Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou leaves key player out of Europa League squad

With Tottenham Hotspur getting ready for their UEFA Europa League campaign, everyone's been paying close attention to the squad Ange Postecoglou has picked for this European run. But the reveal of the 23-man squad has left me puzzled, especially with one surprising omission: Djed Spence.

The Europa League draw last week set the stage for what promises to be a great competition, and Postecoglou's squad decisions were always going to be scrutinised. But the omission of Spence, a player who, for me, had seemingly fought his way back into contention after an impressive summer, is nothing short of baffling.

Spence, valued for his versatility in both right-back and left-back positions, was widely expected to play a crucial role in Spurs’ European journey. His pre-season displays showcased his dedication and potential, convincing many that he’d secured his spot in the squad. However, when the official list was announced, Spence’s name was noticeably missing.

The rationale behind this exclusion it's unclear. Spence’s versatility alone should have been enough to secure his spot. In a competition like the Europa League, where squad depth and flexibility can be the difference between success and failure, leaving out a player with Spence’s attributes seems like a significant oversight.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou leaves key player out of Europa League squad

Instead, it looks like Archie Gray will step in at right-back when required, a move that might raise more eyebrows if Tottenham end up stretched in defence. Although Gray is a promising prospect, he doesn't have the experience or the track record of Spence, particularly in European competition.

To add to the confusion, Postecoglou has opted to include four goalkeepers in the squad: Guglielmo Vicario, Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin, and Alfie Whiteman. While it's fair enough to have a few options in goal, some might say that the fourth spot would have been better used on a versatile defender like Spence.

I really hope that this decision doesn’t come back to haunt Postecoglou. If Tottenham struggle defensively or face injuries, the absence of a player like Spence could prove costly. As it stands, this squad decision leaves more questions than answers, and one can only wonder what might have been had Spence been given the chance to shine on the European stage.