While discussing the absence of Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro, Ange Postecoglou has said that the pair are still adapting to the demands of his system.
After exclusively hogging the touchline throughout their stints at Sporting Lisbon and Udinese, respectively, Porro and Udogie were signed to play as wing-backs in Antonio Conte’s system. This season, however, they have had to adjust to a whole different style of play at Spurs.
The Italian and Spaniard full-backs have had to adjust to receiving the ball in the middle of the park, and occasionally even between the opposition’s defensive and midfield lines, due to Postecoglou’s insistence that they invert.
The ease with which both actors have transitioned into their new parts is indicative of the caliber of the two players. Tottenham’s loss of Porro and Udogie against Wolves was significant, as Ben Davies and Emerson Royal were unable to provide the same level of penetration when in possession.
With his insistence that both of his first-choice full-backs are still developing, Postecoglou has now intimated that we haven’t even seen their best yet.
Before the Tottenham match against Wolves, the manager responded to a question regarding Porro’s and Udogie’s absences (via Football.London) by saying: “It doesn’t impact the way we play but I believe I’ve stated in the past a player brings their own sort of distinct quality to each position.
The setup and framework won’t alter, but different players will bring unique qualities to the table. For us this year, Pedro and Destiny have been exceptional.
“Pedro has participated in almost every game, with the exception of the first, in which he did not start. Every time that Destiny has come through for us, it has been extremely significant. Although they are both getting well, they are currently absent.
For many players in the Tottenham team who are still adjusting to their duties inside the system, Ange’s observations regarding Porro and Udogie are likely also accurate.
Supporters should exercise patience during this current slump as Postecoglou has always been upfront about the fact that his teams frequently do not reach their peak until his second season in command.
