Djed Spence reveals the kind of mentality he came into pre-season with and how he has grown as a player and a person over the last couple of years.
Many Tottenham fans would have expected Spence to be one of the first players to leave the club in the summer, particularly given that Postecoglou did not take long to ship off on loan when he arrived at the club last year.
However, the right-back managed to win over the Australian and force himself back into his plans for the 2024/25 season. He has already been used four times so far this campaign.
The 24-year-old has primarily been used as a left-back this year and his impressive performances have even earned him a new contract until 2028.
Spence admits that when he returned from his spell in Genoa, he was determined to put his best foot forward and show what he could do.
The full-back explained that he did not want to exit Hotspur Way through the back door as he felt he still had a point to prove at the club.
The Englishman told Tottenham’s official matchday programme (as relayed by Football.London): “It was a good pre-season, I felt good and I felt sharp. I wanted to come back [from Italy] and just be the best I could be, the best version of myself. That’s all you can do, put in your best effort and try to be the best player on the pitch.
“I’m a determined player. I’d probably say I had a point to prove here and also a point to prove to myself. I wanted to show everyone what I know I’m capable of and how good a player l am. I had the same mentality going into this one, I knew what I needed to do to try to give my best and keep moving forward.”
Spence confessed that things have not all been smooth sailing since he made his switch to Tottenham back in 2022.
However, the former Middlesbrough man revealed that he learned a lot from his difficult experiences out on loan, and is now mentally stronger as a result.
When asked about his Spurs career to date, Spence said: “It hasn’t been easy. But you learn from everything. Whether that’s being abroad, being away from your family or the change of culture – whatever you may face – you learn from them all so it’s made me stronger mentally and they’ve all been great life experiences.
“I’ve also had a few injuries that have set me back so you just have to be strong mentally, stay focused, train hard, be around good people and there is always a way back to greatness and to be the player you know you can become.”
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