Tottenham Hotspur fans are getting used to life with a new manager, with hopes that Thomas Frank can lead the North London club to a successful campaign.
Spurs’ squad is being overhauled this summer, with Tottenham signing Xavi Simons this week in a deal that shows the club’s intent.
Tottenham’s defence was a big issue last season under Ange Postecoglou, with the North London club conceding 65 goals in the Premier League in 2024-25.
However, with Frank making Spurs more defensively solid this term, one man has really stepped up and excelled.
Djed Spence now a key man for Tottenham
Tottenham have benefited over the last 12 months from the versatility and physicality of Djed Spence, who has impressed playing at both left-back and right-back.
The Spurs defender was included in the latest England squad for the first time and has started his club’s first three Premier League games this season.
Spence is increasingly becoming a critical part of the Tottenham team under Frank – a far cry from former manager Antonio Conte labelling him a ‘club signing’ before freezing him out.
Destiny Udogie no longer an automatic starter
During Postecoglou’s two seasons at Tottenham, Destiny Udogie was one of the first names on the teamsheet when fit and available.
The Italy international has missed the start of this season through injury, with Spence deputising ably in the former Udinese wideman’s absence.
While Tottenham clearly need both players this season, especially given they will return to Champions League football next month, Udogie is no longer an automatic starter.
The Italian brings pace, power and energy to the Spurs team – but so does Spence – and as such Udogie will have a fight on his hands to retain his left-back starting berth once fit.