Tottenham: Conte still not convinced by £35m duo at Hotspur Way

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is still unconvinced by Matt Doherty and Djed Spence, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The pair have made a combined total of just two appearances this season, with Emerson Royal the Spurs boss’ preferred option at right wing-back.

With Doherty a regular in the team before suffering an injury and Spence a £20m signing from Middlesbrough, both would have been forgiven for thinking they had every chance of becoming first choice on the right.

But as of now, the duo have been forced to watch on from the bench, with Royal starting every Premier League game, missing just 13 minutes in the process.

On the other hand, Doherty’s only appearance of the season was as a late substitute against Southampton on the opening day, while Spence’s solitary outing came in the closing stages at Nottingham Forest last month.

Royal has been part of a backline that have conceded just five goals in five games, but his attacking output has come under scrutiny.

He did claim and assist and force an own goal against Southampton, but he’s provided very little in the games against West Ham and Fulham and has averaged just 0.3 key passes and 0.7 crosses per game this season.

Brown reckons that Royal’s run in the side is more down to Doherty and Spence not giving enough rather than the Brazilian performing particularly well.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Conte clearly wants to rotate those positions, he always has done over the years, it’s been an area he regards in all of his teams.

“He likes to have two really good players in those positions that he can change without a drop off in quality, but he’s a ruthless manager and if you’re not doing it in training, you won’t get a look in.

“So, I can only imagine he doesn’t