‘Many technical mistakes’ – National media not impressed by Tottenham defender

The Italian press were not particularly impressed by Destiny Udogie’s performance against Venezuela, suggesting that the Tottenham man still has to iron out some weaknesses in his game.

Udogie has been one of the best young players on show in the Premier League this season, having taken English football by storm since arriving at Tottenham.

What has perhaps been most eye-catching about the 21-year-old is the tactical maturity he has shown for someone so young, with the former Udinese man having no issues receiving the ball centrally in the inverted role at Spurs.

There is no doubt that Udogie is going to have a long career for Italy and he is likely to play an important part in the Azzurri’s European Championship campaign in the summer.

Destiny Udogie fails to impress for Italy

The Tottenham man played as a traditional left wing-back for Luciano Spalletti’s men in their 2-1 win over Venezuela on Thursday and a few publications were not particularly impressed with what they saw from the defender.

Eurosport gave Udogie a rating 5.5/10 rating and wrote: “Soft approach to the race, he loses the ball in the action that leads to the penalty foul on Rondon. Unlike Cambiaso (Italy’s right-wing-back), he often concentrates on the possession phase acting as an added half-wing. He makes many technical mistakes.”

TMW were also critical of the Spurs star, questioning his lack of influence in matches, and giving him a rating of 5/10 rating.

They wrote: “Started the game and lost the ball due to which Rondon’s failed penalty was born. More than attacking the left wing, he often enters the field on Spalletti’s express risk, but he is almost never in the heart of the game.”

Sky Italia were slightly more complimentary of Udogie for his aggression but they too gave him a rating of just 5.5/10 rating.

The outlet said: “He is involved in the chaos that leads to the penalty for Venezuela after two minutes. And the error stains the performance, which otherwise would be appreciable in terms of strength and spirit of initiative. AGGRESSIVE!”

Spurs Web Opinion

Udogie might have faced some challenges in re-adapting to the demands of the more traditional wing-back role, having become used to inverting at Tottenham. The Italian is still very young and will overcome the shortcomings in his game as he gets more experience under his belt.

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