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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Marc Mayo

Bukayo Saka named ahead of Mohamed Salah as toughest opponent by Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie

Destiny Udogie has described the biggest difficulties of facing Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Salah.

Tottenham faced off against Arsenal and Liverpool in entertaining games earlier this season, taking a 2-2 draw away from the Emirates Stadium before a controversial home win over the Merseysiders.

On both occasions, Italian left-back Udogie received praise for his handling of two of the world's top right wingers.

When comparing Saka and Salah, he suggested the Arsenal star was the harder opponent due to his first touch and ability to protect the ball.

He told The Athletic: "Saka was one of the most difficult because I never played against him and it was a derby.

"What makes him difficult is the way he takes his first touch, the way he attacks you and protects the ball.

"Salah is faster, more running into the space. And he is quick with the ball. So, it was quite hard but it was ok."

An early yellow card in the north London derby made the Spurs defender's job even harder, yet he managed to come through the game without further mishap.

Udogie added: "I knew it was going to be difficult because I got booked early because [Saka]’s a smart player, a really smart player.

"So afterwards I just said I have to stay calm and don’t tackle first, just wait for him.

"At half-time the manager said, 'You’re booked, be careful. Don’t tackle, don’t risk the ball and wait for him'."

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