Who is Djed Spence and how Tottenham loanee can develop at Genoa

His best season in England was in 2021-22 when he contributed to Nottingham Forest’s Premier League promotion with two goals and five assists in 42 league games under Steve Cooper. He was on loan from Middlesbrough and after his impressive campaign in the English second division, he was signed by Paratici at Tottenham.

He had joined Forest on loan after a fallout with Boro coach Neil Warnock. The English tactician had concerns about Spence’s mentality and once said at a press conference: “There are not many players where you can say it’s all up to them personally how far they go – it’s what’s between the ears. He could be playing at a top club in England or in non-league in five years, I don’t know.

“Application, dedication, all these things come into it. He’s got the tools, there’s no doubt about that.”

Spence hit out at his former coach on Twitter after earning Premier League promotion, but attracted criticism from Middlesbrough fans, while Warnock replied sarcastically on the social media platform.

The 23-year-old will now been given a chance to shine in Serie A. He mainly plays on the right flank, but can also be deployed as a left-back or left wing-back.

Genoa play with a 3-5-2 system, so he can perfectly fit into Gilardino’s system.

The Grifone have already sent Hefti to French side Montpellier in the January transfer window, so, on paper, Spence will replace the Swiss international. He will fight for a starting spot on the right with the experienced Stefano Sabelli who has started 17 Serie A games from 19 this season, missing the remaining due to injury and suspension.

Mexican defender Johan Vásquez has recently become a regular starter on the left, but when Gilardino adopts a more attacking approach, Aarón Martín Caricol starts as a left wing-back and that’s where Spence could get further playing time at Genoa.

With the experience he earned in English football, Spence can be an added value for Genoa and give more unpredictability to the Grifone in the final third, but would also need to settle in quickly and understand the defensive duties required in Italian football. Overall, he can develop into an even more complete full-back if he plays his cards right under 2006 Italy World Cup winner Gilardino.