Everton have been linked with a move for England World Cup star Djed Spence, who could offer the Blues a solution at both full-back positions. The Tottenham Hotspur defender, currently featuring for England at the World Cup, has been identified as a target by the club, according to The Athletic.
Spence's Career Path and Versatility
Born in Kensington on August 9, 2000, Spence began his football career in Fulham's academy before moving to Middlesbrough for his senior breakthrough. After a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, he secured a £20 million move to Tottenham. Further loans at Rennes, Leeds United, and Genoa followed before he established himself at Spurs and with England, earning 13 caps to date.
Right-back has been a persistent problem position for Everton. Kenny Tete was a target last summer but opted to stay at Fulham. David Moyes admitted the club had been searching for a right-back for a year. Nathan Patterson remains surplus to requirements, and long-serving captain Seamus Coleman departed after 17.5 years, heightening the need for a new recruit.
Positional Flexibility: A Key Asset
While Spence has played right-back for England under Thomas Tuchel during the World Cup, 32 of his 44 appearances for Spurs last season were at left-back. Of his 265 career club appearances, 109 have been at right-back (just over 40%). This versatility makes him an attractive option for Everton, who need cover on both flanks.
Statistical Comparison: Spence vs. Mykolenko
Using Comparisonator, Spence's stats from last season are compared to Everton's incumbent left-back Vitalii Mykolenko. Overall, Mykolenko scores higher in AI points (219 to 174). However, Spence dominates offensively (24.1 vs. -1.52) and physically (311 to 293), while Mykolenko leads defensively (95.72 to 52.44), in duels (49.86 to 44.39), and passing (69.57 to 48.36).
Physical
Mykolenko covers more distance per 90 minutes (9.333 km vs. 8.654 km), but Spence produces more sprints (20.91 vs. 17.57).
Offensive
Spence excels: more shots (0.47 vs. 0.19), shots on target (0.24 vs. 0.06), dribbles (2.65 vs. 0.91), and successful dribbles (1.52 vs. 0.47).
Defensive
Mykolenko outperforms: more ball recoveries (8.26 vs. 6.49), interceptions (4.05 vs. 3.32), and clearances (2.2 vs. 1.52).
Passing
Mykolenko again leads: more passes (35.64 vs. 35.15), successful passes (28.53 vs. 28.23), crosses (2.45 vs. 1.94), and successful crosses (0.99 vs. 0.52).
Duels
Spence contests more duels (16.15 vs. 13.52) and wins more (7.52 vs. 6.86), but Mykolenko has a higher win percentage (51% vs. 47%).
Pace and Progressive Runs
Spence averaged 3.08 progressive runs per 90 minutes, the highest among Premier League full-backs, ahead of Rayan Ait-Nouri (2.6) and Ferdi Kadioglu (2.48). His maximum speed of 35.75 km/h is second only to Antonee Robinson (35.92 km/h).
Given Spence's ability to cover two problem positions and his England pedigree, Everton cannot afford to overlook him. However, the price tag will be crucial in determining whether the deal happens.
