Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence has seen a resurgence in form over the last year or so, but he's going through a difficult run of form at the moment, and it could be time for a spell out of the side.
Spence enjoyed a bit of a revival under Ange Postecoglou last season, when he returned to the club following a loan spell at Genoa. The former Nottingham Forest defender's career wasn't heading in the right direction with some failed loan spells, but playing regularly with Genoa against some big sides such as Inter and AC Milan allowed him to quickly develop.
Postecoglou showed immense faith in the full-back, giving him an opportunity to express himself on a regular basis. This season, Spence has predominantly been in the Tottenham side, whether that be in his natural position at right-back, or on the left where he's been deployed at times this term.
Spence Should be Dropped by Tottenham
Spence has being played at left-back most recently, including against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday night. The England international has been clearly favoured ahead of Destiny Udogie on the left-hand side, starting five Premier League games this campaign, while the Italian full-back has started just twice in England's top flight.
Spence produced a disappointing performance against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday, with journalist Alasdair Gold giving him a 4/10 rating. The respected reporter suggested that he's 'going through a sticky run' at the moment, and it's not as if Thomas Frank doesn't have options to change things up at left-back.
Udogie has produced some excellent performances during his time at Spurs, and he'll be chomping at the bit to become a regular starter. It's time for Frank to bring Udogie back into the side, with Spence struggling, but it's important to say that it's perfectly normal for a player to go on a difficult run.
Spence is still an incredibly useful player due to his versatility, and he can still provide cover on either side, but with Spurs drawing three of their last four games in all competitions, Frank needs to make some alterations to his side. Switching Spence back to right-back might be better for him, but it's going to be difficult for Frank to drop Pedro Porro.