‘Improving a lot’: Cristian Stellini really impressed with one Tottenham youngster, says he’s got so much better

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Tottenham Hotspur assistant boss Cristian Stellini says he’s been really impressed with Djed Spence after the youngster made his sixth appearance of the season yesterday. 

Spurs progressed through to the fourth round of the FA Cup yesterday after beating Portsmouth 1-0 in north London.

The League One outfit put in a spirited display but a touch of class from Harry Kane at the beginning of the second-half proved to be the difference between the sides.

Antonio Conte handed Pape Matar Sarr his first start of the season yesterday as he partnered Oliver Skipp in central midfield. Bryan Gil and Japhet Tanganga also got the nod but there was still no room for Spence in the starting line-up.

The 22-year-old is yet to start a competitive game under Conte since making the switch from Middlesbrough over the summer. But Stellini says he’s making great strides after his cameo display yesterday.

Stellini impressed with Spence

Stellini spoke to Spurs Play after Conte’s side beat Pompey and said Spence has already got so much better this season. 

“We gave minutes also to Spence, he’s increasing his progression,” he said.

“He’s improving a lot and we hope we can have many players and recover other players to have many solutions.”

Conte once again favoured Emerson Royal over the youngster yesterday as Matt Doherty was handed a rest after starting consecutive league games.

It looks more and more likely that the wing-back will be heading out on loan this month, with Peter O’Rourke claiming he is ‘frustrated’ by his lack of game time under Conte.

Spence has only managed six appearances in all competitions this season, with all of them coming as a late substitute.

Emerson has failed to impress this season, while Doherty has also been underwhelming despite the fact he got on the scoresheet against Crystal Palace during the week.

It will probably be best for both parties if Spence secures a temporary move away from the club this month. He needs to be playing regular football and a Premier League switch would provide the perfect platform for the youngster to prove he is ready to become a first-team regular at Spurs.