Italian media deliver bad news for Tottenham on Destiny Udogie
Tottenham Hotspur’s Destiny Udogie finds himself at a career crossroads after enduring a torrid international break with Italy, drawing fierce criticism from media and pundits following the Azzurri’s Nations League exit to Germany.
The 21-year-old left-back, once heralded as one of Serie A’s brightest prospects, failed to convince in either leg of the quarterfinal tie, with Italian outlets delivering brutal assessments of his performances that will concern both national team manager Luciano Spalletti and Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.
Udogie’s struggles in Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion proved particularly damaging as Germany raced to a 3-0 first-half lead, all three goals originating from his flank.
The defender’s positional awareness and decision-making came under intense scrutiny, with TuttoMercatoWeb branding his display “defensively naive and offensively impotent” in their scathing 5/10 rating. CalcioMercato went further, awarding just 4.5/10 while questioning whether the young fullback possesses the maturity for top-level football after he replicated his poor first-leg showing.
Even Sky Sport Italia’s more measured critique highlighted Udogie’s ineffectiveness against Joshua Kimmich’s relentless dominance, despite acknowledging the Tottenham man’s evident effort and enthusiasm.
These performances compound what has been a difficult season for Udogie since returning from injury. Once considered Tottenham’s first-choice left-back, his dip in form has opened the door for Djed Spence to stake his claim, with the Englishman’s recent displays at left-back arguably surpassing Udogie’s contributions.
The Italian’s regression raises legitimate questions about whether he currently merits inclusion in Tottenham’s strongest XI, particularly ahead of crucial Europa League knockout fixtures where defensive solidity becomes paramount.
Spalletti’s tactical setup should theoretically have played to Udogie’s strengths. Deployed as a wing-back in Italy’s 3-5-2 system – a role that maximizes his attacking instincts while minimizing defensive responsibilities – the youngster nevertheless appeared hesitant going forward and vulnerable at the back.
His failure to capitalize on these ideal conditions suggests deeper issues with confidence and adaptation, worrying signs for a player once tipped to become a mainstay for both club and country.
For Postecoglou, Udogie’s struggles present a genuine selection headache. The Australian manager’s system relies heavily on dynamic full-backs who can contribute equally to attacking and defensive phases. While Pedro Porro has cemented his place on the right flank through consistent performances, the left-back position now appears up for grabs.
Spence’s superior defensive awareness and recent form make him a compelling alternative, especially in high-stakes European matches where defensive lapses prove costly.
Italian journalists have been particularly damning in their analysis, with several suggesting Udogie lacks the technical and tactical refinement required at international level.
His tendency to ball-watch rather than track runners, coupled with underwhelming contributions in the final third, have become recurring themes this season. These deficiencies were ruthlessly exposed by Germany’s intelligent movement and clinical finishing, leaving Spalletti with difficult decisions ahead of Italy’s upcoming fixtures.
Tottenham’s coaching staff now face the delicate task of rebuilding Udogie’s shattered confidence while addressing the technical flaws in his game. At his best, the young defender offers explosive overlapping runs and dangerous deliveries from wide areas – attributes that made him one of last season’s breakout stars.
However, his current trajectory suggests a player struggling with the physical and mental demands of top-flight football, raising questions about whether a temporary spell out of the spotlight might benefit his development.
As Spurs prepare for their Europa League quarterfinal, Postecoglou must weigh loyalty against pragmatism. Udogie’s potential remains undeniable, but with Tottenham’s season reaching its decisive phase, the manager cannot afford to carry passengers.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the Italian can rediscover his best form or if Spence’s emergence signals a changing of the guard at left-back. One thing is certain – Udogie’s career has hit its first major stumbling block, and how he responds will define his future in North London.