Ange Postecoglou has named his 23-man squad for the group stage of the Europa League this season, but he left out one player he may end up needing. I hope I’m wrong, but I think the Spurs boss will regret his decision.
I am talking, of course, about the fact that Postecoglou decided to leave Djed Spence out of his squad for the Europa League.
Due to the rules and restrictions for the competition, someone was always going to miss out. The omission of Sergio Reguilon was a simple one, but Spence’s exclusion has certainly raised a few eyebrows.
The full-back has worked hard to get his Spurs career back on track this summer, and has already featured in the league for the Lilywhites.
Giving him a chance in the Europa League, though, would have been the perfect way to get Spence some substantial game time under his belt and really see what he can do.
More importantly, I fear we will regret not having cover for Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie. Yes, we have Archie Gray who can play right-back, and Ben Davies who can play left-back, but neither are as natural a fit in those roles as Spence would be.
If Porro or Udogie get injured or need a rest our defensive options will be severely depleted, and in my opinion, Spence would have been the obvious candidate to step in.
As I said before, someone had to miss out to abide by homegrown quotas. But the fact we are taking four goalkeepers in the Europa League squad just feels like madness.
I understand why Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman are in the squad — they are the only players involved who were trained by the club, something we need to have to satisfy UEFA.
But, for me, Fraser Forster’s inclusion at the expense of Spence is a big mistake. There is not that much of a difference in quality between Forster and Austin, and if the latter can’t handle the likes of Qarabag and Elfsborg, then he shouldn’t be at the club at all.
Hopefully, Porro and Udogie stay fit all season. Hopefully, Forster plays a blinder when he’s called upon. Hopefully, we don’t regret leaving Spence behind.
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