Why Destiny Udogie is so important in Europa League games
By Tom Vinall
On Thursday night, Tottenham Hotspur edged past Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, courtesy of an early second half penalty from Richarlison.
One of the standout performers from the game was Destiny Udogie. Here is dissecting what made his performance so good, and why he could be required in the Europa League.
In these games, someone of Udogie’s profile is really important. This was his first start in Europe this season, but due to Radu Dragusins early red card, he played 78 minutes in the win over Qarabag, so there is a two game sample size for this.
Games like the one on Thursday night, where you have to show another side to your game, in order to help see it out – Udogie is really useful in. As you would expect with the way Spurs play, there were moments in the game where Alkmaar would have space in the Spurs half.
The performance of Udogie was really crucial in putting out fires. The Italian defender won 7/8 duels, including 6/7 ground duels, during the game. He was not dribbled past once, and made two tackles, two interceptions, and blocked a shot. He was also fouled twice.
Technically, Udogie being 22 years old means he counted towards the youthfulness out there. The reality is however, is that he is a full Italy international, with over three seasons of regular first team football under his belt. His knowhow was key to helping guide the likes of Gray, Bergvall, and Moore through a test that ended up being trickier than expected.
Whilst Ange started Davies at left-back vs Qarabag (for 10 minutes), and for 45 minutes against Ferencvaros, if Udogie plays there instead, and allows Davies to play centre-back, giving the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven some rest, it gives even more benefits than having Udogie’s presence out there on the field.
Of course, ideally you do want Udogie to have some rest for himself, but he is really key on nights like this. In a really hostile atmosphere like Galatasaray next time out in Europe, he could be someone that becomes really important for his presence on the field and his composure on the ball, in a very tough place to go.
That too, and with him not being a starter for the Italy national team, being reduced to second half cameos, he is going to have fewer minutes in his legs than the likes of Romero and van de Ven.
Finally, if Spurs play strong sides and keep racking up the wins in the Europa League, then the sooner a top eight birth will be secured, and the sooner Ange can make changes to the side and give the likes of Udogie nights off.