I had a few thoughts about our current left back Niall Huggins and wanted to put them down here for others to add their bit. He joined just over two years ago (this is his third season with us) and has made a meagre 13 appearances for the first team due to a series of horrific injuries including a stress fracture in his back and a mystery heel injury. He played 45 minutes against QPR and managed to bag an assist in the process, then completed 90 against Blackburn where he did well but appeared to be targeted for attacks by Blackburn and even Uncle Tone made the suggestion that Clarke didn't give him enough support in the first half. Let's be honest, when we are all fit and in form we're spoilt for choice with players who can play at left back, but I am convinced that once Huggins gets fully match fit and finds his form, he is a serious contender to stay at left back. Good luck Niall.
Agree with this. Though he got some undeserved stick the other night. Most of the team struggled the first 20 minutes or so but improved as the game went on, Huggins included. Personally I like him.
I really like Huggins but not sure he’ll be a contender for the LB spot. Not that I’m saying he can’t be as good as Cirkin but ideally we want a left footed player there. Nothing to say he can’t battle for the RB spot though, if we were playing 3 at the back he’d be a better option at RWB than Hume. Clarke was poor first half against Blackburn like.
I've been impressed with him every time I've seen him, especially considering how long he's been out for. It's remarkable how well he's hit the ground running. He's got stiff competition with Cirkin who's a class player but I think it's fair to say there's not that much between them. Cirkin's more athletic (and left footed) but Huggins probably better on the ball. Defensively he seems to know what he's doing and has a bit of fight in him. Looking forward to seeing more of him.
I think you could see a trend of left footed right backs and vice versa due to fullbacks moving into midfield when in possession, so the inside pass is available to them, similar to what we have seen with wingers in recent years.
Don’t think he’s as good as cirkin and I think alese is better, Huggins needs another contract though so we can aim to get as much money as possible for him if we decide to sell him
I think he has another season after this one on his existing deal, I'd review in January but if he is still in and around the starting lineup there's no harm in giving him a little bump and adding a couple of years on.
I really like Alese when he plays there,and he gives us good physical presence aswell. We really are spoilt for choice.
Firstly I think it’s great that he is finally fit and playing, certain that it has been a torrid time for him over the last couple of years. Due to his record it’s likely he’ll be targeted by other teams more ‘dirty’ players over the season but hopefully nothing serious will come to him. We now have 5 fullbacks at the club, all of whom are decent and provide different options. Like others have suggested could Hume eventually be pushed into a number 6? If so then RB would ultimately fall down between Huggins and Pembele. Let’s just give him a bit of time for now, let him gain his confidence and full sharpness back and see how he gets on. He’s a tidy player and was highly rated when he came to us, we’ve yet to see him at his best
Started out as a striker and then a winger, now a full back, either side. A bit like Gooch in that respect.
Remember Birmingham last season. He started off really poor but grew into the game and was solid late on. A real asset if he can stay injury free.
Leeds coaches loved him. I think Mowbray is right in that he is a bonus player for us this season. I can see him being a key player too. Unlike some I thought he was good against Blackburn, once Clarke got his defensive head on. I like him for a holding midfield role personally, more than I see from Hume. He is good on the ball, receives well and seems smart in tight spaces. Time will tell with him but I look forward to seeing if he can play a part.
The left back slot really is up for grabs and I'd suggest that whichever of these kids can keep themselves fit will end up being 1st choice. They (Cirkin, Alese & Huggins) offer different things and (IMHO) Cirkin is the best of the lot, but it's a nice problem to have I suppose (until they are all injured)
Liked him every time I’ve seen him so far. Bacuna kicked lumps out if him last season with little to no retribution! Hopefully someone kicks lumps out of Bacuna this season!!
Not even sure there’s an argument there. Cirkin, for me, is one of those players e we have to get promoted to keep. Not sure Huggins is
Can’t see it posted anywhere but I’m sure I saw a tug on his shirt when he went into the box heading for goal and his shot went wide, anyone else see this.
