Tottenham’s “21-year-old god” Destiny Udoh has been hailed as the best left-back in the English Premier League (EPL).
Aston Villa legend Gabriel Agbonlahor told ‘TalkSPORT’ on Sept. 19 (KST), “Udoji is the best left-back in the league. He’s good on the ball. He’s strong, he’s aggressive, he’s unbelievable, he has everything as a left-back.”
Tottenham signed Udoji last summer under Antonio Conte. The fee was £21 million (approximately $35 billion).
Udoji was immediately loaned back to Udinese in the Italian Serie A. He broke out last season. In 33 Serie A appearances, he scored three goals and provided four assists, making him one of the best left fullbacks in the league.
After warming up, Udoji joined the EPL this season. His potential was maximized when he met new head coach Enze Postecoglou.
He was the perfect fit for Postecoglou’s attacking style of play. He’s full of energy and is the team’s lubricant.
In 15 appearances, Udoji has one goal and two assists. Udoji’s debut goal was set up by Son Heung-min. Son provided the assist on Nov. 11 against Newcastle after pranking his best friend Kieran Trippier.
Tottenham recognize the value. Udoji re-signed with Spurs in a rush on Wednesday. His contract was extended by three years, from 2027 to June 2030.
His salary also increased significantly. Udoji will reportedly earn €2 million per year ($2.85 billion) in his new deal.
His performances for Spurs earned him a call-up to the Italian national team in October, where he played two A matches. Agbonlahor is not alone in his praise. Udoji’s meteoric rise has also been noted by the UK’s Express, which says he is “fast building a reputation as one of the most exciting young left-backs in European football”.
However, there is a catch. Card management. Udoji was sent off for two bookable offenses against Chelsea last month, and he will miss the Everton game on Thursday due to accumulated cautions.
TalkSPORT also cited card control as Udoji’s “only downside”.