Tottenham Hotspur loanee Djed Spence was involved in a goalless draw against Juventus on the weekend.
The 23-year-old has had a turbulent twist to his career since making the move to north London in 2022.
And despite keeping a clean sheet against the Italian giants on Sunday, Djed Spence still came under fire from the media for his display.
What the media said about Djed Spence vs Juventus
Having spent the first half of the campaign out on loan with Leeds United, Spurs then sent the right-back to Italy for the remaining months.
He has since made seven appearances (four starts) in Serie A for Genoa who sold Spurs Radu Dragusin in the same window.
For just the second time since joining, Spence played a full 90 minutes as he helped to keep a clean sheet away to Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
However, Alvise Cagnazzo of the Daily Mail was not impressed with what he saw from the right-back at the Allianz Arena. He said: ‘On Sunday, Genoa were held to a 0-0 draw by Juventus who were slow to get going in the first half.
‘Despite that, Spence failed in his duel against Juventus’ Filip Kostic, losing many tackles against the Juventus star. The England U21 international seems to struggle to read his opponents. He runs empty and in a slightly disorganised manner and lost possession several times.
‘Alberto Gilardino will have to work with him to help him improve.’
What Daniel Farke said about Spence at Leeds
One thing is apparent and that is Spence has no place in Ange Postecoglou’s plans at Hotspur Way.
The 23-year-old was sent out on loan after the season had started, but had never even been included in the Australian’s match day squad.
And it was clear to see what Daniel Farke saw of him at Elland Road did not impress him either.
Spence’s loan was terminated early and he was returned to Spurs having played just 390 minutes of football for the Whites.
Following his exit, reports emerged suggesting Farke was left frustrated by some of the off-field issues Spence provided the side.
‘Farke’s main issue with Spence had been his in-game performance levels while there had been other teething concerns, such as late arrivals for training sessions and team meetings,’ an article from The Athletic said.
And speaking about the player himself, the Leeds manager admitted the club hold some high standards; which Spence seemingly did not meet.
“Obviously it’s important, the potential and the quality of the player but also it’s professionalism, it’s discipline, it’s workload on and off the pitch and also the soft skills, so also if he’s positive and committed, good for the group and engaged with these topics, paint them more or less a picture,” he said.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Spence in the summer.
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