Andy Hinchcliffe left stunned by ‘incredible’ Leeds United star Djed Spence during clash v West Brom
Andy Hinchcliffe has been left stunned by an “incredible” piece of defending from Leeds United right-back Djed Spence in the first half of the Whites clash with West Brom.
Daniel Farke’s side were far from their best as they headed into the break 1-0 down to the Baggies at The Hawthorns on Friday 29 December, with Grady Diangana’s opener proving to be the difference.
However, the Whites were fortunate to not find themselves two goals behind and had Spence to thank for a “brilliant” goalline clearance to deny Cedric Kipre which left Sky Sports pundit Hinchcliffe stunned.
Speaking on Sky Sports Main Event (29 December, 8:38) he said: “Well the keeper Darlow is absolutely nowhere near this but Djed Spence, incredible reactions on the line. This ball really zips at him, you see he’s not on the line or the post to start with but his reaction, his appreciation of what might happen is brilliant.
“He drops back onto the line, if he doesn’t do that, if he’s not aware of what might happen, his keeper’s in trouble and it’s 1-0 West Brom.”
Difference maker
As the ball came into the penalty area and Darlow failed to make contact with it, it seemed almost certain that Leeds United would once again fall behind in a crucial Championship clash just as they did on Boxing Day at Deepdale.
But Spence’s anticipation and speed to get himself back on the line to deny Kipre was absolutely exceptional and the Tottenham loanee managed to clear the ball well when the Whites looked destined to concede.
Farke wanted to bring the Spurs defender in this summer as he believed that he would be a real difference maker in Leeds’ hunt for promotion this season and while his involvement in the final third hasn’t been quite as great as initially expected, he has been phenomenal out of possession.
If he maintains this form, he will keep Archie Gray out of the team for the foreseeable future and if he keeps stepping up in crucial moments as he did against the Baggies, he could play a huge part in the Whites’ promotion push.
Hopefully, Leeds learn from that warning and will claim all three points at The Hawthorns.
In other West Brom news, Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein have offered their verdict on calls for Farke’s sacking at Elland Road