Paul Merson didn’t hesitate when naming the most underrated Tottenham player and his passionate argument sums it up
Paul Merson didn’t hesitate when naming the most underrated Tottenham player and his passionate argument sums it up.
Paul Merson has never been afraid to speak his mind, especially when the topic is Tottenham Hotspur. Yet this time, even Spurs fans who often see him as overly critical found themselves nodding along. When asked to name Tottenham’s most underrated player, Merson didn’t need a moment to think. His answer was firm, confident and backed with genuine conviction.
For months, Spurs supporters have debated the club’s depth at full-back, often focusing on bigger names. But Merson believes the conversation has overlooked a player whose performances have quietly carried immense value both defensively and offensively. In his view, Spence embodies the type of modern full-back teams struggle to find—quick, composed, aggressive in duels and fearless when pushing forward.
During a recent panel discussion, fellow pundit Roy Keane challenged Merson’s assessment, arguing that Spence still has “a lot to prove” before being considered essential. But Merson didn’t budge.“He’s the one doing the hard yards nobody talks about,” Merson countered. “Defensively he stops transitions, offensively he drives the team forward. People are missing just how complete his game has become.”
Keane pushed back, saying Spurs’ other full-backs show more consistency, but Merson doubled down. “Consistency? He’s been one of their most reliable performers this season. He’s improved every month, and he’s the reason Tottenham have balance on that right side. You take him out, and you notice it straight away.”
As the discussion intensified, what became clear was Merson’s admiration for the work Spence does away from the spotlight. His tackles, recoveries, overlapping runs and calmness under pressure have not only impressed pundits but caught the attention of senior figures inside the Spurs dressing room.
One of the most vocal supporters has been James Maddison, who recently praised Spence publicly.
In a message that gained traction among Spurs supporters, Maddison wrote:
“People don’t realise how good Djed really is. One of the most underrated lads in this squad. He does his job every single week and never asks for headlines.”
That sentiment echoed what many Tottenham players reportedly feel: Spence is valued far more internally than the general football audience recognises.
Spence’s resurgence and importance to Ange Postecoglou’s structure have not gone unnoticed. His defensive discipline offers security, while his forward thrust adds an extra layer to Spurs’ attacking patterns. It’s the kind of contribution that rarely generates viral clips, but regularly helps win matches.
And that, according to Merson, is precisely why he deserves more credit.
“Every good side has players who allow the stars to shine,” Merson explained. “For Tottenham, that player is Djed Spence. People will catch on eventually—but right now, he’s easily the most underrated player at the club.”
With strong performances, growing respect inside the squad and backing from pundits once considered unlikely to praise him, the narrative around Spence is shifting. And if he continues on this trajectory, the days of calling him “underrated” may soon be over.
