Journalist Alasdair Gold hailed the performance of the “very exciting” Destiny Udogie during Tottenham Hotspur’s 5-1 thrashing of Shakhtar Donetsk on Sunday 6 August.
Who is Destiny Udogie?
After signing for Tottenham for £15 million in the summer of 2022, Udogie has yet to play a competitive match for the club.
The 20-year-old left-back was promptly loaned out to Udinese, the club from whom he joined the Lilywhites, and went on to play 33 Serie A matches for the Italian side last season.
However, after returning from his loan spell, the Italy youth international is certain to stay in north London next season, having already played in all of Tottenham’s pre-season matches this summer.
The youngster scored in Spurs’ 3-2 defeat to West Ham and also played 45 minutes against Singaporean side Lion City Sailors. Udogie also played the entire of Tottenham’s friendly against Shakhtar Donetsk, a game they emphatically won 5-1.
Udogie impressed as part of Ange Postecoglou’s back four and was hailed by journalist Gold for his performance against the Ukrainian side.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Gold stated: “Destiny Udogie I thought was really good. I was glad to see, because we obviously got to see him on the tour, I was glad to see that people in the flesh could see him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“He’s a very exciting player. He’s very calm on the ball, very good with it in tight situations. Yeah, I like him a lot. He’s got a lot about him and he’s still only 20-years-old. Links up really well with [Heung-min] Son.”
He added: “I thought he was very, very good today Udogie. Obviously, a much sterner test to come with the likes of Brentford and Man Utd in the first couple of games, but yeah good signs from him.”
While Postecoglou has a variety of options at left-back, including Sergio Reguilon, Ben Davies, Ivan Perisic, and Ryan Sessegnon, Udogie will be looking to play a role in the Australian’s plans this season.
Udogie’s outstanding pre-season exploits will undoubtedly help him secure a starting spot against Brentford in the Premier League opener, but his lack of experience at the highest level in England may compel Postecoglou to look elsewhere.
Udogie is a very attack-minded left-back and chipped in with three goals and four assists for Udinese last season, albeit usually in a back five where his role was more advanced. Playing in a back four for Postecoglou, the Italian will have to do a lot more defensive work than he’s used to.
