Spence’s Career Trajectory and Potential Move
Djed Spence, a full-back for Tottenham Hotspur and England, is reportedly a transfer target for 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 for a reported fee of £20 million. Following loan periods, he has accumulated 13 England caps.
Reports suggest that Inter Milan is also interested in acquiring Spence this summer. The Serie A champions are looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, and Spence is among the wing-backs they are considering. Spence played 44 games for Tottenham across all competitions last season and has featured in six matches for England at the ongoing World Cup.
Spence previously spent time on loan with Genoa in the Italian top-flight. A return to the league could be a possibility if Inter decides to pursue him for their squad next season, offering him the chance to compete for a league title and participate in the Champions League.
Everton’s Defensive Needs and Spence’s Versatility
Everton has a long-standing need at right-back. Kenny Tete was a potential candidate last summer but ultimately signed a new deal with Fulham. The club’s search for a new right-back has been ongoing, with manager David Moyes acknowledging the active search ahead of the winter transfer window. Nathan Patterson, despite featuring for Scotland in the World Cup, has seen teammates like Ben Godfrey and Jake O’Brien selected out of position ahead of him.
The departure of long-serving club captain Seamus Coleman after 17 and a half years further highlights Everton‘s need for defensive reinforcements. Spence‘s versatility could be a significant asset for Everton, 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 Tottenham last season were at left-back.
This adaptability means Spence could potentially address two areas of need for Everton. His performances for England in recent weeks have also drawn attention from various clubs.
Performance Analysis and Comparison
According to Comparisonator data, Spence demonstrates strong offensive and physical attributes. He averaged 3.08 progressive runs per 90 minutes last season, leading all players in his position. This figure places him ahead of Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City (2.6) and Ferdi Kadioglu of Brighton & Hove Albion (2.48). He also possesses notable pace, with a maximum speed of 35.75km/h, just below Fulham‘s Antonee Robinson (35.92km/h).
A comparison using Comparisonator’s Me2Others tool against Everton‘s left-back, Vitalii Mykolenko, shows differing strengths. In overall performance based on 378 parameters, Mykolenko scores higher with 219 Artificial Intelligence points compared to Spence‘s 174. Spence excels offensively, with a score of 24.1 against Mykolenko‘s minus 1.52, and physically (311 to 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). In terms of physical output, Mykolenko covers a greater distance per 90 minutes (9.333km to 8.654km), while Spence produces more sprints (20.91 to 17.57).
Offensively, Spence records more 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). Defensively, Mykolenko has higher figures for ball recoveries (8.26 to 6.49), interceptions (4.05 to 3.32), and clearances (2.2 to 1.52). In passing, the Everton player has more 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). While Spence contests more duels (16.15 to 13.52) and wins more (7.52 to 6.86), Mykolenko has a slightly higher percentage of duels won (51% to 47%).
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Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
Niamh Pendlebury is the Sports Reporter at NewsGB.org, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB and the county circuit. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Preston, she plays club tennis and follows road running. “The best interviews come from patience, not pressure.”