, he was determined to make a career for himself here at Tottenham rather than wait to be loaned out.

“He did everything right in training, his attitude was great. He’s a good footballer, I think the way we play suits him and he’s knuckled down to that. And he’s earned himself a spot on the roster in our squad. The rest is up to him again. Because it’s an easy decision for me to make when I see that.

“Like I said, sometimes footballers think their fate is in other peoples’ hands. For the most part, it’s in their own. If they’re doing well and doing everything right, the future tends to take care of itself, whether that’s where you currently are or you move on. And Djed’s certainly done that.”

Best surprise of the season

I am honestly delighted with the way Spence has managed to turn things around. He looked like a lost cause, and that was such a shame because he has so much talent and I knew how valuable he could be to our squad. I hope he’s given more game time soon, as he has looked really sharp all season.

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