Destiny Udogie flops after Tottenham contract move as Jamie Carragher brands Spurs ‘sloppy’ in first half at Nottingham Forest
Tottenham need far more from their newly re-signed defender Destiny Udogie after the visitors produced a “sloppy” first-half display at Nottingham Forest and the defender got himself suspended.
The Italian left-back has just signed a new long-term deal to tie him to the club until 2030, including a “significant pay rise” [Evening Standard, 12 December].
But the youngster has been well short of his best as his side has threatened to concede in the first half at the City Ground and needs to repay the faith shown in him by the club after the half.
According to SofaScore stats the 21-year-old has won only one of his six ground duels in the first 45 minutes (16.7%) while losing possession eight times and committing two fouls.
The second of those infringements for a needless barge on Ryan Yates running back towards his goal saw him booked and suspended for the game against Everton.
Richarlison’s stoppage-time goal has Tottenham ahead at the break as Ange Postecolgou’s side look to get back on a winning run after beating Newcastle last time out.
But they are going to need far more from their star young full-back after investing in him for years to come as Spurs have looked shaky at the back.
Since Udogie is going to be missing next time out it is the latest selection issue presented to Postecoglou in a season packed full of them.
He wasn’t the only one who looked below his best in the first half as possession was conceded frequently in the midfield in what Jamie Carragher called a “sloppy” performance live on Sky Sports (8.33pm).
Udogie was better in possession than out of it as he completed 21 of his 23 passes (91%) but in a defensive sense he left plenty to be desired in his first action after the new deal.
Carragher said of his foul just before the break that saw him yellow-carded (8.43pm): “I just don’t think he needs to make that challenge Udogie, I think he’ll get back, just get round the other side of him, just shoves him over.”
Richarlison’s third goal in as many halves has given Spurs an important lead but his defensive and midfield teammates need to show more defensively to prevent this being another advantage surrendered, and the man with the new deal is very much included.
In other Tottenham news, a former player has blasted a rival club over their “nonsense” claim against Spurs.