Roy Keane makes strange criticism of Djed Spence despite Tottenham and England form
Roy Keane admitted he’s impressed by Djed Spence, but revealed he still has doubts about one key part of the Tottenham defender’s game that not many would agree with.
When you think of footballers who have revived their careers from the brink of failure to the lofty heights of international football, Djed Spence has to be up there.
A name barely tipped for a Spurs start a few years ago, let alone his country, Spence had now made his full debut for England in the World Cup qualifiers and impressed in both games he featured in.
Spence’s call-up came off the back of a brilliant start to the season with Tottenham, where he has been an integral part of Thomas Frank’s strong opening run.
His form has earned him praise from plenty, including former Spurs man and England captain Harry Kane, current England boss Thomas Tuchel, Peter Crouch, Rio Ferdinand, and, of course, his teammates and fans.
The latest to join the conversation was Roy Keane, but in true Roy Keane fashion, his take wasn’t quite the same as everyone else’s.
Roy Keane gives a mixed verdict on Djed Spence
After England sealed their place at next year’s World Cup with a 5–0 win over Latvia, Keane shared his thoughts during post-match coverage. Although the Irishman was generally positive about the Tottenham full-back’s progress, he still has a few concerns about Djed Spence’s defensive qualities.
Keane said (ITV1 14/10/25 from 22:00): “I wasn’t sure about him a year or two ago, and I still worry about his defensive side, but he’s maturing and taking these opportunities.”
Spence has been defending so well this season that he has a running joke on social media, adding wingers to his ‘penitentiary’ each time he locks them down. Unfortunately, Brennan Johnson became the latest victim of the Djed Spence penitentiary just last week.
Stats prove Roy Keane might have got it wrong
It’s not exactly shocking to hear criticism from someone like Roy Keane, but this time the numbers seem to suggest he’s off the mark. Keane might have assumed Spence is one of those full-backs who loves to bomb forward but struggles at the back, yet the truth is actually quite the opposite.
The 25-year-old has quietly been one of the toughest defenders to beat one-on-one in the Premier League this season. He’s only been dribbled past twice, fewer than even Jurrien Timber, widely considered the league’s best full back so far.
With England short on left back options, it’s looking more and more likely that Spence could make that spot his own ahead of the World Cup.
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