Tom Huddlestone deserves everything he gets
Football FanCast columnist Matt Wright feels that Tom Huddlestone deserves everything that he gets.
While Wilson Palacios is widely revered by Tottenham supporters and most neutrals in general, it is Big Tom Huddlestone that for me has been the star turn this season and his displays have been of the highest order; it is he, rather than the Honduran that finishes most games and he is becoming such a key player for Harry Redknapp.
Tom Huddlestone deserves everything he gets and all the plaudits are more than justified for a player who I have always felt was typecast as someone who could pass the ball a bit, but lacked everything else or had any real presence on the pitch. This season he has proved them all wrong and has dominated the proceedings in central midfield on many occasions in what has been his first sustained period in the first team.
Let’s be honest it could have been different had JJ not been injured in pre-season, given that Huddlestone was hinting in the media that he may look to leave if he wasn’t going to get first team football. Tom was given the chance and he hasn’t looked back and in many ways it is now JJ whose career is at a crossroads and is perhaps thinking of moving on. Huddlestone is maturing and developing into the kind of player that his potential suggested he would be and he is more than silencing his doubters at White Hart Lane and most neutrals.
One person who never questioned his talents is Fabio Capello who not only spoke highly of him earlier on this year, but called him up for the recent friendly against Brazil. Although to some a call-up to the squad for South Africa maybe somewhat premature, I honestly believe that if he maintains his excellent form here on in until the end of the season, then I reckon he could be one of Fabio’s surprise packages for June. I hope so, after all it will be no more than his performances deserved.
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I could not disagree with you more.
I think he has definately been the weak link in our midfield, particularly away from home.
The sooner Harry drops him the better.
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I agree with Ton.
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Awful article.
Tom Huddlestone has only been playing for want of a better option.
The guy has been given chance after chance, against good teams and bad, and proven that he doesn’t have that creative flair we all thought he did. He is immobile and slow.
Sandro will take his place in Jan.
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I don’t think you’ve actually seen a game this season. He can’t tackle, he can’t head the ball and is about as mobile as a Steven hawking without his wheels. Fair enough he can pass the ball better than most but i certainly don’t think he justifies the blind euphoria that you spew out.
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I was quite shocked when I read this article – I thought you were going to say exactly the opposite!
Hudd is improved, no question, but he’s still seriously lacking the important qualities to be a central midfielder.
He’s an outstanding passer, we know that. But he’s still so sluggish, and loses the ball on countless occasions – it’s infuriating.
I wasn’t his greatest fan but it was interesting to see the impact JJ made as substitute recently. Made some great runs and passes, and looked so sharp and full of energy. I think the competition for places has done him good.
He looks the better midfielder than Hudd at the moment, I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts alongside Palacios in the next game.
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I like Tom, I really do. But his performance hasn’t lived up to the standard that we expect, especially in recent weeks. I like him more than Jenas, but I feel Jenas will do better for our club in the fight for the top 4. Although, Sandro is who I really want to see in that position!
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I assume you never saw Glenn Hoddle when he was a young lad and broke into the first team. OK Hudd can pick out a long pass and has a fierce shot (although in recent matches they’ve had to hand out hard hats to the people in the directors’ box) but he is still a million miles from being in the Hoddle mould. As for playing in South Africa, you’re having a laugh.
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Good article. Unfortunately a player who for whatever reason never receives the praise he deserves. Who else passes the ball in a game (V City) and gets 48 out of 52 passes on target. Who else has the range of passing and who else is such a considerable physical presence. He is exactly the type of player Tottenham need.
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i think you needn to put the crack pipe down….he is not that good and put him up agianst any of the top 4 side and he would maybe get on the bench and thats about as far as it goes…ok he can pass got no pace no guts no idea cant head and is not the player we need to drive the middle of the park
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i think hes decent unlike the lot (bellow or above dont no) ,he can pass sticks to the edge of the box and scores important goals (sunderland)but when modric gets back he will lose his spot ,modric does the same job as huddlestone just a bit better
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