Tottenham's Super Eagles-eligible left-back admits he grew up studying Real Madrid icon 

Tottenham Hotspur's Super Eagles-eligible left-back Destiny Udogie has revealed that he grew up studying Real Madrid icon Marcelo Vieira.

One of the best left-backs in history, Marcelo was on the books of Los Blancos for fifteen years, during which he won five Champions League titles, La Liga on six occasions and the UEFA Super Cup three times among others.

The Brazilian defender was an attacking outlet from his fullback position, registering 141 goal involvements in 546 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid. 

Just as his idol did, Udogie has also excelled in attack even though he's still learning the trade, scoring eight goals and notching seven assists in 71 matches for Udinese. 

The Italy U21 international scored twenty five minutes into his Tottenham Hotspur debut in a 3-2 loss to West Ham United in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, nodding home from an Ivan Perisic corner in the 71st minute. 

Speaking to Football.London before yesterday's clash at Optus Stadium, Perth, Australia, Udogie said: "I have to say I liked Marcelo, I used to watch Marcelo a lot. Marcelo, Alex Sandro.

 "I love the way Marcelo played football, it was so clean, you know, technique, the style, everything."

Udogie was born and raised in Verona to parents Franklin and Kate, who were born in Nigeria. 

Hashim Kolawole

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