It has been a tough start to life at Tottenham Hotspur for Djed Spence.
Since joining the club in the summer, the defender has made just two appearances off the bench and Antonio Conte, on several occasions, suggesting he is not ready.
However, the last week has looked a lot more positive for the 22-year-old as he made his home debut last Saturday and received a great reception from the fans.
Conte in his press conference also hinted that the former Nottingham Forest man was starting to understand what was being asked of him.
Spence: “Hopefully I can get some run of games soon”
Conte is very demanding of his players and is a manager who makes it tricky to earn his trust.
The Italian has selected Emerson Royal as Spurs’ right wing-back for most matches this season.
But now, that looks to be changing with Matt Doherty coming back into the side and Conte speaking favourably about Spence.
When asked about the challenges of understanding Conte’s system, Spence told Alasdair Gold from Football.London: “I guess it is just something new for me.
“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.”
Speaking about getting more game time, he added: “I am hopeful, but I have just got to be patient and when my time comes I’ve just got to take it.
“I’ve just got to take it as it comes. It can take time or be quick, so it is what it is.
“I always believe in myself but you never know what happens in football so you’ve just got to be patient and when the time comes, the time will come.”
Tottenham face Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup early next month and he will be hoping to get his opportunity to make his first start then.
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