‘Incredible’ – Manager receives criticism for not using one Spurs star sooner

In an opinion piece for Messaggero Veneto, journalist Pietro Oleotto praised Destiny Udogie for his impressive display against England and questioned why Roberto Mancini did not call the left-back up to the Italy squad sooner.

Oleotto writes that those who have been following Udogie’s progress closely were not surprised by how the Spurs star stepped up and delivered at Wembley in his first start for the Azzurri.

He says that the 20-year-old was fully deserving of a place in Luciano Spalletti’s side and adds that ‘it is incredible’ that his predecessor, Mancini did not call him up to the squad on a single occasion over the last couple of years.

Udogie gamble has paid off for Tottenham Hotspur

The journalist adds that the Spurs star is ‘terribly missed’ at Udinese, who have failed to replace him ‘adequately’, adding that his replacement, Jordan Zemura, is not on the same level ‘tactically’.

Finally, Oleotto also praises Tottenham for securing Udogie’s services, suggesting that the North London club were well aware of the youngster’s potential and took a smart bet on him.

Spurs Web Opinion

While Udogie’s raw talent is clear for all to see, what is striking about the youngster is his confidence and mentality.

One can tell that he is not fazed by anything and he seems to have an air of arrogance about him, almost as if he knows that he is better than the players he comes up against.