Tottenham Hotspur are now the favourites to secure the signing of Djed Spence in the summer with a number of clubs said to be interested.
That is according to Goal, with a recent report suggesting Spurs are ahead of the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the race for the ace valued at up to €15m (£12.5m).
Who would you prefer at RWB?
Matt Doherty
Djed Spence
However, this report comes at a time when Matt Doherty is putting down a marker for the regular spot at the right wing-back position over Emerson Royal.
Antonio Conte’s frustrations with his options at the right wing-back position have been made evident since he arrived in November – particularly over Emerson’s crossing ability.
With the Irishman playing the best football of his Spurs career, how does Middlesbrough’s Spence and the 30-year-old Doherty compare?
Matt Doherty
Since arriving in 2020, Doherty has endured a miserable time in north London with just two assists to his name throughout the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.
However, in recent weeks, the Irishman has come into his own with one goal and three assists in his last two Premier League games.
The game against Everton on Monday night saw a really confident Doherty who played perhaps his best game for the Lilywhites as he provided Harry Kane with two assists.
And it was apparent the right wing-back had impressed Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold who awarded the Irishman with a 9/10 rating:
“His best game in a Spurs shirt by a mile. Came inside into the centre of the pitch and put Son away for a one-vs-one with a great ball,” said Gold.
“Then he played an excellent first-time pass into the path of Kane for Tottenham’s third goal. He grabbed another assist for the striker with a pinpoint flighted ball for him to volley home.”
Djed Spence
Spence has had an impressive 2021/22 campaign to date with Nottingham Forest having become a regular in Steve Cooper’s side as they aim for promotion to the Premier League.
And it was in the FA Cup against Arsenal where the 21-year-old became a household name among football fans having impressed against the Premier League outfit.
The defender proved a constant threat to the Gunners’ backline and was awarded a 9/10 rating for his display against Mikel Arteta’s men:
“A standout showing by the right-back, constantly doing Djed Spence things as he tore the Gunners apart. Superb forward runs and strong defensively. A performance of real class against top-flight opposition,” wrote journalist Sarah Clapson.
Although Spence has impressed this season, he is still young and has the same number of assists in the Championship as Doherty has from his last two league games.
So he may propose an exciting prospect, but it is apparent he is still in need of development.
TIF Verdict…
We think the remainder of the season could be huge for Doherty to convince Antonio Conte he is a dependable option for the future of the north London club.
The Irishman has impressed recently, however, it is worth remembering it has not been plain sailing for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers ace – so consistency will be important.
Conte is reportedly not a fan of Emerson Royal and reports claim he is will be made available to leave in the summer, so why not replace him with Spence?
If Doherty does continue to impress then he could have a young, hungry prospect pushing him for the starting spot which could get the best out of the two right wing-backs.
In other news: ‘He looked gutted’ – Alasdair Gold issues worrying touchline claim at Spurs