Phil Hay delivers verdict on Djed Spence role change under Daniel Farke at Leeds United
Leeds United defender Djed Spence could be set for a different role under Daniel Farke as he returns from injury, according to Phil Hay.
The Tottenham Hotspur right-back has just played one game for Leeds this season as he’s been ruled out for the majority of the campaign.
Archie Gray has become the club’s first-choice right-back with Jamie Shackleton also playing that role.
Speaking on the Phil Hay Show, the Athletic journalist said at 20:10, “Spence would want to be at right back in the same way as Gray would want to be in the centre of midfield. That is Spence’s position. But, he looks to me as the kind of player, if you get him switched on and get him going, you can ask him to play, within reason, pretty much anywhere and I think he would play well.”
Must adapt
Spence now faces a crucial juncture in his Leeds career as he returns from injury, with the potential of adapting to a different role under Farke.
The emergence of Gray as the club’s first-choice right-back and Shackleton’s presence in that role have reshaped the competition for Spence in his preferred position.
Despite Spence’s natural inclination towards playing as a right-back, his adaptability becomes imperative for securing a regular spot in the team.
Hay’s observation of Spence’s versatility suggests that he could thrive in various positions if he embraces the challenge.
In a squad with evolving dynamics, demonstrating effectiveness in different roles will not only enhance Spence’s utility but also illustrate his commitment to the team’s objectives.
To secure a lasting place at Leeds, which means the club looking to sign him permanently when the time comes, Spence needs to showcase his football intelligence and flexibility, proving that he can contribute significantly regardless of the position Farke assigns him.
In other Leeds United news, a surgery diagnosis has been shared on a first-team player now set to be out of action for a number of weeks.