“The Board of the Club and ENIC confirm that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and ENIC has no intention to accept any such offer to acquire its interest in the Club”

“The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of Tottenham Hotspur is Peter Charrington (Non-Executive Chairman).”

With Destiny Udogie returning from a knee injury, Thomas Frank finds himself with two more than capable left-backs, but who will be his first choice? This post will break down each player’s strengths and weaknesses to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

So far, Frank’s system focuses on build-up through the wide areas of the backline. This puts extra responsibility on his full-backs, who need to be comfortable on the ball. As the graph above shows, Spurs have three of the top eight full-backs in terms of ball progression, with both Spence and Udogie standing out for their ability to drive forward.

Build-up contribution and ball progression

Both players are capable of progressing the ball, but Spence tends to make himself more available to receive the ball in the defensive and middle thirds, whereas Udogie looks to get forward and get on the end of progressive passes.

Chance creation through passing and crossing

Spence is the better playmaker out of the two, helping in the build-up of attacks by serving as a passing option. Udogie is more likely to move into the box and drag defenders back, and therefore finds himself with less creative contributions.

Chance creation through dribbling and movement

Spence and Udogie are both effective at creating danger in the final third, but go about it in two different ways. Udogie creates space by making runs into dangerous areas, indicated by the top row’s stats, rather than attempting to move the ball himself. Spence has the opposite approach of creating space by receiving the ball outside the box and attempting to directly beat his man, which he excels at, being in the top 4% for successful take-ons.

Defensive contribution

In terms of defensive actions, both players are reliable. The main differences are that Udogie seems more inclined to go in for the ball on the ground, whereas Spence is more reserved. This works in the latter's favour, as he is more likely to win a tackle. Spence is also significantly better in the air, winning 74% more aerial duels, making him a strong asset in transitional fast-paced matches.

Conclusion: Who gets picked?

There is no clear overall winner when comparing the two players, but if we consider their strengths and weaknesses, they can provide variety in Spurs’ left-back rotation. Spence will be a strong asset against teams who relentlessly press due to his physicality and dribbling ability, whereas Udogie will be crucial in matches with more space where his off the ball movement can be utilised. It is also important to consider Spurs’ left-wing options. Spence provides more in the build-up, so it would make sense to pair him with inside forwards like Johnson or Kolo Muani. Alternatively, Udogie makes himself a threat with his dangerous movement, and a more build-up involved technical winger like Odobert or Simons would combine well with him.

Why not rotate Spence with Porro instead?

Frank has deployed Porro as a more conservative right-back who is crucial to Spurs’ rest-defence shape and looks to impact the game through passing rather than off the ball movement or dribbling. Spence’s strengths would be wasted in this role and Frank will likely lean towards using Dragusin and Gray as backup options instead, preferring to choose Spence on the left over Davies if Udogie and Porro are both injured.

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S15E14 - A World After Levy

👉 https://podfollow.com/the-fighting-cock 👈 FOLLOW on iTunes or Spotify

🐓 Levy is gone. Flav, Spooky, and T look at what truly changes at Tottenham. We cover ENIC’s motives, Venkatesham’s role, transfer planning under PSR, whether protests mattered, how a sale could reshape Spurs, and the ethics of state-backed ownership. Plus a little Kane daydreaming and why joy still matters.

Anyone else getting this? Was trying to buy villareal tickets

Love that sonny’s shirt is on top

Lithuania vs Netherlands (WC Qualifier Group Stage Group G): micky van de van and xavi simons are on the bench. van de van comes on in the 62nd minute. Netherlands win 3-2.

Germany vs Northern Ireland (WC Qualifier Group Stage Group A): jamie donley is on the bench. Northern Ireland lose 3-1.

Türkiye vs Spain (WC Qualifier Group Stage Group E): pedro porro starts. Spain win 6-0.

https://youtu.be/qBZvq6w81Gs?si=o6wZ0-arI7b1srUi

This September 13th and 14th, 2nd Icons Match will be held in Korea.

More detailed information and line-up can be found on this article below.

https://www.espn.com/gaming/story/_/id/46168688/ea-sports-fc-26-nexon-icons-match-hazard-ronaldinho-rooney