Djed Spence says he had to "grow as a person" to be given a second chance by Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou in the summer and is pleased to be finally showing what he can do for the club. Spence, 24, ended an 881-day wait for his first Spurs start in the 5-0 win at Southampton at the weekend and followed it up with a second in last night's chaotic 4-3 win over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
The full-back bagged assists in both games, creating the opener for James Maddison after 36 seconds at St. Mary’s and making Spurs’ third goal on Thursday with a fine pass for Dominic Solanke. Spence failed to impress Postecoglou in the head coach’s first summer at the club and was sent on loan to Leeds United and then Serie A club Genoa last season.
After returning from Italy, he earned a place in the squad for this season and says he learnt a lot during his loan spells. Asked how he changed Postecoglou's mind, Spence said: “I’m not sure really. I’ve just grown as a person I guess. “During loan spells you learn a lot so when I came back I just got to it really, with the right mentality. I’m pleased to be here.”.
“No, it’s never over until I leave,” he added, when asked if he had ever feared for his Spurs career. “There’s always a chance to play. “It’s just a thing where you have to stay ready at all costs and when you get your opportunity show what you can do. That’s what I’m doing and I’m happy.
