Antonio Conte suggests that Djed Spence, the summer signing of Djed Spence, is close to making his Premier League debut for Tottenham.
The Italian has also praised Bryan Gil after his cameo in Spurs’ 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday – as he and Spence both look to secure a spot in Conte’s starting XI.
Since signing from Middlesbrough for £20million, Spence has played just one minute for his new side – Spurs signed the 22 year-old Spurs fan and pundit. This has sparked many questions from pundits as well as fans about why..
He was on the bench for the recent 1-0 win against Brighton, his fourth time there this season in the league, but he didn’t come on.
It’s likely Spurs’ other right-back Matt Doherty will start in the game against Everton Saturday, given he took Emerson Royal’s place at Brighton following the former’s Straight red card at Arsenal.
But Conte praised Spence in his pre-match press conference, hinting he could be involved in his plans for this weekend’s game.
“We played without Emerson at Brighton and I was really pleased with Matthew,” Conte said. “He’s struggled to come back to a good level. He struggled last season but then he became an important player for us.
“Also Djed, he’s working and he’s improving and he’s starting to understand what the demand to stay at Tottenham is. I’m pleased to have more options.”
Spurs go into their game against Frank Lampard’s Toffees off the back of a morale boosting European win.
The game against Frankfurt saw youngster Gil – who spent the second half of last season on loan to LaLiga side Valencia – make a cameo from the bench, marking his second appearance of the season.
The 21-year-old Spanish international impressed and won his side a penalty – which striker Harry Kane went on to miss.
However, whilst it’s unlikely Gil will get into the starting XI – particularly if former Toffees star Richarlison is fit – Conte was also full of praise for the young attacker following his performance mid-week.
“I ask only to give me the opportunity to be relaxed and if I give the opportunity to these players to play, only this. Gil is really good prospect,” he said.
“He is becoming stronger, physically. Because he has in this moment only this gap for Premier League, it’s physical, you know?
“Otherwise technically he understands football in an important way. I’m sure that we’re talking about a player that will be an important prospect for the future.
“Now he’s building also, he’s improving on the physical aspect and for us that’s important.”
All the latest updates can be listened to Tottenham’s clash against Everton this Saturday from 5:30pm on talkSPORT’s GameDay Phone-In.
