It is undeniable that Leeds never saw what Spence had to offer, which is unfortunate given how excellent he was at this level for Nottingham Fores. The 24-year-old has subsequently refuted the allegations.

After just a handful of minutes on his debut against Sheffield Wednesday, Spence then picked up an injury that would rule him out for the next three months. Unfortunately, once he finally recovered, Spence was used predominantly at left-back, which never really allowed him to show his best, and as such, he was sent back to Spurs.

Farke could regret his Spence use at Leeds

When he went on loan to Genoa in January, Spence’s career at Spurs had seemed all but certainly over. However, Spence enjoyed a positive time out in Italy and so due to the number of players who returned late to Spurs for pre-season after Euro 2024, he was given a final chance to impress in pre-season. It would appear Spence very much took that chance as he is now firmly part of the first team squad again at Spurs, which in itself is a clear sign of his Premier League ability.

And after sitting on the bench for the majority of the season so far, Spence was handed the full second half against Coventry City last night. With it looking like Spurs would be embarrassed once again, up stepped Spence to net an equalising goal, with Brennan Johnson then bagging the winner just moments later. With Archie Gray also making his full Spurs debut, Spence is actually said to have outshone his former Leeds teammate, a clear sign of what Farke missed out on last season. Farke would almost select Gray ahead of Spence at right-back and while the teenager did a good job, it is not his natural position.

However, right-back has never seemed to be a position Farke has been particularly happy with at Leeds, and Jayden Bogle hasn’t really helped matters since joining. Had Farke been able to get the best out of Spence, he could have been the solution for so many years to come at Elland Road. The “incredible” Spence, on the other hand, has so much pace and directness when it comes to getting forward, which could have been such a useful asset for Leeds.

What Spence said about his time under Farke at Leeds

A few months after leaving, Spence was given the chance to address allegations made regarding his punctuality and difficulties at Leeds in an interview.

He categorically disputed that his tardiness was ever an issue and asserted that Farke never allowed him to play in his best position.

“I went there, things were going well, and then I got hurt,” he stated. My knee was seriously injured, and even after I recovered, I was constantly experiencing agony.

“I was playing a little when I returned, but I was playing at left-back, which is the incorrect position. It wasn’t simple. Everyone wants to play in their optimal position, therefore I didn’t give it my all.

“That’s not fair at all, in my opinion. I may not necessarily concur with their statements. But in football, you have to play with a low profile, persevere, and eventually disprove people.

A few of the claims are a little exaggerated. You can be late once without it being an issue if you’re not playing, and not an issue if you are.