Destiny Udogie likened to Cristiano Ronaldo live on BBC after what he did in Tottenham FA Cup win vs Burnley
Destiny Udogie put in another great display as Tottenham saw off Burnley 1-0 to advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday (5 January).
The left-back is enjoying a superb first full campaign in North London, with this cup triumph his 18th start in all competitions for the Lilywhites.
Udogie may not have registered a goal or assist but he certainly played a key part in the win, with Pedro Porro’s belter proving the difference.
Indeed, his two key passes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were bettered only by fellow full-back Porro (three), who had a stormer [Sofascore].
The Italy international registered two completed dribbles, which only Rodrigo Bentancur could better with four among all Spurs players.
There was one moment in the first half in particular when Udogie went on a slaloming run that ended with Vitinho wiping him out.
That earned the defender, who had 64 touches of the ball, comparisons with one of the greatest players of all time in Cristiano Ronaldo.
Commentating on the game for BBC Radio 5 Live [5 January, 08:42pm], Conor McNamara said: “That’s great strength from Udogie.
“He first holds off Aaron Ramsey, then Lyle Foster, before doing a Ronaldo-style jump. Eventually Vitinho has had enough and hacks him down.”
McNamara added that Udogie was “too hot to handle”, and that told as he was fouled a joint-high two times, level with Porro [WhoScored].
Not only did Udogie help in an attacking sense, he also put in a fine defensive shift, as epitomised by his 13 attempted duels, seven of those won.
No Tottenham player could better that tally, and he was also not dribbled past a single time. For context, Porro was dribbled past three times.
Factor in his three aerial duels won – only Emerson Royal had more with five – and it is fair to say Udogie more than impressed all over the field.
Not that Tottenham fans need telling, but they have a real gem on their hands in the ever-improving Udogie.
In other Tottenham news, a “wild” development could end up paying dividends for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.