Tottenham Hotspur secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, with Dominic Solanke converting a penalty after a mistake from Kaua Santos to seal a spot in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, where the club will face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
The first half was relatively cagey, apart from the penalty. However, Spurs imposed themselves with authority in the second 45 and deservedly won. In a season that has offered little to cheer, the club now has a genuine shot at silverware.
Tottenham were without captain Son Heung-min and needed key players to step up to the plate, and they did. The defence held their own, Lucas Bergvall was brilliant in midfield, and Solanke led the line well.
Many Spurs players deserve praise, but Destiny Udogie, in particular, was sensational on the night and deserves to be highlighted after the week or so he had.
The Tottenham left-back emerged as a target for Manchester City, with reports claiming that the reigning Premier League champions are considering a swoop.
However, Udogie shut out the noise to produce a stellar display against Frankfurt. Football London praised his display, rating him 9/10 and saying, “Brought back in by Ange Postecoglou and fully showed why. He was excellent in his defensive work and led the charges up the pitch with his energy.”
Udogie has not been up to scratch this season due to injuries. But he is gradually stringing good performances together. His display in Germany was another positive step, and he will be determined to keep this up.
Udogie won 8/14 ground duels and completed three of his six attempted dribbles. He was a constant outlet down the left, providing thrust and incision.
Tottenham must ward off Man City and keep Udogie – View
With Man City sniffing around the goods, Tottenham must do everything to keep Destiny Udogie this summer. Performances like the one in Frankfurt are a timely reminder of just how high his ceiling is.
Udogie is still only 22. He has the raw attributes and mentality to become one of the best full-backs in Europe. Letting him go now would weaken the Spurs defensive unit and hand a direct rival a player who can haunt the club for years.
Players like Udogie – dynamic, fearless, and technically gifted – are central to the Spurs project. Tottenham must resist any temptation to cash in.
(Stats from Sofascore)