Thomas Frank was impressed by his substitutes in Tottenham’s Champions League win over Villarreal, but fans believe one in particular has earned a start against Brighton.
Spurs continued their impressive start to the campaign with a 1-0 victory over the Spanish side in their return to the Europe’s top flight, with Lucas Bergvall – who earned high praise from Wayne Rooney – scoring the only goal in the clash.
Frank hailed Joao Palhinha’s impact from the bench, while Kevin Danso came on to help Spurs see out their narrow win.
However it was one other substitute that fans believe should return to Frank’s XI for Tottenham’s trip to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
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Destiny Udogie must start over Djed Spence against Brighton, he can help Xavi Simons
Out of all of Tottenham’s substitutes on Tuesday, Destiny Udogie is the one Spurs fans would like to see start against the Seagulls.
Despite Spurs supporters wanting Xavi Simons to play in midfield as opposed to being on the wing where he is currently being deployed, having Udogie may help get the best out of him in that position while Tottenham wait on the return of reinforcements to allow Simons’ switch.
Many on social media believe Udogie will be able to press high and wide, allowing Simons to come inside.
“Wanna see Udogie and Simons on the other side Simons coming inside and Udogie on the overlap,” one wrote.
A second added: “Gotta take it to them 100% , either start Udogie on left with Simons or if start Spence then put Simons in middle.”
“It’s a tough game especially coming from Europe,” a third said. “There needs to be rotations but not massive ones, Brighton are a really good team with great ball and off the ball patterns. Udogie needs to start.”
Why has Djed Spence started over Destiny Udogie so far?
Udogie missed Tottenham’s pre-season tour of Asia after picking up a knee injury while warming up for a friendly clash with Luton Town.
After missing Spurs’ opening three games, Udogie has made cameos off the bench, clocking up 59 minutes of football so far.
England international Djed Spence has been put in at left back during his absence, starting all six of Frank’s first games in charge.
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However good Spence has been, it will be good for Frank to rotate Udogie in to give him a break, get his teammate’s fitness up and benefit Simons.
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