Huddlestone slows it down

[Frozen_Waffles]

Tom Huddlestone – Is he the brightest talent in English football? or without pace and agility will he struggle in the modern game?

Tom Huddlestone has shown the best and worst of his talents in a short spell in the first team, he has controlled games with power and great passing with even more effectiveness than Carrick.

I watched him against Manchester City and saw a player that I thought could be the best midfielder in the Premiership, however since then I have been disappointed slightly, but what can you expect of a 20 year old central midfielder. What has occurred to me is that the City midfield was, via Joey Barton, pathetic and more importantly slow and did not close Spurs down so Huddlestone had time and space to show his true game, since then he has looked rushed, less effective and more importantly slow.
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It seems that a lack of pace is allowed if you are a defensive midfielder as being mobile is not the most important attribute for that position. They sit there and spray balls around the park like Carrick or Xavi and have great positional sense defensively. However these players have good agility and balance, which is an area where Huddlestone seems slightly lacking.
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I have no doubt that Huddlestone will be a quality player and his footballing wisdom will grow him into a Spurs great but can he ever be a world beater without pace and perhaps more importantly agility. I here you scream out a list of players who have made it in the premiership despite being slow Carrick and Sheringham spring to mind straight away, but those players are famed for their reading of the game and only time will tell if Tom develops in this area.<o:p></o:p>
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Arsenal are rumoured to have a policy where Wenger will only sign players who are essentially athletes over short distances. Apparently he refused Carrick and even Robinson for these reasons. He has based his team around players who are young and fast because he thinks that in modern football you ‘generally’ have to be pacy. For all the insults about his nationality, attitude to losing, and his transfer policy you cannot argue that there is not a chink in his logic.
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Are scouts looking at pace first and talent second? There is a prime example at <st1:city><st1:place>Chelsea</st1:place></st1:city> in my opinion where you have <st1:place><st1:placename>Wayne</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Bridge</st1:placename></st1:place> and Ashley Cole. <st1:place><st1:placename>Wayne</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Bridge</st1:placename></st1:place> you could argue is technically a better footballer than Ashley Cole, however Ashley Cole is very fast and that seems to be what cuts it in the modern game.
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In the end Tom is still young and has the promise to become a great player despite his lack of pace, but are the slower players like Huddlestone a dying breed in the Premiership? Huddlestone will make it due to his superb technical ability, but slow players in general will in my opinion eventually become a thing of the past.

[BobC]

As a Spurs fan, I have heard hundreds of ridiculous transfer rumours regarding our club. However, I think Fans FC have just posted the most pathetic yet. According to those in the know at Fans FC - Morinho will be coming to Spurs in exchange for Jol (and Jol will want to move owing to the money on offer).

Perhaps we can sign Abramovich in exchange for Levy as well!

[jimbo]

Pace is an insurance policy against being able to read the game properly, as Tom plays more and improves on his ability to read games he will make quicker, less talented players look poorer.

Besides, I don't think he is as slow as everyone seems to think.

[dickyid]

Huddlestone needs support of someone athletic beside him. Bring back JJ and cultivate a midfield partnership out of them - Jenas' pace and athleticism will more than make up for Huddlestone's shortfallings. This is the idea of team tactics - to find the blend that maximises the players' skills while minimising their weaknesses. Something SGE should've realised during the last world cup...

[infamousyiddo]

always nice to hear the opoinions of fans in regards to players and modern football, so i wont knock your post.

However, to say that Huddlestone cannot become a world beater without pace and agility is wide of the mark.

As quick as the modern game is I also think its essentail to have a holding midefielder (modern libero if you will) from where attacks are started and where attacks from the opposition are ended. If you look at the top teams they all have this type of player, who will just sit in front of the back four, breaking up play where needed, and spraying balls to players in more advanced positions. Makelele, Carrick, Alonso, Gilberto been examples for theie respective clubs.

In my opinion, i think that huddlestone has the potential to be a great player for spurs and england and i do not believe that his lack of pace (he isnt that slow you know) will hinder him.

I do not think that the so called "slower player" are a dying breed in the premiership. Paul Scholes been the prime example, as he has arguabley been Man Utds best player so far this season.

It is true that wenger is obsessed with pace and players ahve to be of a certain speed, but just because he wants pacey players doesn't mean that its the right way forward.


rite got that off me chest, off to lunch im starving!!!!

[dickyid]

I think Wenger just likes being surrounded by muscular young men.

[TheDutchMaster]

I think Wenger is right on the money, everyone saw how they destroyed Liverpool with pure pace.

On another note when we come up against teams with pace, power, fight and close us down for 90 mins, we lose.

[StokeSpur]

probably any young men

[dontcallme]

True quality always finds a way. The likes of Ruud Gullit became a true great with a great footballing brain and always found space for himself, he had great strength to hold players off and find space for a pass. He was a revelation even in his later years for Chelsea.

I think Huddlestone is similar in a lot of ways to Gullit. Great strength and range of passing.

Our midfield needs the right blend. Tom could be a great partner to Zokora or Jenas but not Tainio or Murphy. Pace is needed in the modern game but that doesn't mean every single player has to be especially quick.

Only time will tell how good Tom Huddlestone will become, but he has the potential to be a true great despite not being the quickest.

[riversmonkey]

Teddy Sheringham???

[laneoflegends]

I totally agree with you famousyiddo. Look at the top two sides in the league at the moment. Although they do have player with undoubted pace the team is not packed with this type of player.
These 'slower' players can be deceiving, David Beckham was never known for his pace but I once heard a respected pro when asked about Beckham being slow respond by saying 'you try keeping up with him!'
Pace is a fantastic attribute to have but reading of the game imo is far more important.

[Toluthespur]

Good post.

I don't think Tom's biggest problem is a lack of pace as I believe he will develop the ability to compensate for that, I think Tom's greatest flaw is his lack of aggression. With his size and ability he could and should be dominating other midfield players, but he is young and he can improve in this area as well.

All in all I think Huddlestone has a great future in the game as well as slower players. In my opinion the game is in a sad state when talented players are over looked in favor of players who can do a 100m in 10 secs

COYS!!

[jollyid]

Thud is not so slow, larger players always give that impression and anyway it’s about speed of mind and if you watch him closely you will see him make numerous one-touch passes and rarely gives these away. My main criticism of Jenas is that although he is very athletic and fast his decision making can sometimes make him appear to dither on the ball, but I still think he can improve and be a class player. And Thud has quick feet on the ball shifting it between left and right, passing accurately with both feet - he always has his head up too. What we should be thinking is if he can do what he can now at 20, how good can he become?

[newbie]

Our team has plenty of pace infact loads we just seem to have lost all our pace to injury recently if Lennon, and Jenas are fit then we have plenty of pace, Pace helps but movement is also very important when we have plenty of moevement off the ball we look good when people stop moving then find it hard to find space to pick out a pass. When we loose the ball a lot of the time its becuase a player has become isolated and they have had no options sometimes its becuase they have run down a blind alley but a lot of the time its becuase no one else has made themselfs avaliable.

[Hugo]

Good dicussion point. I think along with most others that you do not need to be quick if you are technically gifted. The reason these players do not need pace is they create time and read the game well. Something Tommy will pick up through playing and gaining experience. The main thing is not to expect to much from him too soon.

[laskoir]

Bore off you lot. Hudds the best CM we have. End of. Stop analysing the poor bloke hes 19 and has only played handful of games.

[psturdy]

Interesting post - we were talking at work about pace & our conclusion is that at 31 Beckham is past it (so we are glad he didn't sign for Spurs). Arguably he never had any pace (only saw him use pace in that game vs Greece).

About 10 years ago, we reckoned players 26-28 years old were in their prime - now with certain exceptions (eg Zola) players seem to be past it at 27.

Whether this is due to burn out or injury I'm not sure. Is it because pace is seen as so important?

It could be down to types of player - Owen because he has always relied on pace now looks past it at 27 with his injuries & lack of fitness. Yet Shearer, as a different type of player who has never really relied on pace, slogged on until nearly 40, same with Teddy.

I don't think you can generalise and can't conclude that Hudd is not the ticket because he doesn't have explosive pace.
We should all applaud the Levy/Jol policy of buying young (hopefully pacy) English talent.

Having pace is no good without the talent and footballing brain.

Like so many things, it comes down to striking a balance that suits the team.
COYS

[laskoir]

agreed
anything is better than Jenas anyway -at least we keep the ball with hudd

[beuller]

A player like Huddlestone will make your quicker players even more effective.

Manchester Utd are 6 points clear at the top of the Premiership with Carrick and Scholes playing central midfield. Arsenal are 15 points behind.

[elDiablo]

wenger likes pace because arsenal often play counter attacking football. U play against a team like bolton, it dont matter how quick u are over five yards, with their players you will not get the chance to "run away".

Hudd will be a quality player i am sure .....but this is with the belief he will develop a great understanding of the game (i believe Jol once said that he was pretty advanced for his years in this area). The beauty of players who lack pace, is that they can perform at a higher level, with out having to rely on this commodity!!

[infamousyiddo]

what is wrong with Jenas?

[beuller]

Interesting post - About 10 years ago, we reckoned players 26-28 years old were in their prime - now with certain exceptions (eg Zola) players seem to be past it at 27.




I am 27 and am still dictating the Crawley Saturday Prem. Honestly, its like Hoddle with pace.............

[scottadams40]

Come on, your judging the guy as if he's a seasoned pro, he's 19 and it his first full season! Ok, hes not the quickest on the park, but we all know with the correct passing skill, you can make the ball move much faster than any player. I think he's got enough in his locker to see that as not being an issue. I know he's a long way from what Hoddle was at the moment, but there are certain elements in his game that you can atribute to Hoddle's style of play. Calmness on the ball, yes he doesn't dive in like a crazy loon, but he does holds the ball up well when challenged, he can pick a pass and he's striking of the ball is getting better and better with each game.

Given the right suppport and oppitunities i think he could be a great midfielder for both club and country.

[mgrowe]

Some of the great players looked almost asleep at times. Zidane for instance often looked slow but seemed to find the time to make the so called fast players on the other side look like snails.

Huddlestone has a lot to learn (He is only a young boy after all)

A certain Mr Hoddle was never exactly Jack Flash.

I for one think we have already done the best business we could this window by signing Huddlestone and Lennon to long contracts.

The future looks very good as even if we do have to let them go at some point soon the club will benefit with a large infux of cash. (I hope they stay as with them and the squad we have it is only time before we start to mount a serious challenge to the top 4).

Huddlestone will be a great great player if he stays and does his apprenticeship at the Lane. COYS :grin:

[welshspurs]

the hudd dont need pace for his job anyway a good brain and an eye for a pass does his job perfectley and he is only going to get better!!!!! COYS

[adamsilver]

Excellent post and I agree with what has been said - I have always been weary of the hype surrounding Huddlestone - but at least he has time on his hands. He is very lathargic, but perhaps with the right players around him and the true experience of positional awareness he could still be very effective. Pace is SO DAMN important these days and Huddlestones lack of mobility shows. However he is a true baller, and has excellent football technique in his composure, passing and shooting. Only time will tell I guess.

[Kurtzen]

Not sure, but i'm guessing if you lined Hudd, Mido, Daws & Murphy on the starting blocks you'd be able to throw a(large) napkin over the lot at 20 meters?
I'd even hazard a guess Hudd wouldn't be at the back of this (in part) mottley bunch.
If you want a 'slow moving target'.....Mu...

[turboyid]

Apparently, Hudds lack of agression is down to the fact that when he was younger he was twice the size of anyone else and he kept breaking other peoples bones so naturally he stopped tackling quite so hard. If he does get more agressive i cant see anyone in the premiership going for a 50/50 tackle with him and not coming out the worst!

[OrangeTHFC]

I prefer intelligence above speed. Otherwise football was a game of 11 Linford Christies.

You need more intelligence in a game then you need speed. What really matters is the speed of the ball, thát's what makes the real pace! Plus an intelligent player that can split open a defense with only one ball. Remember the ball is always faster than a player ever can be.

And within a team players have to complement eachother well. A goal is a teameffort... not from just one player.

Besides that: what actually is speed?
If I start running one second earlier I'm optical faster than my opponent.
It's about intelligence what really matters that makes me start earlier!

And I think Huddlestone is a very intelligent player who's still improving. Don't know if he will be a worldbeater, but it's clear he has the potentials. His positives outweigh his negatives by far.
At this stage of his career the others have to work their socks off, so he can improve as fast as he can.

So back to the trainingground and the rest is up to Jol!

[talkshowhost86]

just to add my tuppence worth, i think it would make a big difference to huddlestones game if we managed to sign a left winger/midfielder and actually get some shape into the team.

Firstly the balance in the midfield would create more space for thudd as we wont have four central midfielders clogging up the centre circle and subsequently we wont have four of the opposition midfielders in there marking them all.

secondly the amount of times that he picks the ball up in midfield and only has a backwards pass as an option is ridiculous. without lennon in the last few games we've had no width at all which means thudds options have been limited to a ball back to dawson, a killer pass forwards (which we all know can go wrong from any player) or an intricate little 2footer to *insert central midfielder here) who is actually standing on his left foot.

get some width and he'll flourish. if we continue with the current 'system' then maybe we'd be better off with the athleticism of zokora and jenas in there.

[MidnightCaller]

pace has nothing to do with it, look at Man U, top of the premiership with who yes Carrick, yes and he is slow, Huddlestone to me, is miles a better player then Carrick and a younger version, If you look at Carrick what he has done for Man U, he has the ability to slow the pace down. and just look at the top european teams they have the same holding player to do the same, in time Huddlestone will be taught by other eg Davids, on how to do this and with is talent will be the best holding midfield in the world, just look at some of the passing he does.

[Gardinho]

Huddlestone has the world at his feet and at 20 he is more than capable of shedding a few pounds and adding to his pace slightly. Pace is an excellent asset within the modern game but all teams need balance and a player who can put his foot on the ball and dictate the game at the pace that he wants to play is wonderful asset too.

My main concern is Zakora he is not playing the way he & we want him to and for 10mil we need a lot more from him towards the end of what is promising to be a fantastic and memorable season.

[laskoir]

Whats wrong with Jenas?

Loses the ball - kind of the most important thing in the premiership not to do - looks scared under pressure - complete lack of ability to create space for himself
weak passes puts team mates in danger
Scuffs the ball wide as much as he scores - kind of defeats the object of the goal scoring midfielder idea which is the only thing he might ever be good at
only tackles if he feels like it and even then slides about like bambi on an ice rink
looks lost in the middle of the park - compare it to how comfortable hudd looks
puts pressure on others with all the above imcompetence
G*Y!!!!!
best CM pairing hudd + 1 (not Jenas)
When we bought him 2 Newcy fans said to me. "youll be sick of him in months, your welcome to him"
Nuff said.

[Ali]

I prefer intelligence above speed. Otherwise football was a game of 11 Linford Christies.


I quite agree, and with the poster who pointed out Man U and Arsenal's respective league positions and midfield formations. Lennon is to Hudd what Ronaldo is to Carrick. And Berbatov isn't exactly a streak of lightning, but he uses his skill and technique to beat players.

And for the greatest example of all, you only have to look at the great Ted to see a player who even at 40, and who has never been blessed with pace, can still come off the bench and change a game. Just by thinking and positioning. It doesn't matter how fast you are, if you don't have any other skills you'll never be a good player. I was a very fast sprinter at youth level, but wasn't much good at playing team sports - too lazy! Sprinting was fine because it only took 12 or so seconds and it was over!

[danielneeds]

On another point, as much as I despise him. Ashley Cole is an easily superior leftback to Wayne Bridge.

[danielneeds]

And, what's the point having pacey players like Lennon, Defoe and Jenas if you have nobody who can thread a through ball to them? Since Carrick has gone, the Hudd and Murphs are the only players at the club who can have this in their repertoire (Berbs too, but ideally he should be on the end of them), and Murphy is just to lethargic to play at center mid in the premiership these days.

No its got to be The Hudd with one of Jenas and Zokora in the middle.

[OrangeTHFC]

I was a very fast sprinter at youth level, but wasn't much good at playing team sports - too lazy! Sprinting was fine because it only took 12 or so seconds and it was over!
LOL. That made me chuckle.:grin:

Nice and err... speedy!:wink:

[green_nigel]

Good post, Frozen Waffles.

Regarding pace, Huddlestone may not have an abundance of it, and Wenger may have employed it to great effect at Arsenal, but a look at football on the continent will make it clear that pace isn't everything. Our continental cousins place greater emphasis on ball retention...pass, pass, pass while probing for weaknesses.

Of course, there is an advantage to having explosive pace and power over, say, ten meters. But I think at Spurs we have players of that caliber: Zokora, Lennon and Defoe all spring to mind.

Lastly, I'll say this: Huddlestone has just turned, what, 20? Players generally reach their peak at 26, so let's not put too much pressure on those young shoulders. Routledge's injury last year allowed Lennon to take center stage. He was a little rough around the edges to begin with, but was altogether more polished during the World Cup. Similarly, the departure of Carrick has provided an opportunity to Huddlestone, probably earlier than he had reasonably hoped to expect. No he's there, let's give the lad time to grow (figuratively speaking, of course!). Taking up a crucial CM position, one could argue that he faces a lot more pressure than Lennon ever did.

[laskoir]

Sorry Daniel but Jenas has let us down too many times already. BTW people forget Malbranque is actually a Attacking CM. And the way hes been getting stuck in lately I think HUDD + MALBRANQUE is worth go.

[easiman]

I agree with Ali, but its down to the overall balance (left to right) / speed / aggression on the pitch. I think Tom can be great with the correct balance around him. Getting and maintaining this is what MJ (and others) are striving to do.

[jonnyrotten]

agreed
anything is better than Jenas anyway -at least we keep the ball with hudd

After being a long time watcher and enjoyer of this board I feel inclined to finally post!
Jenas is inconsistent, as Huddlestone is (i think his past two performances have been average at best). The thing is that both players plus Zokora have HUGE potential to develop. Jenas in particular attacks the box well and this is something the team is crying out for. He should be back for the semi final 1st leg so here's hoping we watches out for those dirty fouling gooners!

[laskoir]

A bad performance for Hudd meant he wasnt quite on song and controlling the game like he was against Man City for example. He didnt lose the ball regularly for the team though. His pass completion was still well up there.Thats the standard hes already set for himself.
Jenas however is another kettel of fish. He gets foward - big deal - its at the expense of every other area of his game. Lets agree to disagree for now. When Jenas get back in the team as I fear he might do your own little player cam and watch him for a whole game or a good chunk of it. Watch what he contributes and then come back to me. Hes bad news.

[adamsilver]

To people talking about intelligence over pace...players these days are required to have BOTH. Arsenal players have BOTH, so its not a matter of Lindford vs Huddlestone etc

[jonnyrotten]

Thanks for the condescension. I would hope that at least you would get behind him when he does return? I personally think Jenas and THud are tremendous players and will provide a great balance when they play together.

[sugarman]

people forget Malbranque is actually a Attacking CM. And the way hes been getting stuck in lately I think HUDD + MALBRANQUE is worth go.


Interesting, though lacking pace through the middle. Who out on the left? This new French kid who's name escapes me...

Can't see it happening. Could only see Malbranque in the middle if we played a 5 man midfield with 2 out and out wingers, which opens a can of worms

[laskoir]

Jonny I hope your right!!!!!

Sugarman - I cant hekp feel Malbranque is wasted out wide but agreed where do we fit him in

[gibbs131]

Our TEAM is not lacking pace. It is lacking muscle. Murphy, Malbranque, Lennon> Hud is huge buct cant do it all on his own. Hud is a much needed wall in the middle of the park. You will not see many "pacey" midfielders skipping past him as he has telescopic legs. And he will win everything in the air or a physical challenge. It is swings and roundabouts.

[laskoir]

Hudd is so scary. Check the jumper. Prepare to be terrified.

[McFlash]

I don't think that Hudd is a slow as he looks.
Sure, he's not lightning out of the blocks, and it does take a while to get his gigantic frame moving.
He's got a bloody big stride and because he's a such big lad and it just looks like he's running in slo-mo!
Hudd will never be a Colin Jackson type starter but if he gets a headstart in his mind with his reading of the game, he can set off before anyone else. Once he's got the ball. it's not like he has to outrun people - he just passes round them or shifts his bulk to block the ball.

That's exactly what we (nearly)all used to argue when someone accused Carrick of being slow (apart from the bits about being built like a bungalow!).

[beuller]

To people talking about intelligence over pace...players these days are required to have BOTH. Arsenal players have BOTH, so its not a matter of Lindford vs Huddlestone etc


They are not 'required to have' anything. A good footballer is a good footballer. All players have different attributes.

I think sometimes people completely forget what the game is about. The players aren't robots, this is not a computer game where the only thing you need your players to have is pace because you can do the rest.

Arsenal aren't the best side in England, let alone europe or the world. Yes they have pace which is great but ability manifests itself in many ways and pace doesn't always win out. Its just nonsense.

[Boaman]

Darren Huckerby has pace

[beefy]

i dont want a team full of africans with a french passport,its not all about pace,huddlestone can be our new hoddle,i will take that anyday

[gregga]

A bad performance for Hudd meant he wasnt quite on song and controlling the game like he was against Man City for example. He didnt lose the ball regularly for the team though. His pass completion was still well up there.Thats the standard hes already set for himself.
Jenas however is another kettel of fish. He gets foward - big deal - its at the expense of every other area of his game. Lets agree to disagree for now. When Jenas get back in the team as I fear he might do your own little player cam and watch him for a whole game or a good chunk of it. Watch what he contributes and then come back to me. Hes bad news.

Complete load of bollocks. Jenas isn't an out and out attacking midfielder - he puts in a lot of important tackles and isn't afraid of getting stuck in - I don't understand how anyone can watch him play and not notice his overall contribution.

My main gripe with Jenas is that he doesn't know what to do with the ball in forward situations, but having players like Malbranque, Berbs and Lennon next to him means this doesn't matter as much. Every team needs a box-to-box midfield type, and until Zokora can find some form again Jenas is ours.

[davidmatzdorf]

My main concern is Zakora he is not playing the way he & we want him to...

That's because he's been sulking over the fact that no one can spell his bloody name.

And he didn't cost £10m. Slightly more than half that.

[MidnightCaller]

I don't think that Hudd is a slow as he looks.
Sure, he's not lightning out of the blocks, and it does take a while to get his gigantic frame moving.
He's got a bloody big stride and because he's a such big lad and it just looks like he's running in slo-mo!
Hudd will never be a Colin Jackson type starter but if he gets a headstart in his mind with his reading of the game, he can set off before anyone else. Once he's got the ball. it's not like he has to outrun people - he just passes round them or shifts his bulk to block the ball.

That's exactly what we (nearly)all used to argue when someone accused Carrick of being slow (apart from the bits about being built like a bungalow!).

Yes, have to agree, what we should call it is laidback, or very calm, controlled and amazing ability to control the ball and pass the ball. anyway who would you perfer to tackle against, Lennon or Huddlestone defending against you, me I would prefer little lennon. see we forget that Huddlestone is a defender/midfield and Lennon is a striker/winger.

[Ali]

i dont want a team full of africans with a french passport,its not all about pace,huddlestone can be our new hoddle,i will take that anyday

Errr... well unless Zokora has a French passport (and I'm not sure that he does), we don't have any of those do we?

[davidmatzdorf]

Errr... well unless Zokora has a French passport (and I'm not sure that he does), we don't have any of those do we?

Passing over for a moment my irritation with beefy's rather close-to-the-edge post, I think we have: Benoit Assou-Ekotto. French-born, plays football for Cameroon.

And, judging by his name and appearance, I reckon that Adel Taarabt's parents are from North Africa.

[vigospur]

That's it then. We just have to sign someone with technique, agility, balance, power and pace. In the meantime this lad will do for me.

[Spursfect]

Just like to add my thoughts on the subject.

Hudds will not get much quicker than he already is, although at 20 he is still developing. What we need to realise is we have relatively new partnerships in all areas of the field which will manifest itself in the team looking disjointed and lacking in consistency. With time the mgt will get the partnerships and the balance of the team right.
For example we all know Murphy really is not going to cut it at the lane, whereas Hudds will, why? They both have about the same level of pace and mobility. The difference is class (in the football sense). Hudds oozes it Murphy does not. Put Hudds with an in form Zoko or JJ and you will notice the difference and we will not be questioning his lack of pace. Get a proper quality left winger who offers a threat along the lines of Lennon and you will notice the difference.

Also, Spurs have a history of classy players Hoddle, Gazza & Waddle to mention a few from our recent past, so we are a sucker for these types. On a number of occasions these players have failed to deliver us major honours but we have thoroughly enjoyed watching them, enjoy the Hudd for what he is....a 20 year baller with the potential to be even greater.

Sorry for the long post.

Spurs 4 Life

[tottenham4life]

The HUDD is going to be one of the greatest players ever to put on a spurs shirt i truely believe! he is young still learning but he has the tools, the best way to play him is defensive mid let jenas/zakora do the running he does the clearing up and putting in the killer pass and if this is the way he is played he will be up there with danny and jimmy

[Ali]

Passing over for a moment my irritation with beefy's rather close-to-the-edge post, I think we have: Benoit Assou-Ekotto. French-born, plays football for Cameroon.

And, judging by his name and appearance, I reckon that Adel Taarabt's parents are from North Africa.

Yes but since both of the above are French-born, that means they are FRENCH and not Africans with French passports. Neither of my parents were born in this country, but I was, therefore I am ENGLISH and BRITISH and not a foreigner with a British passport. Where their parents came from is not the issue. I thought you of all people David would see what was behind my comment....

[davidmatzdorf]

Yes but since both of the above are French-born, that means they are FRENCH and not Africans with French passports. Neither of my parents were born in this country, but I was, therefore I am ENGLISH and BRITISH and not a foreigner with a British passport. Where their parents came from is not the issue. I thought you of all people David would see what was behind my comment....

Blimey, we're on the same side here. What I was getting at was that beefy, when he refers to "Africans with a French passport" is talking about Frenchmen of African ancestry. Which was what I found extremely dodgy about his post. He's referring to Arsenal, a team full of black Frenchmen. We also have three Frenchmen of African ancestry in our team (I forgot Chimbonda). So his argument is doubly rubbish. Or even trebly rubbish.

[Kamikaze]

I think the chink in Wenger's policy is precisely that it doesn't/didn't allow Le Scum to sign players like Robinson or Carrick. I'm not sure the Beast Baptista is all that fast either........

[elDiablo]

Just like to add my thoughts on the subject.

Hudds will not get much quicker than he already is, although at 20 he is still developing. What we need to realise is we have relatively new partnerships in all areas of the field which will manifest itself in the team looking disjointed and lacking in consistency. With time the mgt will get the partnerships and the balance of the team right.
For example we all know Murphy really is not going to cut it at the lane, whereas Hudds will, why? They both have about the same level of pace and mobility. The difference is class (in the football sense). Hudds oozes it Murphy does not. Put Hudds with an in form Zoko or JJ and you will notice the difference and we will not be questioning his lack of pace. Get a proper quality left winger who offers a threat along the lines of Lennon and you will notice the difference.

Also, Spurs have a history of classy players Hoddle, Gazza & Waddle to mention a few from our recent past, so we are a sucker for these types. On a number of occasions these players have failed to deliver us major honours but we have thoroughly enjoyed watching them, enjoy the Hudd for what he is....a 20 year baller with the potential to be even greater.

Sorry for the long post.

Spurs 4 Life

keep writing dude. great post. Its somthing ive thought myself, but unable to articulate. Hudd just oozes class and i think this can llave us fans a little blinkered, because as you say we as spurs fans are a sucker for that player with class. I think this is why JJ has a few "haters". He seems to lack that extra element. Who looks like a jacl of all.....master of none type player, but in my opinion i think he will become our lampard. Can really see JJ hit some form when returns.

[Gavs101]

Huddlestone Compilation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9fitWRhOwc