- Oct 19, 2004
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- #61
I'm not talking necessarily about the future though, I was referring specifically to that season, and I will not accept the point of view that he was somehow the weak link in our side that season - its horseshit, no matter what way you try to present it, I'm not swallowing it because I'm confident enough of my own opinion and lets be honest, its not like I'm in a minority here.
The line Hudd played so many games by default because Modric and Jenas were injured is quite a remarkable comment, even for you BC , given the praise Huddlestone was receiving from most quarters, particularly Harry. Modric and Palacios may have been first choice but Jenas was never getting in the side ahead of Huddlestone that season - unbelievable, seriously.
Huddlestone and Palacios worked well that season, it was a good balance and they were able to control games. Instead of looking at individual stats all the time, why not take a step back and look at how the side functioned at the time.
As for those superlatives in your first paragraph, I've never really used any of them , although I know some do on here - if that's what you meant.
Huddlestone may not have a future with us, particularly if AVB doesn't fancy him or he can't overcome his injury problems. I'm hoping he can and can play part in this squad but that's another discussion.
I didn't say he was the weak link per se (although some games he definitely was IMO), I said he wasn't the prime reason we did so well, as you and others keep suggesting, last season proves that.
And prior to Jenas's injury, Redknapp had preferred him to Hudd more often than not, this is what I meant by what I said. I believe if both Modric and Jenas weren't both injured, Hudd would not have played as many games that season - because many of those games he was poor and would have been replaced or others preferred. So the argument about the amount of games he played is a bit disingenuous. There were literally no better options much of the time.
The line about just looking at stats is stupid and dare I say it old now. My opinion of Hudd isn't based on stats, but his all round game, which IMO has massive (no pun intended) deficiencies.