Pundit backs 'Integral' Tottenham ace to start v AZ Alkmaar despite recent criticism

Paul Robinson does not expect Ange Postecoglou to drop under-fire Destiny Udogie as Tottenham face AZ Alkmaar on Thursday (24 October).

The 21-year-old has been criticised after being at fault for goals against Brighton and West Ham in recent Premier League fixtures, though he has continued to be a mainstay in the Spurs starting XI.

Despite the concerns being raised around his defending, Robinson believes Postecoglou will not drop the young Italian ahead of their Europa League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “I like him as a player but he can be susceptible, but the whole team can be leaky. The back four is not going to change. I think he actually played quite well [versus West Ham] apart from the goal.

“With his role going forward, he’s an integral part of the squad so the manager isn’t going to replace him unless there is a severe drop in form. Looking at the players available, Archie Gray isn’t going to play and Djed Spence is out with a groin injury.

Destiny Udogie to be dropped ahead of Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar?

“There are no better options than Destiny Udogie, so I think we’ll still see him play against AZ Alkmaar. He makes questionable decisions but looking at what he brings to the team, he was probably the best player out of the back four.”

While Udogie’s defensive liabilities have been highlighted before, he notched two goals and three assists in the Premier League last term and already has one assist so far this season.

If the Italian is fit, Postecoglou rarely drops him to the bench, which is likely to continue despite the criticism of the player’s lack of defensive skills. Injury could be the only reason for his absence from the starting XI.

In other Tottenham news, a 44% Spurs star is still lacking in one key area as the “biggest concern” was mooted v West Ham.

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