Djed Spence is in line for his first start for Leeds United since joining the club on loan in the summer from Tottenham Hotspur and Crysencio Summerville has delivered an exciting verdict on the player.
Spence, 23, moved to Leeds in the summer in a similar move to Joe Rodon. The duo left Spurs last term to go on loan to Rennes, and have followed eachother again – this time moving to Elland Road for 23-24.
But, Spence picked up an injury in training not long after making his debut in the 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday. It kept him out until now, coming on for the last 20 minutes in the 2-0 win over Blackburn.
With Sam Byram, Stuart Dallas, Jamie Shackleton and Junior Firpo all out of action, Leeds are lacking in options on the left side of defence. Daniel Farke says Leo Hjelde is not a player is currently considering.
So, given Spence came on for Byram – who picked up a hamstring injury and is set to be sidelined until the new year – he is likely to start at Sunderland on Tuesday night. Summerville is a big fan of Spence.
“Very electric, very quick, solid in defending and likes to attack. You will see many good things on the right. We’re waiting, but I will guarantee you will enjoy him,” Summerville told the official Leeds podcast.
“I have made him ready for the real deal, you know,” Summerville joked, discussing Spence in training. “He is doing really good. It’s a good clash between us, sometimes he wins, sometimes I win. He’s ready.”
Crysencio Summerville delivers exciting Djed Spence verdict
Leeds do have other options on the left side of defence. Ilia Gruev, though naturally a midfielder, can be used on the left side of defence. Versatile. Pascal Struijk can be moved to left-back, Liam Cooper in.
Or, a switch to a 3-5-2 system in which maybe, Summerville and Dan James play as wing-backs – but that seems unlikely. The probable decision that Farke makes will be Spence, coming in on the left side.
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