Tottenham should take Klass’ rebuff with a pinch of salt

Football FanCast guest columnist Jon Howard believes Huntelaar will need a move in January, especially with it being World Cup year.

While I am sure Klass-Jan Huntelaar was very sincere in his claims that he intends to fight for his AC Milan future, the truth of the matter is that there is only so long that the Dutchman can afford and be prepared to wait, especially with it being World Cup year and all. Bert van Marwijk has already warned that those playing regular first team football will be guaranteed a spot on the plane to South Africa, therefore Klass clearly has some thinking to do.

I feel for Huntelaar as I am of the view that he is a top class striker who hasn’t perhaps had the run of the green in the past 12 months. His reputation has been tarnished, many have questioned his abilities and to be honest you do feel that he has become the victim of circumstance, which has been out of his control. Klass joined Real Madrid at a time when the club was in turmoil and he never got the run of games in the side he deserved, while Milan’s poor start of the season seemingly had the finger pointing at him rather than the fact Leonardo needed time to find his feet at the football club. If anyone watched Milan during the early season they would know that the lack of service was the reason; however with results improving Leonardo isn’t going to change what appears a winning formula at present leaving Huntelaar in the cold for now.

Any neutral looking in at the situation will conclude that Huntelaar hasn’t cut it with two of Europe’s elite, but I don’t think that is a fair reflection of the situations he has faced. Huntelaar is more than capable of succeeding in either League, however the failure to hit the ground running from day one (something you have to achieve at these clubs) has left him out in the cold, which has damaged his confidence and a bit of self belief. A move for me is the best alternative for the player, unless something dramatic changes at the San Siro in the next six weeks.

I know Huntelaar came out over the weekend and dispelled any talk that he would move to Tottenham as he fights for his place in Milan, but I believe a move to North London is exactly what he needs, even if it was only on a loan basis until the end of the season. Klass’ style would suit the Premier League and he certainly wouldn’t struggle to adapt and therefore it would perhaps prove just the tonic that he needs to get regular games, score goals and rebuild his reputation as one of the most potent and prolific strikers in Europe. Klass isn’t stupid and he’ll know that he cannot jeopardise his World Cup place, therefore that is why if I were a Tottenham fan I would take his weekend rebuff with a pinch of salt, as he will need a move in January, even at the moment he is attempting not to let on.