When it comes to Tottenham, there’s one player who I believe doesn’t get his due. Injury problems aside, Tom Huddlestone has been an absolute rock for Spurs over the last few years and I’m a little surprised that he isn’t held in higher regard by fans. Why, for instance is there never any discussion about Huddlestone joining up with the England side? Is he underrated or am I overrating him? Either way I feel that Tottenham have missed him this season.
He was progressing extremely well before he picked up his injury. Tottenham used his size well, allowing him to dominate the midfield and start spraying passes all over the pitch. He’s known for his power on the ball and when it comes to shooting and he hasn’t disappointed in these areas.
He has a bit of a reputation for slowing things down, but he offers Spurs something totally different to anything else they’ve got.
I’m not claiming that he’d have started every week, but I think Tottenham’s midfield could have used a bit more competition. Having Thudd on the bench would have allowed Harry Redknapp to mix it up a bit. He provides a completely different style of play from the likes of Scott Parker and Sandro and may have been just the man Tottenham needed when facing teams who were content to park the bus (like Everton a couple of weeks ago).
Just think about Thudd’s remarkable performance against Inter Milan two November’s ago, as he captained Tottenham to a 3-1 win. He was absolutely imperious that night, spraying out balls to the wings and asserting his dominance over a top Inter Milan midfield.
Too often this season Tottenham have been forced to rely on Luka Modric for their midfield inspiration. Huddlestone could have provided some more creativity in the centre-of-the-park.
In recent times Luka Modric’s influence has been waning and so too has Tottenham’s form. The truth is Spurs are a little short of options.
Instead, we’ve seen the rise to prominence of Jake Livermore. Whilst Jake hasn’t exactly disappointed he’s still very much in the ‘one for the future’ category and Spurs could desperately use a little more experience as this season winds down.
I’d argue that he’s Spurs’ most underrated player and I personally can’t wait for him to be back in the fold. Tottenham need a little inspiration and he’s capable of providing it.
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Best passer of a ball in the league bar none. If he was from any other country in Europe he would have 50 caps by now. Too many idiots here think football can only be played by runners. He has more skill and creativity than anyone in the whole squad bar Modrat. Of course he has been missed the last full season he played the majority of games we made the champions league. Hurry back tom Real football fans miss you, Spurs misses you!
I have to disagree here. If given time on the ball, then Huddlestone has a profound effect on a match. However that is a rarity in the EPL.
This all changes of course if ‘Arry drastically changes the formation to accommodate his inclusion when ever that time comes. Something I believe the masses do not believe is necessary nor warranted.
It was nice to see us return to basics against Stoke with Van der Vaart back in his favoured position. The downfall against Stoke was their utterly defensive display in the second half, 11 players behind the ball. Their goal coming from a set piece.
Given the need for speed out wide, I believe the inclusion of Dos Santos into the line-up is needed. He does track back, and does put his foot in when needed. All it takes is proverbial arm around the shoulder from ‘Arry to coax the best out of the young lad. Having Bale and Dos Santos in wide positions against Chelsea will help slow down their full-backs attacking instincts. It will also allow them to switch sides periodically in the match.
Hopefully Adebayor returns…
Overated in my book. His long balls simply give the ball to the opposition as they have too much air on them. He cannot tackle cannot head, wants an extra bounce/touch of the ball before getting it under or playing it and he switches off too often.
Luxury player.