Super Eagles Vice-Captain Reveals The Defensive Qualities He Has Improved Since Moving To Italy

The Serie A has had a positive impact on the defensive ability of Nigeria international defender, William Troost-Ekong, the Udinese star discloses.

Super Eagles vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong, is convinced that he has become a better tackler and a more refined reader of the game since he switched to Italy 18 months ago.

Born in Haarlem, Netherlands, the 26-year-old had previously played in the Eredivisie (with Groningen), the Belgian Jupiler League (with Gent), the Norwegian First Division (with Haugesund) and the Turkish Super Lig (with Bursaspor). It was from the Turkish side that he moved to Udinese in August 2018 after featuring in all three group-stage games for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

But the Serie A has proven to have the biggest impact on the aggressive defender’s game, with William confessing to having gained a lot since joining Le Zebrette.

“I believe in the club and management and I’ve gained a lot since coming here. We have not done badly, but we can do better,” the 6ft 3in strongman revealed.

“I’ve also become a better tackler since coming to Italy. I have to focus more on tactical positioning, decision making and this has given me the opportunity to be able to do more. I have developed more in that aspect of brain work.”

Troost-Ekong is the third Super Eagle to play for Udinese, after the duo of Christan Obodo and Odion Ighalo.