Djed Spence is starring for England at the World Cup but it's possible the Tottenham defender departs north London this summer
Djed Spence thrives on proving people wrong. So much so, he's always kept a mental note of anyone that has written him off.
Thomas Tuchel is certainly not on that list and now the German needs his versatile full-back, who can operate on either side of defence, more than ever. Reece James has been rocked by a cruel hamstring issue while Jarell Quansah sustained an ankle problem in England's 2-0 triumph over Panama on Saturday.
It means, barring any major surprise, Spence is now the Three Lions' first-choice right-back heading into the World Cup knockout stages.
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There have been so many instances where that mere concept was far beyond even Spence's wildest imagination. Neil Warnock lambasted Spence during their time together at Middlesbrough when the veteran boss claimed he would either be "Premier League or Non League."
He saw something and he wasn't wrong. Things then became difficult for the right-back upon arrival at Tottenham as Antonio Conte publicly insisted that Spence was not his signing.
That was certainly one way to shatter his confidence. The 25-year-old's attitude and application was then thrown into question by Daniel Farke when the former's Leeds loan spell was terminated six months prematurely in January 2024.
Spence enjoyed spells overseas with Stade Rennes, where he played alongside France superstar Desire Doue, and Genoa. Both experiences were worthwhile.
Slowly but surely, Spence has not only rebuilt his reputation but is now finally starting to fulfil his potential. Sceptics and critics still remain, however.
Spence made a big impression from the bench against Croatia in Dallas following an explosive cameo before then earning a start in the goalless draw with Ghana. He also earned respect in some quarters for going against the grain - the rest of his international team-mates - and snubbing a pre-match handshake with Thomas Partey.
Nobody envisaged Spence, who was a surprise pick, to become key to England's hopes of World Cup glory. If anything, his qualities are made for knockout football.
He relishes duels, likes to frustrate opponents and also loves to 'lock wingers up' in his self-confessed 'penitentiary' - as he alludes to on Instagram. For Spence, the prospect of potentially going toe-to-toe with Vinicius Junior against Brazil in Miami later in the competition for instance, is one that will excite him.
Unlike Ezri Konsa, Quansah or Trevoh Chalobah, mobile Spence is also a threat when building attacks, outside of set-pieces. He's a mazy and tricky dribbler and has also featured as a make-shift winger and wing-back at club level.
Everton are eyeing a swoop for the England international but on the back of this World Cup, Tottenham would be silly to consider cashing in on their dependable full-back, who penned a long-term contract last August. His stock is only expected to increase from here on in.