It was a mixed night for some of Tottenham Hotspur’s players as they kicked off the March international break.
With the European Championships only three months away, and with Destiny Udogie looking to establish himself as Luciano Spalletti’s first-choice left-back ahead of Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco, the youngster could have done without the mistake which led to a Venezuela penalty last night.
Udogie has been one of the Premier League’s breakout talents in 2023/24. But, despite his obvious progress, the £20 million Tottenham flyer is far from the finished article. If he really is to become what Spurs team-mate Guglielmo Vicario feels he can be – namely, one of the ‘best in the world’ – then these are the kinks he must iron out.
Udogie, who still has a penchant for switching off in key moments, lost the ball in a dangerous area in the build up to a Venezuela penalty. Fortunately, it meant little to the eventual result, Italy triumphing 2-1 as Gigi Donnarumma kept out Salomon Rondon’s spot-kick.
But, from a personal perspective, a high-profile error in one of Italy’s pre-tournament friendlies will not do Udogie’s reputation – in the eyes of Spalletti – too much good.
Brennan Johnson shines as Destiny Udogie struggles
Fellow Tottenham newbie Brennan Johnson, meanwhile, did his level best to ensure he’ll be joining Udogie on German soil in June. The former Nottingham Forest forward Wales’ third goal in a 4-1 thrashing of Finland, tapping in from close range. Should Rob Page’s side beat Poland in Cardiff on Tuesday, Johnson will have booked a seat on the plane to Euro 2024.
Given a match rating of 8/10 by Wales Online, Johnson’s performance was a damn sight more convincing than Udogie’s too. A devastating display particularly well-timed considering the wealth of in-form attacking options at Page’s disposal.
Mixed night for Tottenham Hotspur stars
“The biggest selection headache I had tonight was at the top of the pitch,” Page says, having chosen Johnson over the equally-electrifying Dan James of Leeds United. “I knew that pace would hurt (Finland).
“People like DJ (James) coming off the bench, playing really well at club level and scoring goals… When you have players at club level playing well, they can add value and change the game for us.
“Brennan was a constant threat.”
After a hit-and-miss start to life at Tottenham, Johnson is certainly hitting his stride. The £47 million summer signing now has six goals or assists in his last eight games for club and country.
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