BARI, ITALY - OCTOBER 14: Guglielmo Vicario of Italy looks on during pitch inspection before the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Italy and Malta at Stadio San Nicola on October 14, 2023 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Italian press blown away by Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Destiny Udogie was in action for Italy against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League clash against Belgium.
The Spurs defender has become a key player under Ange Postecoglou, and he has been rewarded with a role from the bench on Thursday night at Stadio Olympico.
Italy squandered a 2-0 lead after being reduced to ten men, but Udogie appears to have impressed Italy’s famous pink newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport.
The newspaper has given him a 6/10 rating, adding that he was “useful” and “like lightning on the band.” He came on as a substitute and played the final 20 minutes of the match.
They wrote (page 4): “The change is right: you need physicality and kilometres, a little lightning on the band and doubling to help out even in the middle. Useful.”
Destiny Udogie has been brilliant for Tottenham
For Spurs, both Udogie and Pedro Porro play a big role in Ange Postecoglou’s system. The two full-backs overlap a lot, and they deliver good deliveries into the box.
However, many pundits have shared concerns over their defensive abilities in recent weeks, especially after Spurs conceded three goals in the second half against Brighton in their last Premier League game.
Udogie has made seven starts in the Premier League this season, but he has yet to score a goal or provide an assist. This is one area he can look to improve going forward.
It makes a lot of difference to the side if the full-backs start contributing goals and assists for the team.
Udogie is very good at tackling, and he does a lot during the game. He averages around 3.1 tackles per game in the Premier League and 3 in the Europa League.
Against Belgium, he registered 100% passing accuracy. Defensively, he made one tackle and two clearances to cap off an excellent display.
Postecoglou should be really happy with the effort from the 21-year-old Italian full-back.
