Leeds United must hand Djed Spence first start after debut v Sheffield Wednesday
Djed Spence made his Leeds United debut after his loan switch from Tottenham as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday (2 September).
The 23-year-old only came off the bench in the 81st minute but barely put a foot wrong at Elland Road in his short cameo, catching the eye of many watching as he begins his attempt to get his career back on track after a difficult time in London.
Spence won two fouls in the nine minutes he was on the pitch, saved two certain goals with impressive tackles, completed 100% of his nine attempted passes and managed four ball recoveries as Daniel Farke’s side drew a blank against the Owls (Fotmob).
Despite being limited to a minor role in the fixture, one fan dubbed the former Nottingham Forest defender their man-of-the-match as well “too good for the Championship.“
Has to start
Luke Ayling was the man who started in Spence’s preferred right-back role and despite playing 70 more minutes than the 23-year-old, only managed to equal his four-ball recoveries and won one less ground duel (Fotmob).
Ayling has been an ever-present when fit for Leeds, no matter the division they’ve played in, but it feels like the final 10 minutes at Elland Road on Saturday could have seen a metaphorical passing of the torch to the newest right-back in Yorkshire.
Farke has been attempting to re-energise the United squad following their relegation to the Championship and that has mostly been done through selling or loaning players who don’t want to be at Elland Road, but starting Spence may well have a similar effect on the side.
The last time he was in the second tier with Forest, the 23-year-old was one of the best players in the division, let alone the best full-back. he looks to have returned to action at that same level and if that is the case, he has to start after the international break.
In other Leeds United news, one Sky Sports pundit picked out the “key” player to the Whites this season