Player Watch - Djed Spence - Genoa

[McFlash]

when you say drop down another level, what level are we talking about here?

League 1.
He's undoubtedly got the ability to play Championship and maybe even PL but his application is sorely lacking and with respected managers like Warnock and Farke telling it how it is, I'm not sure many clubs in the top two leagues will think he's worth the effort.
In the second half of a competitive season, I wouldn't think many managers will think they can afford the gamble.

I'll be honest in that I don't really know what we're going to do with him now but I don't think he's going to be easy to shift in this window.
Getting sent back from Leeds for the reasons he did is a massive red flag for any potential suitors.
He's now been binned off by Warnock, Conte, Ange and Farke...that's not a good look.

 

[Cornpattbuck]

Might be able to get rid of him abroad for a small-ish fee but with a big sell on clause, in case he fulfills his potential eventually. A la Edwards.

 

[taidgh]

The headline doesn't quite match the text of the article. The article doesn't say he's been put up for transfer:

Spoiler

Tottenham will make Djed Spence available for transfer following his unexpected return from a loan spell at Leeds amid concerns over his attitude.

Mail Sport understands Spurs chiefs were taken by surprise on Thursday when they were informed that Leeds would be sending defender Spence back to north London with immediate affect.

Spence joined the Championship club in the summer on a season long loan deal, but the deal has been abruptly cut short by Leeds - a decision that arrived as a shock at Tottenham.

Doubts over Spence's attitude have dogged the England Under-21 international's career and Leeds boss Daniel Farke has become the latest coach to raise concerns.

'I don't want to talk too much about Djed right now, because he's meanwhile also back at Tottenham, that I totally respect that he's their player,' said Farke.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...ances-signing-summer.html?ico=related-replace
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...-impact-FA-Cup-round.html?ico=related-replace
'Listen, in the summer we came here in order to create and to bring new values and to create a new culture within the club and when we speak about a player if he's on here on a permanent or a loan deal, we have expectations and these expectations are in several topics important.

'Obviously it's important, the potential and the quality of the player but also it's professionalism, it's discipline, it's workload on and off the pitch and also the soft skills, so also if he's positive and committed, good for the group and engaged with these topics, paint then more or less a picture.

'And we decided okay, this is the player we want in our group and want to represent Leeds United, our demands are very, very high and we don't differ between loan players, permanent players so we are pretty picky in this topic.

'We came to the conclusion that we will end the loan for for Djed and he will return back to Tottenham. We are grateful for his time here.

'He's a player of great potential and also a cool guy with a really good heart so we really wish him all the best. But yes, sometimes you need to take a decision then you have to do this.'

Indeed, Spurs are understood to hold similar reservations with regards to Spence's attitude. According to sources, time-keeping had been a particular concern for Tottenham.

In November 2020, Neil Warnock, who managed Spence at Middlesbrough, said: 'He could be playing at a top club in England or in non-league in five years, I don't know,' said Warnock.

'Application, dedication, all these things come into it. He's got the tools, there's no doubt about that.'

Spence is due to report back for duty at Spurs on Saturday, but the club are almost certain to look for a new club for Spence this month.

Spence has made just five starts at Leeds but his spell has been hit by injury.

Similarly, Spurs are also open to offers for Sergio Reguilon, who returned from a loan spell from Manchester United this week.

Speaking on Friday afternoon following Spence's departure, Leeds boss Daniel Farke at first insisted the decision was made after an analysis of the first half of the season.

'Obviously when you make decision in January, it's not a short-term decision. It's more like you're thinking over situations even in the weeks and the month before,' Farke said.

'We wanted also to take the impressions of the festive period into account and then there was a time also to share the thoughts and to discuss the things.

'We came to the conclusion that we will end the loan for Djed and he will return to Tottenham.

'We are grateful for his time here. He's a player of great potential and also a cool guy with a really good heart. But sometimes you need to take a decision and then you have to do this.'

Asked about Spence again later on, Farke spoke at length about 'professionalism and discipline' without criticising the player outright.

He said: 'Listen, in the summer we came here in order to create and to bring new values and to create a new culture within the club and when we speak about a player if he's on here on a permanent or a loan deal, we have expectations and these expectations are in several topics important.

'Obviously it's important, the potential and the quality of the player but also his professionalism, his discipline, his workload on and off the pitch and also the soft skills, so also if he's positive and committed, good for the group and engaged with these topics, paint then more or less a picture.

'And we decided okay, this is the player we want in our group and want to represent Leeds United, our demands are very, very high and we don't differ between loan players, permanent players, so we are pretty picky in this topic.

'Yes, it's fair to say there is no player out there in the world who is perfect in all disciplines. Every players has strengths and perhaps some weaknesses.

'We have to decide from all these topics who we want in the squad and we analyse in the recent months and recent weeks and we came to the decision that it is right for us, right now, to end the loan.

'But when we make such a decision on such a day, it is not a topic I speak in public about. What was missing or the weaknesses of Djed Spence because as long as I am here in charge I want us as a club to handle such a situation with class and with style.

'I think on such a day, it's more or less to say "Djed, thanks a lot for your service, thanks a lot for your work", wish him really all the best because he is a cool guy with lots of potentials, good future and great heart.

'For us, it was definitely the right call at this moment but I am far away to criticise him or speak about what was missing - that is not my style.'

Farke added: 'We should explain it was not easy for him because he came in pre-season a bit late and then to suffer a long-term injury that kept him out of team training for 8.5 weeks, that was also unlucky and no one can be blamed.

'Of course, especially for a player who comes on loan, the first weeks are important. If you are then 8.5 weeks of training all alone, at different times to the team, it is not the easiest way to settle in, to integrate into a group.

'Also, something tragic happened in his private life so he had to stay in London for a few days and it is just a tragedy and you can't accuse the lad for this.

'When he was back to fitness, he played on the left side that often due to the situation with Junior Firpo and Sam Byram being injured. In the last few games we only played him in his natural position on the right side.

'These lads don't need any sympathy because they live a privileged life and they earn so much money and, yes, it is sometimes a bit difficult and unlucky and some players have to play unusual positions.

'Djed and not one player need sympathy, it is a privileged position to be there as a professional football player, to lead such a privileged life. But i want to highlight it wasn't the easiest time for him.

'Sometimes you just have to say it was unlucky it didn't work out but you have to be clear in your decision. It doesn't take anything away that Djed has good potential.'

Similarly, Spurs are also open to offers for Sergio Reguilon, who returned from a loan spell from Manchester United this week.

 

[Colonel_Klinck]

You'd hope he had people in his life that could make him realise what he is throwing away. Maybe his family/friends just aren't those kind of people. Such a waste of talent. Oh well we move on.

 

[muppetman]

So, maybe it wasn't Conte's fault?

The headline doesn't quite match the text of the article. The article doesn't say he's been put up for transfer:

Spoiler

Tottenham will make Djed Spence available for transfer following his unexpected return from a loan spell at Leeds amid concerns over his attitude.

Mail Sport understands Spurs chiefs were taken by surprise on Thursday when they were informed that Leeds would be sending defender Spence back to north London with immediate affect.

Spence joined the Championship club in the summer on a season long loan deal, but the deal has been abruptly cut short by Leeds - a decision that arrived as a shock at Tottenham.

Doubts over Spence's attitude have dogged the England Under-21 international's career and Leeds boss Daniel Farke has become the latest coach to raise concerns.

'I don't want to talk too much about Djed right now, because he's meanwhile also back at Tottenham, that I totally respect that he's their player,' said Farke.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...ances-signing-summer.html?ico=related-replace
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...-impact-FA-Cup-round.html?ico=related-replace
'Listen, in the summer we came here in order to create and to bring new values and to create a new culture within the club and when we speak about a player if he's on here on a permanent or a loan deal, we have expectations and these expectations are in several topics important.

'Obviously it's important, the potential and the quality of the player but also it's professionalism, it's discipline, it's workload on and off the pitch and also the soft skills, so also if he's positive and committed, good for the group and engaged with these topics, paint then more or less a picture.

'And we decided okay, this is the player we want in our group and want to represent Leeds United, our demands are very, very high and we don't differ between loan players, permanent players so we are pretty picky in this topic.

'We came to the conclusion that we will end the loan for for Djed and he will return back to Tottenham. We are grateful for his time here.

'He's a player of great potential and also a cool guy with a really good heart so we really wish him all the best. But yes, sometimes you need to take a decision then you have to do this.'

Indeed, Spurs are understood to hold similar reservations with regards to Spence's attitude. According to sources, time-keeping had been a particular concern for Tottenham.

In November 2020, Neil Warnock, who managed Spence at Middlesbrough, said: 'He could be playing at a top club in England or in non-league in five years, I don't know,' said Warnock.

'Application, dedication, all these things come into it. He's got the tools, there's no doubt about that.'

Spence is due to report back for duty at Spurs on Saturday, but the club are almost certain to look for a new club for Spence this month.

Spence has made just five starts at Leeds but his spell has been hit by injury.

Similarly, Spurs are also open to offers for Sergio Reguilon, who returned from a loan spell from Manchester United this week.

Speaking on Friday afternoon following Spence's departure, Leeds boss Daniel Farke at first insisted the decision was made after an analysis of the first half of the season.

'Obviously when you make decision in January, it's not a short-term decision. It's more like you're thinking over situations even in the weeks and the month before,' Farke said.

'We wanted also to take the impressions of the festive period into account and then there was a time also to share the thoughts and to discuss the things.

'We came to the conclusion that we will end the loan for Djed and he will return to Tottenham.

'We are grateful for his time here. He's a player of great potential and also a cool guy with a really good heart. But sometimes you need to take a decision and then you have to do this.'

Asked about Spence again later on, Farke spoke at length about 'professionalism and discipline' without criticising the player outright.

He said: 'Listen, in the summer we came here in order to create and to bring new values and to create a new culture within the club and when we speak about a player if he's on here on a permanent or a loan deal, we have expectations and these expectations are in several topics important.

'Obviously it's important, the potential and the quality of the player but also his professionalism, his discipline, his workload on and off the pitch and also the soft skills, so also if he's positive and committed, good for the group and engaged with these topics, paint then more or less a picture.

'And we decided okay, this is the player we want in our group and want to represent Leeds United, our demands are very, very high and we don't differ between loan players, permanent players, so we are pretty picky in this topic.

'Yes, it's fair to say there is no player out there in the world who is perfect in all disciplines. Every players has strengths and perhaps some weaknesses.

'We have to decide from all these topics who we want in the squad and we analyse in the recent months and recent weeks and we came to the decision that it is right for us, right now, to end the loan.

'But when we make such a decision on such a day, it is not a topic I speak in public about. What was missing or the weaknesses of Djed Spence because as long as I am here in charge I want us as a club to handle such a situation with class and with style.

'I think on such a day, it's more or less to say "Djed, thanks a lot for your service, thanks a lot for your work", wish him really all the best because he is a cool guy with lots of potentials, good future and great heart.

'For us, it was definitely the right call at this moment but I am far away to criticise him or speak about what was missing - that is not my style.'

Farke added: 'We should explain it was not easy for him because he came in pre-season a bit late and then to suffer a long-term injury that kept him out of team training for 8.5 weeks, that was also unlucky and no one can be blamed.

'Of course, especially for a player who comes on loan, the first weeks are important. If you are then 8.5 weeks of training all alone, at different times to the team, it is not the easiest way to settle in, to integrate into a group.

'Also, something tragic happened in his private life so he had to stay in London for a few days and it is just a tragedy and you can't accuse the lad for this.

'When he was back to fitness, he played on the left side that often due to the situation with Junior Firpo and Sam Byram being injured. In the last few games we only played him in his natural position on the right side.

'These lads don't need any sympathy because they live a privileged life and they earn so much money and, yes, it is sometimes a bit difficult and unlucky and some players have to play unusual positions.

'Djed and not one player need sympathy, it is a privileged position to be there as a professional football player, to lead such a privileged life. But i want to highlight it wasn't the easiest time for him.

'Sometimes you just have to say it was unlucky it didn't work out but you have to be clear in your decision. It doesn't take anything away that Djed has good potential.'

Similarly, Spurs are also open to offers for Sergio Reguilon, who returned from a loan spell from Manchester United this week.

Farke comes across quite well in that I think.

As for Djed, who knows what's going on his head or his private life - hopefully he can sort it out.

 

[taidgh]

Has @To

Farke comes across quite well in that I think.

As for Djed, who knows what's going on his head or his private life - hopefully he can sort it out.

good manager, farke. and always well spoken in interviews.

 

[agrdavidsfan]

Looks like he’s one of those world owes him a favor types of lads.

Sadly, being a footballer seems to have gone to his head, reports of him having problems with being late and turning up on time and generally can be a bit moody teenager but problem is what do we do with him?

nobodya going to touch him now

 

[THFCSPURS19]

Maybe need to move this to the transfer section now @THFCSPURS19

I can't move threads unfortch

 

[MrFoglo]

 

[BorjeSpurs]

 

[Marty]

We might try, but who would want him now?

 

[$hoguN]

He is wrong though as there is a clear difference at the truly elite level. There is a big difference between players at Son’s level and those in the tier below. There just aren’t many at that level, and if they are they tend to be dedicated pros.

In general though yeah

 

[agrdavidsfan]

He is wrong though as there is a clear difference at the truly elite level. There is a big difference between players at Son’s level and those in the tier below. There just aren’t many at that level, and if they are they tend to be dedicated pros.

In general though yeah

Crazy differences all round, like currently my semi pro team we have an ex gillingham town player playing for us he played once or twice for them I think, and he is insane compared to players we’ve got who have played welsh league the levels throughout are huge nobody appreciates how good these footballers actually are, but I think what Ange is saying is premier league footballers are elite but the others like De Bruyne,Son,Kane are aliens freaks.

there’s not much different between a Bowen type and Jesus for example and mentality and character can be the different to them excelling

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

 

[newbie]

Looks like he’s one of those world owes him a favor types of lads.

Sadly, being a footballer seems to have gone to his head, reports of him having problems with being late and turning up on time and generally can be a bit moody teenager but problem is what do we do with him?

nobodya going to touch him now

i don't think he is, i just think his a lovely lad whos to laid back and does not fight for the shirt, i would imagine he has coasted though on his talent all his life no realising its not enough.

 

[FinnYid]

So how is the competition at Genoa

 

[JAYSTAR]

i don't think he is, i just think his a lovely lad whos to laid back and does not fight for the shirt, i would imagine he has coasted though on his talent all his life no realising its not enough.

I was his head of year at secondary school and he was a nasty young lad. Supremely arrogant and disrespectful. Looks like he still has the same attitude problems tbh.

 

[DJS]

I was his head of year at secondary school and he was a nasty young lad. Supremely arrogant and disrespectful. Looks like he still has the same attitude problems tbh.

It’s odd that people can also be so dense that they don’t learn they obviously need to work harder.

Middlesbrough weren’t too concerned about getting rid aside from trying to screw us much money as possible out of us due to over-inflated English player values.

Warnock said his attitude was suspect. Conte also couldn’t be bothered with him, although there were other politics also involved there and also Conte being Conte.

But now for Ange to also loan him out straight away and the Leeds coach not to fancy him so much either, you’d think something may click that he’s doing something wrong and perhaps need to apply himself more?

I really don’t understand how some people can be either so dense or arrogant or even both.

He won’t keep getting juicy pay packets either as once contract with us expired if he hasn’t done something to warrant a club taking a punt he’ll be earning a lot less then he probably should be of he worked harder.

 

[Trix]

*Looks around to see if now is the right time to start repeatedly shouting "told you so" like a juiced up town crier*

 

[Ghost Hardware]

*Looks around to see if now is the right time to start repeatedly shouting "told you so" like a juiced up town crier*

Honestly surprised we bought him if he has such bad attitude issues which seems to be the case. I know it was a different time at the club but Paratici has been pretty good with the types of characters we have got under his watch. Even Gil who might not be up to it physically seems to have the right mentality. I still remember him outlasting almost everyone on those Conte death runs in pre season training.