Tom Huddlestone
- Thread starter sheringmann
- Start date
Moorechild
Active Member
- Apr 13, 2006
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I think Hudd is a nailed on starter in Europe and the Cups, so why send him out on loan, we need the option he gives us.
JaySpur
Still daring to dream
- Apr 15, 2006
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The lad's too valuable to discard so soon. His potential is higher than anyone else in the team IMO.
The only factor that we need worry about is if Jol can effectively fit him into our current midfield, and that's more of a test of BMJ's tactical nowse than anything.
A three man central midfield with Hudd pulling the strings, as it were, from a withdrawn position would suit him better from what I've seen. But give him time to develop and he may find he can use intelligence and positioning to overcome any lack of dynamism.
The only factor that we need worry about is if Jol can effectively fit him into our current midfield, and that's more of a test of BMJ's tactical nowse than anything.
A three man central midfield with Hudd pulling the strings, as it were, from a withdrawn position would suit him better from what I've seen. But give him time to develop and he may find he can use intelligence and positioning to overcome any lack of dynamism.
I wouldn't mind him going on loan to a club like Reading up until January, if we have absolutely no intention of him being first choice for us.
The regular first team performances at another Premiership club can only be good for him and his progress. And he'll have had plenty of first team football for when he comes back to fill in for Zokora during the African Nations.
The regular first team performances at another Premiership club can only be good for him and his progress. And he'll have had plenty of first team football for when he comes back to fill in for Zokora during the African Nations.
tommyt
SC Supporter
- Jul 22, 2005
- 6,193
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One reason for Tom not to go on loan next season....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysZYh4bwEak
....and what a lovely ball by Ghaly!!
And for all those who think that he should go, just remember how we could have used Routledge as cover while he was away.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysZYh4bwEak
....and what a lovely ball by Ghaly!!
And for all those who think that he should go, just remember how we could have used Routledge as cover while he was away.
joey55
Well-Known Member
- May 20, 2005
- 9,705
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Ghaly is a big guy, but when they celebrate after the goal the The Hudd carries him like he is a child.
Hope we don't sell him, he is a talented player, carrick was never quick and i think huddlestone has more strength and he is bit better on the ball. A loan move, if we have enough cover, to a lower prem side would be good for experience though.
Comolli_Flower_Cheese
Banned
- Nov 16, 2006
- 405
- 0
No one doubts Huddlestone's ability with ball. I'm concerned when he hasn't got the ball and he needs to chase and close down opponents.
joey55
Well-Known Member
- May 20, 2005
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This isn't a problem when he sits deep and plays as Carrick did. It's when he plays higher up the pitch it is a problem. If he plays alongside JJ or TT they can do the chasing and closing down. If you check his record, when playing with either of those 2, I think we have only lost twice (both against newcastle and the 2nd time we played excellent football, but lost in freak circumstances). It is the Zoko/Hudd partnership that doesn't work, as neither are good at chasing, closing down and winning the ball. Also both want to play from deep positions and therefore we don't defend from high enough up the pitch.
GenericID
Member
- Nov 15, 2006
- 271
- 1
Why send him on loan to a UEFA-chasing team? Just prudent thinking, we'll be denying ourselves our best playmaking option. Note the top 4 clubs usually don't loan out players to EPL sides unless they're goalkeeps. And he's FAR beyond the point of a Coke League stint now.
onemorespursfan
Active Member
- Jun 3, 2004
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DogsOfWar
Well-Known Member
- Jan 12, 2005
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My thoughts as well. He's a natural defender who is also a natural playmaker which makes him the perfect holding midfielder. He also has the size and arrogance/self confidence to boss a game which we are missing at the moment.
I think this bloke has the potential to be better than Carrick and there are few bigger fans of Carrick than me.
It's just a question of when will he be ready?
B0NZ0
Active Member
- Jun 8, 2003
- 710
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I agree, what he lacks is experience (Carrick took several years to prove his potential). Hudd has a dominence about him, on the ball he is second to none its without he needs to develop i.e. positional awarness and understanding of what goes on around him.
Carrick took time to get this, Carricks passing was never in doubt. Classic example was the 0-4 loss to Man U, at times when they broke at pace he seemed a little lost.
thejames
Large Member
- May 26, 2007
- 1,315
- 850
Personally, I'd say dominance/self-confidence/arrogance is exactly what he lacks. He needs more confidence in his abilities, and his size, and he needs to be winning midfields. He has the capabilities to do it, but he needs to come out of his shell a bit.
Pinto
Active Member
- Nov 1, 2004
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My hope is that Huddlestone speeds up his decision making, which IMO is his only real weakness. He needs too much time to make the great passes he does make. If he can get his mind working faster he wouldn't give the ball away in bad positions which is my only real fear when he is playing.
If I was Jol I would start him in every UEFA cup game and see him dominate while also giving Zokora a much needed break so that he can concentrate on the Prem and its fast pace of play.
If I was Jol I would start him in every UEFA cup game and see him dominate while also giving Zokora a much needed break so that he can concentrate on the Prem and its fast pace of play.
