Luke Ayling has long been United’s first choice at right back, but Leeds has added stiff competition for the spot by signing Djed Spence, a former Nottingham Forest loanee who won a promotion, from Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan. Spence is an England under-21s international defender.
When Spence was finally introduced from the bench with nine minutes remaining in last weekend’s Championship match against Sheffield Wednesday, he immediately dazzled. Ayling was still handed the start. However, Prutton believes there is a case to be made for starting both players, either by using Spence as a winger or by switching one of the two to a left back position.
Prutton informed the YEP that Djed Spence is a good player and has experience at this level. “He probably feels like he needs to make up for some ground that he’s lost and wants to be back in front of people who enjoy watching football at this level and enjoy watching people be able to compete, which is definitely what he did for Forest,” He was fantastic and received a significant transfer to Tottenham.Although he hasn’t necessarily lost his way subsequently, there have been times when he may not have felt as wanted as a player should. I hope he settles well at Leeds and that the team’s style of play brings out the best in him.
Prutton responded, “It would be a strange one to think that they get Djed in and they keep him on the bench. ” When asked if Spence simply had to start and where that left Ayling if so, Prutton reasoned.
“Great if there’s a way to get them both in. If Luke was playing behind him, I believe Djed wouldn’t feel out of place playing further up the field because of his forward-thinking abilities.He excelled at Forest by bursting forward with one player and tucking in with the other to cover for each other. Additionally, from the perspective of a full back, there aren’t a ton of different fundamentals while playing on the left side as opposed to the right.
“I’m not saying it’s simple by any means, but if you get someone moving down the left side who is then cutting in to the right, maybe it’s a different outlet. It presents a new perspective. They’re going to have to try to figure out a means to get Djed in, both of them, given the player’s attributes and skills, particularly at this level.The thing about Luke is that he contributes significantly both in terms of his playing and his demeanor. He is one of the trusty, seasoned veterans, and I say that with the utmost regard for Luke. He’s had a tremendous career and has been great for
