Destiny relishing Reds challenge | Matchday programme exclusive

If Destiny Udogie needed any proof that playing Premier League football is just about as tough as it can get in the domestic game, then back-to-back fixtures against Arsenal and Liverpool should do the trick!

Our Italy Under-21 international defender goes into this weekend’s clash with the Reds at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium off the back of an impressive display against Arsenal – when he extinguished the right-sided threat of Gunners’ dangerman Bukayo Saka for large periods of the game. And Destiny will need to be on top form once again on Saturday as he’s likely to come face-to-face with in-form Liverpool forward Mo Salah.

Despite picking up an early booking in the north London derby, Destiny admirably stuck to his task of marshalling Saka, last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year, as we drew 2-2 in an enthralling clash at the Emirates.

And, speaking in our matchday programme for the visit of Liverpool, the 20-year-old knows he faces another tough afternoon against Salah – but says he cannot wait!

“Playing up against Salah is going to be a very big challenge for me and the team,” explained Destiny. “Everybody knows he's a very good player and I have to prepare well and give my best so I'm really looking forward to it.

“We train very hard every day, so we want to be able to run more than the other teams. We try to be fit so if we lose the ball, we are ready to counter-press the opponent and this is something the gaffer wants from us as players, so we have to keep the strong spirit and work hard every day.

“It's going to be a tough game but a nice game for both teams so let the best team win!”

Read the full interview with Destiny Udogie in Saturday’s matchday programme. Still priced at £4, the 84-page issue also features Ange Postecoglou’s exclusive column, the latest instalment of our fascinating ‘Watch Your Language’ series – this week with Cristian Romero – and much more!