TOTTENHAM Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has commended Destiny Udogie for his impressive performance in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium yesterday.
Australian coach Postecoglou and Italian youth international left-back with Nigerian blood Udogie were both making their debuts in the intense north London derby, and the manager was pleased with the youngster’s effort.
Udogie, 20, was up against England winger Bukayo Saka, one of the best forwards in Europe who also has Nigerian heritage.
In the battle of the two ‘lost’ Nigerians, Udogie had a shaky start and received a yellow card but grew into the game and kept the usually dangerous Saka quiet in most of the second half.
Although Saka’s shot was deflected into the net for an own goal by Christian Romero and he converted a penalty for Arsenal’s second, Postecoglou still believed Udogie had the better of the one-on-ones.
“I thought both our full-backs had difficult jobs today. Arsenal have outstanding wide players but they dealt with it,” the former Celtic manager said during his post-match press conference.
“Destiny picked up a yellow card but I felt he dealt with it well and ended up as the dominant player on that side. It will have been a great learning experience for him.”
Udogie was born in Verona, Italy to Nigerian parents and began his career with Verona before joining Udinese.
He made a switch to Spurs for €18 million in August 2022 but was loaned back to Udinese for the season.
The attacking left-back has started in all of Spurs’ six Premier League games this season, making two assists as they have remained unbeaten and won four matches.
He has played for Italy at U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19, U-20 and U-21 levels but is yet to make his senior debut for the Azzurri.
