Unless Levy is planning some massive transfer activity! , I'm not sure this is such a good idea now, the article says he's behind Sandro and Parker in the pecking order......In my view I'm not sure he's behind Parker, or is he? His biggest problem is his tackling I'd say, uptil now he has needed a 'Parker' alongside him to help with that necessary requirement for a deep lying MFer. As he explains though, he's missed 18mths spanning 2 seasons of his career through serious injury, and at 26 its quite understandable he wants regular football. What do we do with him? http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footb...nham-transfers-tom-huddlestone-admits-1847510
It's weird, 3 weeks ago I wouldn't have been bothered if we sold him or not. Yet now, Hudd looks like the Hudd of 2 years ago and on that basis, we can't afford to sell him in, even if he won't be first choice. There's not a better long range passer of the ball in the league than him when on form in my opinion.
He's our Pirl'fro I could understand if he wants to go but if he gets some more chances before the end of the season and continues playing well I'd love him to stay.
I had to read that ten times. I think the internet has poisoned my mind. He's a top MFer (mid-fielder) with an eye for a pass. Keep him.
I would be absolutely gutted if we allow Tommy to leave. He is one of my personal favourite Spurs players and whilst I accept sentiment plays a part in my wanting him to stay, I know how hard he has worked on the training ground recently to remind AVB he can still play a part in our progress. Some of his touches and vision of passes are sublime and for the amount of game time he has had this season, to have 4 assists says a lot of how he can still contribute and be effective. It's a myth that he carries weight, ok he has to work to keep on top of his weight, but he is incredible lean at the moment. He should score more goals as he can strike the ball cleaner than anyone else at the club and he does need the right time of player alongside him to complement his talents. I think because he hasn't had much football over the past 18 months or so, it was easy to forget what he can bring to our side. Under our successful time with Harry, he was picked for every game when he was fit. We should definitely keep hold of him.
IMHO this comes down to the definition of "regular football" . If the Hudd of old never returns in terms of mobility etc for full games, would he be happy to have a whole season of appearances as per the past 3 games (which would be massively invaluable to the team as we have seen) . Or is it first team starts or nothing ??
I'd love to see Huddlestone given a chance to prove himself against Wigan, as his last couple of appearances for us have reminded everyone what he's capable of. The 4-3-3 that we finished with against City seemed to suit him and Parker looks knackered, so it might be the best way to complete the campaign. If we do give him a shot and he impresses, then I'd be surprised to see him moved on.
Apart from physical size, I think the similarity in style of play to Pirlo is very good, not noted for pace or his tackling either, but crucial to any team he's in, so its a case of getting the right shape and partners. From memory I'm not sure we've seen Hudd, Sandro, and Dembele, what do we think?
I echo the comments above, I too would not have been too bothered if were to go but after his recent performances I have certainly changed my mind. Working alsongside Parker maybe not but with Holtby and Dembele it could be a different story. Waiting in the wings is Sandro which will change things again when he returns but his passing is an option that would be very sad to lose. I apologise for doubting him.
Definitely worth a try. All three completely different styled CM's so could accommodate each other well I reckon.
Huddlestone, Sandro and Dembele? Not sure how that would work in a 4-3-3, but it might work well if Bale and Lennon were out wide and the Belgian played behind the striker.
Dembele on a forward run with defenders bouncing off him like rag dolls is an asset we need to exploit IMO
In MD and Sandro, we have two excellent ball retrievers, MD can do it in the middle of the park, and Sandro as the last ditch in front of the back 4 in Parkers position, both then would be looking to find Hudd, but both capable of carrying the ball forward themselves if need be (Parkers achilles heel). That is my thinking, any 'surer' now?
Huddlestone seemed to excel in a deeper role against City with Holtby and Dembele closing down their midfielders and I don't think that a more advanced role would suit someone with his lack of mobility. He needs space and time to do his best work and dictate the game, in my opinion. It's best if our opposition has to use an attack-minded player to deal with him, I think.
I agree, I don''t think I was too clear about Hudds position in my previous post, but I'm same as you, I was thinking Hudd would be just in front/alongside Sandro with MD further forward, looking to link with the front 3.
KEEP! Rolls Royce of a player, absolutely love watching the guy when fit and on form. We don't have many players where you find yourself saying "how did he do that?". Bale is obviously one, Dembele is another one for me (the way he seems to bundle-glide passed people) and Hudd is another with his passing and, when he gets the chance, sweet striking.
YAY I can stay! In all seriousness I think I've advocated him leaving at times this season, to free up funds in January etc. But his recent performances have been very encouraging and, as others have said, with the right players round him he could be very effective for us in a 4-3-3, which I feel we may lean towards as AVB continues to move us forward in his mould. He's certainly proved me wrong.
They also both need a haircut. As for him playing deeper, I'm not sure that's necessarily the key for him, it's just important to make sure he's not relied upon for defensive duties, whether it's closing down or tracking back. He's not going to be running past any players with the ball either so on the face of it, having him alongside ball carriers who can close down as well as trackback takes the pressure off the rest of his game and gives him a bit more freedom. Parker, Sandro, Dembele and Holtby can all add to our midfield in areas that Hudd lacks in so if he continues passing the ball around the pitch with such assurance I see no reason why he can't work with a combination of 2 of the other 4 so long as it wasn't Sandro and Parker who don't have enough skill going forward.
A little contradictory there mate, if you don't want Hudd carrying the ball forward, then a deeper role 'is' key, other than that you're agreeing with my basic idea...but you're trying to talk yourself out of it at the same time!
