Ange must untie the Spurs “monster” who would enter the Liverpool team
Tottenham Hotspur host Liverpool in the Premier League this afternoon, still bouncing off the frenzy Carabao Cup victory against Manchester United on Thursday evening.
This performance has set up a semi-final clash with Arne Slottteam in the New Year, and this weekend’s clash could be used as a yardstick to determine how the eye-catching outfits fit.
Liverpool are two points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, but have conceded ground in each of their last two games and look more vulnerable with Ibrahima Konate out through injury.
Spurs team news
While Sunday’s visitors have a concern or two, Tottenham have suffered a series of setbacks in recent weeks which have limited their options considerably.
Guglielmo Vicario is still out and so 36-year-old Fraser Forster will once again take his place between the sticks after his horror show against the Red Devils.
Compounding this problem, star defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are still out until the New Year, and while Ben Davies is set to return, that could come too soon.
While Spence made a good impression, he likely won’t start for this one, with Destiny Udogie he is believed to be fit once more after missing midweek. The robust left-back could be key against a Reds side that may just be looking at him with a little jealousy.
Destiny Udogie could be crucial against Liverpool
Udogie is ready for this crunch clash, and a good one too, with his strengths perfect for the high-stakes match against the Liverpool machine.
|
Destiny Udogie – Premier League Stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Match Stats* |
2023/24 |
2024/25 |
|
Matches (initiations) |
28 (28) |
16 (16) |
|
goals |
2 |
0 |
|
Assistance |
3 |
1 |
|
taps* |
67.2 |
63.3 |
|
Completion of the pass |
87% |
89% |
|
Key Passes* |
0.9 |
0.8 |
|
dribbles* |
0.9 |
0.6 |
|
Ball recovery* |
6.0 |
4.6 |
|
Tackles + interceptions* |
3.7 |
3.8 |
|
Total duels (won)* |
5.4 (50%) |
5.8 (56%) |
|
Statistics via Sofascore (* = per game) |
||
Some may argue that Udogie hasn’t been at his best this season, but the stats suggest he’s still progressing in England’s top flight and, let’s not forget, he’s just turned 22.
Described as a “monster” by reporter Travis Levison because of his physical and athletic qualities, Udogie is the perfect player to nullify a player like Mohamed Salah, who is 32 years old but remains one of the most potent threats in Europe.
Salah’s athletic regression is a byproduct of Father Time, but he has prepared his game to suit his age. It will take someone like Udogie to come out on top.
In fact, the Italian is in the top 7% of Premier League full-backs this year for progressive passes, top 18% for progressive carries and top 14% for tackles and blocks per 90. according to FBrefoffsetting the claims of reporter Hunter Godson that he is a “morbidly good” young talent who would get into “almost every team in the world”, including the Reds.
Liverpool’s Andy Robertson could return to the starting line-up after being sent off against Fulham a week ago (missed against Southampton on Wednesday), but the 30-year-old is starting to show signs of exhaustion and having considering that Liverpool will be looking for a left-back in 2025could pay close attention to Udogie’s performance.
Of course, Spurs’ talent isn’t likely to go anywhere anytime soon, although that won’t stop Tottenham from showing Udogie to his full potential, perhaps proving to be the difference maker on a testing afternoon.
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