Thomas Andrew Huddlestone joined Spurs in January 2005 with much promise and the ever weighty tag of 'potential' after six seasons at pride park and 95 appearances.Former manager at Derby County George Burley said of Huddlestone, "He's a terrific talent. As a young player, he (is) the best passer of a ball I (have) ever seen, and I've worked with some good young players." Fine praise indeed from the former Scotland star and Coach but the potential as yet remains unfulfilled and the crowd at White Hart Lane still seem to have mixed feelings about the man and the myth.
At the age of just 12 Huddlestone was released by his first club Nottingham Forest having been judged to be 'not strong enough', leaving the tall midland born teenager to look for a new club. Finding a new home at Derby County, Huddlestone or 'Thudd' as he has been nicknamed by many of the Spurs faithful, made his debut at the age of 16 and was later voted man of the match for his performance against Stoke City despite the teams defeat that day.
Even in those early stages, the eye for a long range pass was already there with Huddlestone spraying his trademark long range passes across the pitch during the game and already scouts across the country were circling.
Spurs agree Huddlestone fee
Finally Spurs got their man and completed a £2.5m deal for the then unknown midfielder and it wasn't long before he was loaned out to Wolves giving him the playing time he would have otherwise have lacked.
It was under Martin Jol that Huddlestone began to flourish, earning his first Spurs start against Slavia Prague and being compared by Jol to German legend Franz Beckenbauer due to his eye for picking out a pass and fine movement.
During his 6 year stay at Spurs Huddlestones' career has hit peaks and troughs with the highlight thus far coming in his captaining of the team on matchday 4 of last seasons Champions League campaign, beating holders Inter Milan. There have also been times when the lad just seems to go missing in games and frustratingly he looks reluctant to use his size and build to take command of the midfield which would add a great dimension to his game.
There have been some great goals and some very good games from 'Thudd', consistency however is the key for any successful Premier League player in developing from being a boy to becoming a man!
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Good Hudd Link Here
Hope he delivers this year. i think the modric situation could actually be the making of him. Step forward Thudd!
ReplyDeleteNever has been good enough imo. Should sell him and get better in
ReplyDeleteI think that with Sandro doing well time may be thin for Hddlestone
ReplyDeleteHudd proved in in 2009/2010, when he played more games than any other Spurs player (33 games) and we finished in our highest premiership position (4th) with our highest number of premiership points. Not sure what Lefteye is saying. Even if you are not a fan of him, why sell Hudd before Jenas & Palacios?. Last season Hudd had major injury, so it was stop start.
ReplyDeleteagree with last ost. Hudd is the future and has been solid for us.
ReplyDeleteLosing Hudd last season was a big reason for our second half of the season slump.
ReplyDeleteHe's a big part of how we play and will be very important this year.
Ive seen John White, Danny BLanchflower and Glenn Hoddle and I reckon Hudd is the best passer of all. Give him the right support and he makes the team click
ReplyDeleteHas failed to step up. "Potential" is no longer enough after 6 seasons. Has to prove himself this year or we should ship him out. Better passer than Hoddle, Blanchflower and John White? Why not better than Xavi or Iniesta while you are at it? Barcelona and the likes aren't exactly knocking at the door. Typical of the hype surrounding Hudd. Hope he does well this year, maybe alongside Sandro when he gets back-- now THAT's a player-- but not holding my breath.
ReplyDeleteI've found him to be one of the most frustrating players we've had, over the last couple of years.
ReplyDeleteHe's got a lovely strike, BUT, he's lazy, can't head, gives the ball away and commits too many needless fouls.
I remember him 'threatening' to leave, if he wasn't given enough first team chances.
But I can't remember anyone coming after him?
Whoever said he could "pass better than Hoddle" is insane!
I can't understand what people are looking for in Hudd. He is often critisised for not being fast enough and not getting around the pitch enough but the fact is, he's not a box-to-box midfielder. For all the running JJ and Zokora ever did, they've never been more productive than Hudd. Hudd's passing is what make Bale and Lennon so effective. He drops balls in behind the fullbacks and our wingers are on them. As Anon 5:51 said, the season Hudd started most games, we have our highest finish...it's no coincidence.
ReplyDeleteIf you check your facts our best spell last season was when he was injured. Ask yourselves - which other top English or continental team would he get into let alone be a regular? Have any of them shown interest in buying him? He is not good enough but all I hear is how promising he is and how he can pass the ball square with...wait for it... the outside of his foot! Wow!
ReplyDelete