Thomas Frank has managed to get the best out of several Tottenham players so far this season.
While recent results and performances have fallen short of standards, there have already been some standout individual displays.
Spurs’ victory over Man City was a sure sign that the Lilywhites have what it takes to beat the league’s best, while the draw at Bodo/Glimt was a concerning one.
Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Leeds United on Saturday, Peter Crouch highlighted one player who he has been hugely impressed with.
Peter Crouch praises Djed Spence ahead of Tottenham vs Leeds United
Spence received another England call-up from Thomas Tuchel, having made his debut against Serbia in September.
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All Spurs supporters will be aware of the difficult journey that the defender has had, with criticism from Neil Warnock and Antonio Conte spurring him on.
This season, Spence has been a regular starter and has produced some admirable statistics from full-back.
Indeed, in six appearances prior to the Leeds game, he registered a pass accuracy of 81 per cent and contributed to a couple of clean sheets.
In an attacking sense, he’s created 1.8 chances per 90 minutes so far.
Now, Crouch, who was previewing the Premier League clash between Tottenham and Leeds, has offered him immense credit.
“He’s had such a journey and I admire it,” Crouch said on TNT Sports on 4 October.
“I had a journey myself coming through the ranks to play Premier League football to go out on loan, he went to different countries, came back here and had a difficult spell, but has then found himself at home in that Spurs side, got himself in the England squad now, and I think he’s here to stay.”
Although Spence deserves the kind words that come his way, there are areas of his game that he can still improve.
How Spence can improve his game for Spurs
Spence’s development at Tottenham has been impressive, but there are still parts of his game that he can improve.
While the England international’s early performances were encouraging, they have gradually declined in recent weeks.
Against Bodo/Glimt, the defender produced his worst performance of the season, giving the ball away way too many times.
Now, the 25-year-old must step up his performances and prove to everyone that he is deserving of retaining his place.