The ‘unbelievable’ Destiny Udogie is proving himself to be ‘one of the best left-backs in the world’ after a fine start to life in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur.
That is according to Guglielmo Vicario. And he should know.
The £17 million summer signing from Empoli has spent the last six months or so marshalling the Tottenham Hotspur backline alongside Destiny Udogie, after all, a pair of Serie A imports making quite the impression during impressive, breakout campaigns in English football.
Former Udinese ace Udogie, like Vicario, is proving to be excellent value for money at £21 million. He is not only one of the first names on the Spurs team sheet when fit, but also typical of the way Ange Postecoglou likes to play.
Destiny Udogie has been a big hit at Tottenham Hotspur
Udogie, the definition of the ‘modern full-back’, brings no shortage of energy and enthusiasm at both ends of the pitch, while taking to that ‘inverted’ role like the proverbial duck to water.
“We have a great relationship because we’re Italian,” Vicario tells FourFourTwo. “We spend loads of time together at the training ground.
“I try to push him to do extra work. Maybe not just to train but also to come with me to the gym, because he’s got huge potential. He can still improve a lot.
“He’s not simply one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, but also the world. He’s only 21, so he must have the drive inside him to improve day-by-day.
“I try to push him.”
‘One of the best in the world’
Udogie already has five goal contributions in Spurs colours. There are obviously a few rough edges which must be smoothed out – he remains prone to an ill-timed tackle and defensive lapses like the one which gifted Brentford a goal in the recent 3-2 win – but the building blocks of a genuinely elite full-back are most certainly in place.
“He’s a very good lad,” Vicario adds. “An unbelievable player, and he has all the qualities to reach the top – he’s quick, he has superb technique, he’s a good defender and attacker…
“He has everything.”
Udogie missed last week’s 2-1 home defeat to Wolves through injury, Ben Davies stepping in. Per The Athletic, he should be back in time for Crystal Palace’s trip to North London on March 2nd, however.
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