Tottenham Hotspur’s star player has earned praise from pundit Paul Merson, who credits the defender for proving his display against Bukayo Saka wasn’t a one-off.
Following Danny Rose’s departure, Spurs faced challenges in their left-back position. Players like Ryan Sessegnon and Sergio Reguilon didn’t meet expectations, and while Ben Davies offered solidity, his attacking impact was limited.
In 2022, Tottenham took a different approach, securing Destiny Udogie from Udinese for £15 million. He was immediately loaned back to Udinese to further his development, gearing up for his Premier League debut in 2023.
Udogie’s progress has validated the strategy, impressing at Tottenham and earning recognition from Paul Merson.
Praise for Udogie’s Performances
Merson expressed to Sportskeeda that Udogie is currently the Premier League’s most underestimated player. He highlighted Udogie’s standout performance against Bukayo Saka in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal this season.
Even after receiving an early booking, Udogie effectively neutralized Saka, prompting Merson to commend him as an “absolutely outstanding talent.”
Merson lauded Udogie’s versatility, praising his ability to excel both defensively and offensively, making him a well-rounded left-back. He emphasized that Udogie’s consistent displays debunk any notion of him being a one-hit wonder.
“Udogie’s development this season has been phenomenal. His balance between attacking prowess and defensive solidity places him among the most promising talents globally,” Merson remarked.
Udogie’s recent contract extension with Tottenham signals a bright future ahead. At just 21 and with 17 Premier League appearances, he’s far from reaching his peak but already displays remarkable potential.
Tottenham’s strategy to secure Udogie early on, allowing him to develop in Italy before joining the North London side, has proven shrewd. This foresight avoided potential competition and provided Udogie with a seamless transition.
Given Arsenal’s recent left-back issues, clubs across the league may envy Tottenham’s acquisition of Udogie, a move that seems to have brought immense value to Spurs.