Nottingham Forest promotion-winner Djed Spence has opened up on his Tottenham career to date, saying: “It hasn’t been easy.”

Spence joined Spurs in July 2022 having played a key role in Forest’s promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs two months earlier during a loan from Middlesbrough. But he has been loaned out three times during the last two seasons, to Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa.

There were question marks over his future at Tottenham during the summer, but after impressing manager Ange Postecoglou during pre-season he has been given a new contract at the club and has made four appearances so far this season.

With his career at Spurs looking back on track, he told Tottenham’s official matchday programme: “It was a good pre-season, I felt good and I felt sharp. I wanted to come back (from Genoa) and just be the best I could be, the best version of myself.

“That’s all you can do, put in your best effort and try to be the best player on the pitch.

“I’m a determined player. I’d probably say I had a point to prove here and also a point to prove to myself.

I wanted to show everyone what I know I’m capable of and how good a player l am. I had the same mentality going into this one, I knew what I needed to do to try to give my best and keep moving forward.”

It hasn’t been easy.” he added, on his Tottenham career to date. “But you learn from everything. Whether that’s being abroad, being away from your family or the change of culture – whatever you may face – you learn from them all so it’s made me stronger mentally and they’ve all been great life experiences.

“I’ve also had a few injuries that have set me back so you just have to be strong mentally, stay focused, train hard, be around good people and there is always a way back to greatness and to be the player you know you can become.

“It’s been a difficult couple of years for me personally, but I think this year will be a good one for me. The manager has been great.”

Upbeat Tottenham star keen to maintain ‘attitude’ following Manchester City win

Timo Werner is looking to build on his newfound confidence in front of goal after ending a lengthy 18-match dry spell by scoring in Tottenham’s Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City. The striker’s recent form had been challenging, with notable missed opportunities against Manchester United, Ferencváros, and AZ Alkmaar. However, Werner broke the drought in style on Wednesday, and he’s now focused on maintaining this momentum as he seeks to be more assertive in front of goal.

On loan from RB Leipzig, Timo Werner wasted no time making an impact, firing home in the fifth minute off a precise cross from Dejan Kulusevski after a brilliant team build-up. His early goal set the tone for Tottenham’s crucial 2-1 victory over Manchester City, securing a spot in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals, where they’ll face Manchester United at home.