Phil Taylor ripped into those who say Luke Littler is arrogant “Anybody that knocks him is an idiot, they don’t know what they are talking about”

The 17-year-old darts prodigy won his first Premier League night, defeating Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Nathan Aspinall. It was the latest incredible feat for the teenage superstar, who has also reached the final of the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship, won the Bahrain Masters, and won the Belgian Open. However, the Warrington native has faced criticism, with many seeing his flair and ambitious playing style as arrogant.

In the semi-finals of the Belgian Open, German player Ricardo Pietreczko shouted in Littler’s face on stage before describing the youngster as “arrogant”.

A few weeks later, Littler’s icon Raymond van Barneveld confirmed that the youngster had been ignoring the Dutch icon’s text messages. When asked about some of the vitriol directed against Littler, the 16-time world champion defended the prodigy.

Taylor retired from top-level darts and the PDC back in 2018. ‘The Power’ continues to watch from afar, but, like many others, is enjoying Luke Littler’s climb to the top of the sport.

Phil Taylor ripped into those who say Luke Littler is arrogant

“I’ve watched every game of Luke’s, the ones he has won and the ones he has lost. I’m impressed by him. He’s learning, it’s an apprenticeship, that’s what it is, and he is a great little player.

“I like his attitude towards the game, I like it because he’s got that little bit of needle when he gets beat. Some people call it cocky, some people call it arrogance, it’s not, it’s nothing to do with that.

“I’ve watched every game of Luke’s, the ones he has won and the ones he has lost. I’m impressed by him. He’s learning, it’s an apprenticeship, that’s what it is, and he is a great little player.

“I like his attitude towards the game, I like it because he’s got that little bit of needle when he gets beat. Some people call it cocky, some people call it arrogance, it’s not, it’s nothing to do with that.

“He’s got the perfect attitude, anybody that knocks him is an idiot, they don’t know what they are talking about. He’s a good lad, and he will do well.”