Troy Deeney aims bizarre criticism at Destiny Udogie after his impressive Tottenham return

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Troy Deeney has blasted Destiny Udogie and two other Tottenham players following the club’s 2-2 draw against Brighton.

The Italy international came in for his first start of the season at the Amex Stadium, replacing Djed Spence at left-back.

It was the first time that Thomas Frank had veered away from his first-choice back four, and the Dane was pleased with how the former Udinese man performed.

The Tottenham boss labelled Udogie’s performance as ‘exceptional’, insisting that the 22-year-old was ‘unstoppable’ when he went forward, but Deeny disagrees.

Troy Deeney criticises Destiny Udogie and two Tottenham teammates

Deeny insisted that Udogie was ‘miles of it’ and is a significant downgrade to Spence at left-back.

The former Watford striker named the Italian, along with Mathys Tel and Guglielmo Vicario as three players that Frank will want to replace in January.

Deeney told talkSPORT: “(Destiny) Udogie, the left-back. For me, he is miles off it. He’s miles off it from when they have Djed Spence in.

“You can’t afford to take three lads out now, because they’ll end up like the first half. It’ll be so night and day in terms of the performance.

“I think a few of them, the likes of (Mathys) Tel, Udogie at left-back, even the goalkeeper, will make him (Frank) think ‘Oh my God’, I’m going to have to work these boys to the bone, just to get to January’.”

Udogie was not the main culprit for Brighton’s first goal

If fans need any evidence that many pundits watch just the highlights and do not watch full games, this is a clear example.

Deeney has clearly watched the highlights and criticised Udogie for his part in the home side’s opening goal without actually watching his 90-minute performance.

However, the main issue with that goal lay with Micky van de Ven evacuating his space in an effort to win the ball in midfield, which allowed Brighton to be through on goal.

As exceptional as Spence is defensively, Udogie showed at the Amex Stadium that he offers more in attack, timing his overlaps well and being a handful for the Seagulls’ defence all game.