Spence’s Career Trajectory and Everton’s Defensive Needs
Djed Spence, a full-back for Tottenham Hotspur and England, has been linked with a potential transfer to Everton. Spence began his football career in Fulham‘s academy before moving to Middlesbrough for his senior breakthrough. He had a loan spell with Nottingham Forest and later transferred to Tottenham. Following a loan period with Genoa, he has established himself with both his club and national team, earning 13 England caps.
The right-back position has been a long-standing issue for Everton. Last summer, Kenny Tete was a potential candidate but ultimately signed a new deal with Fulham. Reports indicate that Spence is now on Everton‘s radar. The club’s need for a new recruit has intensified with the departure of long-serving captain Seamus Coleman after 17-and-a-half years.
Performance Analysis and Positional Versatility
Spence’s versatility is notable, as he has played in various defensive roles. While 109 of his 265 career club appearances have been at right-back, 32 of his 44 outings for Spurs last season were at left-back. This positional flexibility could be beneficial for Everton, addressing needs in multiple areas of the defence.
According to Comparisonator data, Spence averaged 3.08 progressive runs per 90 minutes last season, leading all Premier League players in his position. This figure places him ahead of Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City, who averaged 2.6, and Ferdi Kadioglu of Brighton & Hove Albion, with 2.48. He also possesses significant pace, with a maximum speed of 35.75km/h, only slightly behind Fulham‘s Antonee Robinson‘s 35.92km/h.
A comparison using Comparisonator’s Me2Others tool shows how Spence measures up against Everton‘s current left-back, Vitalii Mykolenko. In overall performance based on 378 parameters, Mykolenko scores higher with 219 Artificial Intelligence points compared to Spence’s 174.
Spence demonstrates strength offensively, scoring 24.1 compared to Mykolenko‘s minus 1.52, and physically, with 311 to Mykolenko‘s 293. However, Mykolenko leads in defensive metrics (95.72 to 52.44), duels (49.86 to 44.39), and passing (69.57 to 48.36).
Detailed Player Statistics
- Physical: Mykolenko covers more distance per 90 minutes (9.333km to 8.654km), while Spence produces more sprints (20.91 to 17.57).
- Offensive: Spence shows higher numbers in shots (0.47 to 0.19), shots on target (0.24 to 0.06), dribbles (2.65 to 0.91), and successful dribbles (1.52 to 0.47).
- Defensive: Mykolenko excels in ball recoveries (8.26 to 6.49), interceptions (4.05 to 3.32), and clearances (2.2 to 1.52).
- Passes: The Everton player has higher figures for passes (35.64 to 35.15), successful passes (28.53 to 28.23), crosses (2.45 to 1.94), and successful crosses (0.99 to 0.52).
- Duels: Spence contests more duels (16.15 to 13.52) and wins more (7.52 to 6.86), but Mykolenko has a higher percentage of duels won (51% to 47%).
Interest from Other Clubs and Future Prospects
Inter Milan is also reportedly interested in a summer deal for Spence, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Serie A club is looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries and views Spence as a potential wing-back option. Inter, the reigning Serie A champions, will be playing in the Champions League next season, which could be an appealing factor for Spence.
He spent 2023-24 on loan in the Italian top-flight with Genoa.
Everton is among the clubs reportedly keen on Spence, and more suitors could emerge if Tottenham decides to sell him. The acquisition of another full-back by Tottenham would further indicate their willingness to let Spence leave. Tottenham currently has several full-back options, including Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and Archie Gray.
Spence’s performances for England in recent weeks have brought him to the attention of various clubs, with Inter Milan reportedly eyeing a summer deal for the player.
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Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
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As News-GB's Sports Reporter, Megan Sinclair reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name interviewing rising British talent. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Edinburgh and completed an NCTJ diploma. Megan lives in Edinburgh, where she plays club tennis and follows track athletics. “Give the athletes room and the story tells itself.”