International boss identifies area of improvement for 20-year-old Tottenham wonderkid

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International boss Luciano Spaletti identifies area of improvement for the 20-year-old Tottenham wonderkid – Destiny Udogie.

The full-back has been a revelation for Ange Postecoglou this season. The Italian was trusted with a place in the starting XI after being sent out on loan for the remainder of the 22/23 season and has impressed the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful tremendously.

The wonderkid has been immense in pretty much every fixture he’s played, showing unrivalled competency in both defence and attack for such a young man.

His efforts earned him his first international start against England last night, where he featured as the Italians lost 3-1 at Wembley.

Udogie gets Italy first start

Udogie was propelled into the spotlight as Italy lost at Wembley to an impressive England side.

He made his debut a few days prior, with the youngster coming off the bench to replace Federico Dimarco in the 80th minute against Malata. He even set up Davide Fratessi for Italy’s fourth goal in his short cameo.

This impressive ten minutes meant Italy boss Luciano Spaletti rewarded him with a daunting start against England – which he fared well. Although there is one area of improvement according to his nations gaffer.

Spaletti on Udogie

Speaking in his post-match press conference via talkSPORT, Spaletti said: “He played the game he needed to. He produced the performance I was expecting from him.

“I think he still needs to be a bit more consistent when it comes to staying switched on defensively.

“But he did show what great running ability he has, and stamina he has.”

He went on: “He was slightly held back by the yellow card he received at the start of the match and there was a risk of him picking up a second bookable offence.

“And because he is such a determined player who likes to go into 50/50 challenges the risk of him picking up that second yellow was a bit higher, which is ultimately why I decided to substitute him.”

A fair analysis from the coach and something that the youngster will definitely take on board. He’s young, hungry and thriving at the moment. We’re convinced he’ll iron out any teething issues in due time.