Djed Spence feels his tactical knowledge has improved since Tottenham move

Djed Spence believes his tactical knowledge has improved since joining Tottenham and insists he will be “ready” for when a chance presents itself.

The £12.5million signing has barely featured for Spurs following a summer move from Middlesbrough, with boss Antonio Conte referring to him as a “club signing” on several occasions.

Conte’s tone on the England Under-21 full-back has become more positive in recent weeks, though, and he admitted on Friday that Spence was “starting to understand” the demands of being a Tottenham player.

A day later and the 22-year-old was rewarded with only his second appearance of the campaign in the final exchanges of the 2-0 win over Everton.

Quizzed after the victory over his improvements since his July transfer, Spence said: “Definitely my tactical side. I am learning a lot from training and learning a lot from the guys, so I am learning a lot at the moment.

“I guess it is just something new that me, myself, I have got to learn but I am working hard to improve, working hard to get in the team and hopefully I can get some run of games soon.

“I have just got to be patient and when my time comes, I’ve just got to take it.”

Spence’s late cameo against Everton saw him make an overdue home debut and his popularity with the Spurs fans was clear from the minute he was called back from his warm-up to the dugout to be readied to come on.

A huge roar of noise met his introduction at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the defender believes he has settled in well at his new club.

Big applause as Djed Spence gets the nod! He may only get a matter of seconds but another indicator he is gaining more of Conte's trust. Wry smirk from full-back to the crowd reaction. 2-0. 90'

— George Sessions (@GeorgeSessions)