Move over Spence: Frank can axe Porro by unleashing “future £100m” Spurs star at RB
Back in the summer of 2024, few Tottenham Hotspur supporters could have imagined just how remarkable Djed Spence’s transformation in North London would be over the following 12 months. From an outcast under Antonio Conte to a first-choice starter under Thomas Frank, the 24-year-old’s journey has been nothing short of a revival story that few saw coming.
When Spence first arrived at Tottenham in the summer of 2022, his transfer was met with controversy. Then-manager Antonio Conte famously distanced himself from the signing, describing it as a “club decision” rather than one he endorsed. As a result, the young right-back was effectively frozen out of the Italian’s plans, managing just six senior appearances across all competitions during his first season.
What followed was a frustrating period of uncertainty. Spence embarked on three separate loan spells — at Stade Rennais, Leeds United, and Genoa — between 2022 and 2024, but none truly worked out. He struggled to find consistent minutes or form, and by the end of his stint in Italy, his Tottenham future appeared all but over. A permanent exit was widely expected, with many fans viewing him as another case of unfulfilled potential.
However, football has a way of flipping narratives. Spurs’ injury crisis during the 2024/25 season forced then-coach Thomas Frank to call upon Spence, and the defender grabbed his chance with both hands. What began as a temporary solution quickly evolved into a full-fledged redemption arc. By season’s end, Spence had made 35 appearances across all competitions, cementing his place in the squad and earning widespread praise for his resilience and consistency.
Now, in the 2025/26 campaign, Spence has not only established himself as a regular starter under Frank but also earned his first England caps — a remarkable turnaround for a player once deemed surplus to requirements. His strong defensive displays, composure in possession, and willingness to drive forward have made him one of Tottenham’s most improved players. Remarkably, he is even challenging a fellow right-back for both his club and national team spot.
Pedro Porro’s Troubling Dip in Form
That fellow right-back is none other than Pedro Porro — a player who, not long ago, seemed to have the right flank locked down. After registering nine assists across all competitions last season, expectations were high that the Spaniard would elevate his game further under Frank’s tactical system. Instead, the early stages of 2025/26 have been disappointing, with Porro struggling to replicate his previous form.
Although he has started all but one Premier League game so far, the underlying numbers tell a concerning story. Porro ranks in just the 12th percentile for completed passes among Premier League defenders this season, indicating wastefulness in possession and a lack of precision in his forward play. He has managed only one assist to date, a far cry from the creative force he was last term.
Even his trademark attacking quality — delivering dangerous balls into the box — has declined. Porro has completed just 18% of his crosses, placing him in the 40th percentile among full-backs. Defensively, he has also underperformed, winning only 4.2 duels and 1.2 tackles per 90 minutes, numbers that reflect a worrying drop in both aggression and effectiveness.
Such form is undoubtedly a concern for Thomas Frank, who has prided himself on discipline, balance, and consistency across his squad. The Dane now faces a difficult decision over whether to persist with Porro or turn to other options in the right-back position — a dilemma that could shape Tottenham’s season.
How Tottenham Could Solve the Porro Problem
Tottenham’s hierarchy has invested heavily over the past few transfer windows, and the pressure on Frank to deliver results is immense. After eight league games, Spurs sit eighth in the Premier League table — not disastrous, but below expectations given the quality of the squad. Their recent 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, in which they squandered a late lead, epitomized the frustration of a team still struggling for consistency.
With a congested fixture list that includes Champions League commitments, rotation will be vital. One player who could benefit is 19-year-old sensation Archie Gray. Signed from Leeds United for £40 million last summer — a fee many questioned at the time — the teenager has already silenced his critics with a series of mature and composed performances.
Gray made 46 appearances across all competitions last season, often filling in as a makeshift centre-back during Spurs’ defensive injury crisis. Despite playing out of position, he impressed with his technical ability, tactical intelligence, and composure beyond his years. Football analyst Ben Mattinson even dubbed him a “future £100 million talent,” a testament to the immense promise he has shown.
Earlier this week, Gray was handed his first Champions League start against Monaco, where he operated at left-back. Once again, he was outstanding — winning every tackle he contested, making four clearances and two interceptions, and completing 90% of his passes, including three progressive balls into the final third that created two chances.
His versatility is proving invaluable. Having also played as a right-back during his youth days at Leeds, Gray could now be redeployed in that role to provide balance and defensive stability on the flank where Porro has faltered. With Spence flourishing and Gray’s emergence accelerating, Frank may soon have a viable alternative to Porro — one that blends energy, tactical awareness, and adaptability.
A New Dynamic on the Horizon
Pedro Porro remains a talented footballer capable of rediscovering his best form, but football rarely waits for sentiment. Tottenham’s ambitions demand consistency and quality, and Frank’s willingness to make bold decisions could define this chapter of his tenure.
For Djed Spence, the story has come full circle — from exile to England international in two years. For Archie Gray, the next few months could accelerate his evolution into one of Europe’s brightest young stars. And for Pedro Porro, the challenge is clear: rediscover his spark or risk losing his place in a Tottenham side eager to evolve.
Either way, competition for the right-back spot has never looked fiercer at Hotspur Way — and that’s precisely what Thomas Frank wants as he strives to turn Tottenham into genuine contenders once again.