Is Huddlestone the 'answer'?
Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 2:09PM We have debated this time and time again. The Incredible Huddlestone is one of our most loved conundrums. Is Tommy good enough for our midfield? Is he the CM required to stand tall (and big) alongside General Wilson?
It's only two games, but both performances have us scratching our heads, re-thinking our prior opinions.
The first game was frantic and feisty and required graft and discipline. The second was far more open meaning more time on the ball to ping it about. And he impressed in both. So what about all the questions about his inability to keep up with the pace? His lack of mobility that leaves him wanting? His disappearing act when the game isn't made for him to play the quarter-back role? Even though he's quite young, we've been quite harsh, citing the fact that he's a luxury player - one with no place other than as an impact sub. Great passer of the ball but needs far too much protection. The there's the comparisons to Hoddle (which some people do) which is more than a little unfair on the kid. We can sometimes (most times) have crazy expectations which result in abject disappointment when a player fails to live up the billing we desire.
Now I know this is all a little premature and I'm not about to end the conundrum and announce he is the answer to our central midfield puzzle. But he's definitely making an impression. To think a couple of months back some of us would have been happy to see him join Fulham.
So what has changed?
Probably not as much as you'd think.
I guess for starters having Wilson Palacios by the side of him is the obvious positive. Much like Jenas who looked good at the back end of last season when partnered up with him. Confidence is always the key. And Palacios, who goes about his business biting at legs and patrolling the midfield like a frenzied panther, needs a good passer of the ball to compliment him so that his work is frutiful when defence is turned into attack. And Hudd's passing ability has never been in doubt. So there's an obvious balance there. One needs the other for it work.
It's easy to be critical of a bad Hudd performance when the players around him play poorly. But in a balanced, strong side - it changes because all that's good about a player of Tom's ilk is there to be seen. Hoddle (it's just an example) would not look great in a poor side because he wouldn't be able to dictate a game if the players around him fragmented play due to messy unorganised football plighted by lack of belief and ability. He might stand out as the only player with flair, but he'd be seen as the weak link because silky skills are redundant if the team is disjointed.
Hudd is no Hodd but they share similar qualities. Not much pace and sublime passing. What's the one about Hoddle not having to be fast on his feet because he would make the ground below him do all the running? Huddlestone has realised (thanks to Harry I would guess) that to help the team he has to help himself which then allows the team to help him back. It's obvious I know.
Spurs are a better and more balanced (fav word of the moment) side which makes it a lot easier for a player like Huddlestone to settle into his game. He was able to waltz through Hull. But also proved he could compete against a Top 4 midfield, battling it out with Liverpool with much success, never looking a class below.
He seems to move around a little quicker than we are use to seeing and also looks decent getting stuck in with the tackles (well timed rather than clumsy). Distinct lack of the 'Hollywood' pass is always a bonus (Bentley take note) and effective simple short passing the bonus. He's sharp and thus less of a liability and more of a productive and important player in what is shaping up to be a decent quartet.
Strong, sits deep when Wilson attacks, works hard to get to the second ball and importantly doesn't give it away needlessly. His positioning is also key. Because as long as you can read the game well, you don't need to run around like a headless chicken with no end product.
Obviously, the little voice in my head reminds me of the countless games we've witnessed where his lack of application has proved to be costly. Or how easily he can be turned and how slow he reacts. Perhaps our impatience has hindered the perception we have of Tommy because of what I've outlined (concerning the dynamics of our team stucture).
It's thanks to the balance (OMG that word again) and the tenacity of Palacios, Lennon, Modric and Keane - he's able to run (jog) around the pitch with an air of authority and acclaim. Application is up because he knows he has to match the players around him, so plenty of running back and tackles flying in. He might still be on the slow side, but he's more mobile than he's ever been because he appears to read the game better. He's fitter, leaner and has a zest about him.
However, there is a question of the return of Jenas from injury. What happens? And we are meant to still be interested in Sissoko, although we've also taken Le Havre 23 year old central midfielder Kevin Anin on trail - so who knows. Then there's the Scottish Zokora, Scott Brown up at Celtic who has been heavily linked. But the point of a player breaking through to assert himself as a first team player is to claim the position as his own. He probably knows he has to remain effective and consistent. And if he does, there will be casualties. JJ might be a tad concerned. And our transfer targets may change (still need another CM IMO to have what would be some serious hardcore depth in midfield).
But first we must discover if the two games played so far is a true testament to his 'improvement' and proof that he is now deserving of a place in the midfield. Two games won't provide the answer. What will?
Re-read this article after 15 games. If it still rings true, we are onto a winner.
Reader Comments (44)
Alan Hansen (although a bit of a dickhead), hit the nail on the head last night, the midfield of Huddlestone, Palacios, Lennon and Modric has it all
i'm surprised Harry hasn't mentioned Hudd while dishing out the plaudits after the 2 matches. keane, defoe, palacios, modric, bassong, ekotto, lennon have all been praised - and rightly so - but not THudd. case of Arry playing bad cop with the big fella, or simply too many good performances all around that he forgot. anyway good article and hope Hudd continues his improvement, i much prefer him to Jenas as Palacios's partner and if he keeps playing like this there will be no more argument on that front.
The game against West Ham might provide a real test of whether Huddlestone can be effective in a midfield battle. I can't comment on the Hull game, having only seen the highlights, but I really can't see that Hudd did anything special against Liverpool. It seems to me Wilson provided the drive in midfield and the quality passes came from Modric. Hudd did nothing that JJ wouldn't have done better. Huddlestone is the best passer in the squad and has a shot like a cannon, but doesn't impose himself on the game at all. In any sport the biggest factor is mental strength and so far he just hasn't shown it.
On form at the moment, midfield is working, no point in changing things. He's playing well so the last thing Harry should be doing is tinkering. Tom has his critics and I agree that in the past he's played alongside players who don't work well with him, but he's also flattered to deceive on occasions. He has talent and I reckon this is his time to prove his case.
i think the hudd playing next to palacios is like a nearly good defender playing next to ledley king, palacios brings out the best in him , improves him and gives the chap more confidence. the two of them next to eachother are like a wwe tag team, they beat up liverpool and molested hull, i hope they do both to the eastenders this weekend
ps i can make poopy in my potty
John, it's a good point you make but its one extreme to the next with how we analyse it. How many times have we asked if Thudd can do the dirty work? The grafting? Supporting other players? He's actually done that, the Liverpool game being the example. I'd say that the reason we haven't seen him impose the attributes we'd like to see more of is because it is only 2 games and he can only grow in stature and confidence if he is given a prolonged stay in the first team. The more games, the better player he will become. Obvious problem is that if we lose a game or two, Harry might start changing things, confidence is lost and Hudd is back on the bench.
I'd rather we buy a proper left-winger and let Modric partner Palacios in the middle. He'd be far more influencial.
Huddlestone is improving, which is a pleasing to see, but he's not the finished article yet. I know, he needs playing time, and he'll get that from cup games and injuries to others, but for the moment he's still in the process of discovering his own potential.
And if he's going to be compared against Hoddle, then he needs to improve his free-kick taking - last night was awful.
well it has been a long time since talking about my team has made me smile so much remebr last season we where already thinking of jumping ship the manager knows howw to get the best out of these players and we have a brilliant team and squad that on there day are good enough to beat anyone even the likes of arse , and man utd , chelsea , but what we need to remeber is that we have to completley use thw games against wolves , burnely , birmingham not as , experiments but as treat them as proper games , so field thebest team and get the best performance , harry your a great man and dont let the boys get carried away with two wins lets thump the evertons man citys and the aston villa , west ham , wigan to show players like klass huntelar , snigedier , robben that we are a club they will regret not joining.
What is this:
ps i can make poopy in my potty
And '1st' all about? Injoke from a forum? Another blog?
Hudds free kick taking is poor, but then our set pieces in general have been poor very several years now.
Good article, particularly the point that good players look better in good teams. It also raises the question of what happens when Palacios is suspended (as will happen).
As far as Hud is concerned he needs to mainatin this level the whole season for me to be convinced, plus he also needs to stop hitting free-kicks straight at the wall!
Work in progress I think, but good so far.
But Hudd and Palacios in the middle is why weve been solid, weve played better then anyone else in the league so lets just enjoy it
Rome wasn't built in a day and Hudd is by no means the finished article BUT the potential is positively "unlimited". How many times did we read over the summer that if we sold him, he would be the one to come back and bite us on the bum. Thank heavens we didn't for we are now seeing the first real signs of a great player in the making. He might not be the next Glenn Hoddle but in his own way, he could leave an indelible mark at the club IF he is given his chance and IF he reaches his potential.
If Hudd keeps it up and Jenas wakls straight back in then there's something really wrong.
Whats the question?
THudd is a work in progress. In terms of development, to me he's more a slow roast, than a microwave ready meal. He's never had pace, and never will, but what will improve is his mentality and his decision making. You could see he was visibly frustrated at himself for giving the ball away needlessly yesterday, and in a way I like that Arry's got them all seemingly trying hard.
As usual I agree with the general conundrum. The chicken and egg. The head scratcher. He needs games to improve and be what we all think he should be capable of, but he won't get that until he consistently gets a good run in the side. He seems to have taken his chance now, and only he can answer the question you're asking through his performances.
My belief is always horses for courses, and if we were to perform better and get results with another formation of personnel, then I'd be for that. At the moment, he seems to be part of a well oiled machine. Lets hope we've filled in the warranty card.
I think we have enough history on Arry, to know which players he likes, which he tolerates, and those he hates. We all know he loves Defoe and Modders, and we know he hates Bentley and Pav. Hudd is a man he tolerates but will never love. As soon as Jenas and/or Bentley is sold, Arry will bring in another midfielder, and the Hudd will be given the chance to sit on the bench again.
Slightly OT but I’d like us to acquire Krancjar. I think that he’s too good a player toignore, even if we could probably do with a more combative midfielder. Harry took him to Pompey so must rate him. Will no doubt please Charlie and Moddle too. Pompey are skint – can’t see them turning down a reasonable offer seeing as he’s out of a contract next year and refusing to re-sign. Maybe we’ll just wait until the close of the window before making a cheeky bid? Gotta be a better idea than throwing money at Brown, who was given a complete run-around by the Goons.
Impressed with Hudd so far and will just have to judge him (and all of them) one game at a time.
Well played the Hudd AKA Harvey (Jordan's baby)
Who is this Kevin Anin on trail? I havent seen this anywhere!
Tuncay from boro, would be good for any squad and would be cheap
I think as far as Huddlestine is concerned, for too long we've been fed the somewhat apologetic descriptions concerning his "potential" and the above "work in progress". There's no doubt in my mind that Redknapp backed Huddlestone by refusing to sell him to Fulham over the summer and that the faith the manager has placed in the player had better return some dividends, and sharpish. I'm sure Tommy feels better for having a few starts and having been told he's got the world at his feet, but frankly, this is his chance to prove he's got what it takes on the field right now.
Of the players we bought as "one's for the future" several season's ago, Huddlestone was the one with the most promise. That we've backed him so publicly needs to pay off or frankly the patience that he's stretched so thinly over the last few season will surely snap. He's a different player to Jenas, yes, but my one principle concern is that I cannot remember Huddlestone dominating a game in thw way other top players might. (Nor Jenas for that matter!)
If he plays well, he'll keep his place in the side ahead of Jenas or anyone else. If he doesn't and Jenas sneaks back in, then I wouldn't be surprised to see Harry be more vigourous in his search for a replacement. I hope he fills his boots and siezes the moment . To Dare Is To Do, Tommy, so do hurry up and get on board.
interesting to see what happens if Hudd is singled out, pressurised and given no time. I suppose we have other midfield threats that are equally as effective so if the opposition are looking to crowd tommy out then we will find space else where. Tommy just needs to recognise these situations and move the ball quickly and simply so we can take advantage of space. We fans need to recognise that sometimes he will be effective without being stand out and should therefore not label him as "disappearing".
I think Keane is important to this and his dropping deep gives us many options when the ball is in midifeld and if the opposition do play 5 across the middle, then his role in the hole gives us options in a tightly packed midfield.
Tommy Hudd is way more precious to the team then Jenus is, way I see it is that knowone in the team can do what
Thud can .., but can the same be said about Jenus ?? and his infamous " who wants the ball,cos I fckin don't" routine. Who else would even have the fanny to try that shite..evry game too.
That won't cut it this season (that drives me right up the highest wall.. face first,)Harry knows what real work is. The two Celtic boys "almost " looked good against the Arses, not convinced by Mc Greedy or brown (personally) though. We got Boateng as the hard man back up to Willson" I'll eat your children on christmas day..one at a time of course" palacious. What a seriously natural appetite this guy has for the game, do'nt mean to dig out JJ ......but .The sarge has done more in two games then the afore mentioned has done in two seasons (except for the game at the mosk) last season!!
Even given JBostocks naivity, his fleeting appearances demonstrated what has been missing for yonks now. Some
B*****@s, some energy some Fckuin nerve. The Sky top four have all lost key players leaving themselves vulnerable to "Big match teams" like ours, almost always up for it on the more presige fixtures. Only thing I'm dreading is the inevitability of being "newsworthy fodder" on skys endless obsession with reporting absolute Garbage..in the most sensationalist, duplicitous and shit stirring way(that they do possible) . Like that kid at school
always trying to start a fight (always with others though) ..say something for the sake of it , then stand back and watch the sparks fly. that way they've got something to report (the football itself and the tactics and the beauty is almost lost with this new found freedom of journalism) Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Spurs for the prem title ...COYS
Hudd has been given a role to do in the side and knows exactly what is required of him. That has been how 'Arry has got the best out of him and indeed the rest of the players. Hudd can do the role assigned as he has proved in the last two games and his role allows Mod to roam and dictate play with Keane. His unselfish play in the first two games has been remarkable.
Lets get behind him as if the evidence so far this season os to be believed he has found a new maturity in his play and learnt that he can't play the 50 yard pass every time he gets the ball and he has to tackle back when we lose the ball.
I for one think that the Palacios/Huddlestone partnership could be the most important we have at the moment as it allows the rest of the team to flow and create and protects the back four and lets be honest they have had little protection in the last few seasons (End of last season apart). Well done Hudd.
looks like the players have been to the barbers!
the presence of certain players definately must give the opposition some tactic nightmares..
the squad is about making the team and hudd,s passing is pinpoint.....jenas has to work hard to remain once given his chance.....point is we dominate midfield in games ......palacios etc..also o hara does give it his all when on the pitch....the motivation is set right
To me it's quite simple, we need an understudy for Palacios to shaperone his flimsy CM partners when he is inevitably suspended. Both THudd and JJ have shone next to the general and we need to ensure that when he is not in the side, someone can hold their hands. Corluka and probably Bassong are good examples when King is missing.
But in any case our team looks very balanced for the first time, since I don't know when and for that I am happy. Defoe was great and looks very strong for a little bloke - even had a little bit of handbags with Dawson or Turner (can't remember now)
Even Hutton looked alright last night and I have been unconvinced by him so far.
The addition of an out-and-out left wing would be interesting to see how well Wilson and Modric work in the middle. I'll stop now.
Somethings happened to Defoe, he fuckin means business
During the close season, with all the rumours that were being circulated, my greatest fear was that the THUD would be sold. Now my fear is that when Jenas is fit, he will replace the THUD.
I have to agree with Hansen, this is the midfield that has everything, and I believe that they will get better because as most of you have said, THUD is not the finished article. I think he is the best passer of a ball that we have had since Hoddle, and if he could only learn to shoot half as well as HOD, we can expect to see a 10-15 goal a season performer.
I know he lacks mobilty, but now we are not relying on a big striker, watch out for the following move repeatedly this season, and see what dividends it brings: THUD 40-50 yd pass to the feet of Lennon, Defoe and Keane race forward to receive the (accurate) low ball from Lennon shot on target. I wwill be surprised if that doesn't bring us 25 goals this season.
I worry City will put in amassive bid for Modric in january, they'll see us as easy targets
The difference with Thudd is confidence. All the team were prepared to play last night...full backs were colelcting the ball from the keeper dropping a sholuder, thudd was finding space pinging it about....some of our play was as good as I have seen for a very long time.
The doubt for me with Thudd is has he got the chestnuts to grab a game that is not going well and turn it around...I have no doubt that the general can but we have seen to many games where Tommy and JJ have not and too many games have slipped us by.
I like the idea of bringing in an expereienced CM maybe with a proven winner mentatlity...Van Bommell (NEVER VIERA!) to help the team along in the short term and Thudd in the longer term in the same way I beleive Carrick learnt from Davids. It would give us a backup midfield of Bentley - Jenas - Van Bommell - O'Hara which would be a top 10-12 prem midfield and options from KPB, Bostock & Rose.
Is the Hudd the answer -Answer long term No the man for me is ARTETA he has it all and i would swap hudd,jenas and bentley to get him .Along with Wilson in midfield it would prove deadley with modric on the left and lennon on the right we would have a top 4 midfield at the minute we are ok but only while we have no injuries or anyone out for a game or two get Arteta now before this window closes.
We shouldn't rush to conclusions about Huddlestone too quickly. Jenas won't have a chance of starting for at least 3-4 games at the minimum as he gains match fitness. We shouldn't try to fix anything that isn't broken, and as long as we are putting in good performances in midfield, IMHO Huddlestone stays, next to Palacios, serving as a great pivot behind our attackers.
I'd also like to point out that people think he disappeared from games at times, but what he does best is pass the ball effectively across the field, spreading defenses and switching the angle of attack. He doesn't need to dwell on the ball or attempt the dribble and we don't want him doing that anyways! His best role is in finding good positioning behind our attackers and serving as the pivot of our play. It helps quite a bit that he is hustling to play defense and putting in quality challenges to protect our back four.
With him and Palacios in the center, our midfield is huge and physically imposing- and skilled on the ball too. When was the last time we intimidated opponents like that? We absolutely absued Liverpool and Hull and I like us standing big a tall through the middle. Don't you?
Wow check out the reactions of the Hull supporters after yesterdays game : http://boards.footymad.net/forum.php?tno=297&fid=148&sty=2&act=1&mid=2124899226
Huddlestone should be surely given a long stay so that he can get his confidence, fitness and experience up. Jenas though has flashes of good goal, and is box2box, he just hasn't the same quality as huddlestone. with the strike force we have we need a midfielder who can consistently find them with killer pass. Give Huddlestone a long run and you will see how GOOD a player he is and WILL be.
first off i agree with blog head Tuncay is class, i believe he could be special on a real team, runs his socks off and has a berbatov esque touch, can play attacking center mid for us.
also, i am feeling the high of winning the first two, but we beat one crap team in hull and what okay team that was completely out of sorts in liverpool. stevie and torres showed no magic at all which they almost always do against any team.
one game at a time. keeps the mood at controllable level and we will really have something this year
little update : Negredo signed at sevilla yesterday , so he wont be coming which is not a real problem with our impressive strike force ...
I've always been a fan (as many who hav eread my previous comments know) of the Hudd Pal combination. Why? Because each others strength compliments the others weakness.
Wilson is a man mountain of a midfield general biting into tackle and his positional play is excellent at shepherding the ball, and players, out to wider positions where they can do less damage, he can also make a short pass quickly to a player nearby, BUT what Wilson doesn't have is a range of passing.
Hudd on the other hand has the same physical presence and the same positional sense (as rightly pointed out at the pool game when wilson raids forward Hudd hangs back, meaning not overexposed at any one point in the middle of the park, which is important when you are playing effectively with two wing backs), is not as good in the tackle (but still better than Paul Scholes) BUT, his main strength is his range of passing, and more importantly the vision matched by the ability to execute an incisive pass (key word there is incisive) for Keane and Defoe to feed off of. And feed they have in the past two.
Alan 'miserable ba*d' Hansen doesn't get much right, but as pointed out before we have Modric (creativity and tenacity), Palacious (dependability and defenability), Hud (range and natural vision) and Lennon (pace and direction) that gives our midfield a 'balance' that we have not seen in years.
Managers will often tell you that 'balance' in a team is required in all aspects of the game, and it is true as it means you end up with fewer weaknesses in the team as a whole. Hence Pal wins ball, looks for Hud, Hud looks up for lennon / Modric. and a counter attack has been sprung quickly with two passes.
And man do we look dangerous on the counter currently!
And Davy arteta may well be the most under-rated midfielder in the Premiership (siomething I've always thought), but he is fast becoming a crock as well (which is a shame as he is a good one to watch from a neutral perspective) and so is not really a medium or long term solution.
And Blog (and yes good to see you're still out there), Tuncay is class, but will he come somewhere if he is not going to be an automatic first choice in a world cup year? When we don't have european footie to spread starts across the team? And do we need him?
I also agree that I expect Man City to come in with a big big for Modric at some point, but I wonder if we are doing well enough come jan that he may think twice? Shame as he is probably one of the three irreplacable's we currently have.
i was wondering where you were @ tricky , an article on the hudd without at least 5 paragraphs of analasys form your part , just didn't feel right :p
Thought I'd keep it short and sweet this time!
I could have just written 'I told you so' but that would have lacked demonstrating the reason behind my view, and frankly that would make me no better than a goon!
I want Hud to become the finished article. He has class that is rare. My issue is this. Wilson looks so good. His harrying of the opposition is what we have been after for leterally years. Take him away and what happens to Hud. Can he boss a game? I have always hoped he can but never seen it when the chance came. JJ on the other hand although often infuriating has been known to boss the occasional game and provide the driving force. Hud is younger than JJ but no kid anymore. He needs to learn from Wilson fast and be able to drive the team in his absence. If he does this he could become a legend. I am rooting for him.
We've got Modders until next summer at least I reckon. He's got more class than Berb and doesn't seem to be in it just for the money. All depends on the pound signs in Levy's eyes.
Tuncay would indeed be a good signing. Offers cover for Modric and Keane and has that essential tenacity and winning mentality. Petrov would also do a job for us left midfield. He's getting on a bit but there's a couple of years left in him and he's cheap. Pass his experience onto the youngsters too.
Thudd's always been the answer. Every team needs someone who can change play with a less than obvious pass. Good to see him up with play and in the box during Robbie's goal, screaming for Lennon to cross to him. Immobile? Pah! Rarely seen JJ in that situation.
Good article! First of all Harry Hustle are you high? started some good points and then trailed off something spectacular!
I have always been a fan of THudd and when given consecutive games has started to deliver. He has always needed playing time as just takes a little while to get up to speed. A lot of what he does goes unoticed as he is always available for a pass and even if ball isn't passed then he inevitably is making the opposition work harder. Sometimes he keeps it simple and just moves the ball along and as you've seen recently can also play that killer ball! Both work effectively and he seems to now when to do the short and when to go long.
The amount of times he'll get the ball and spray it 40 yrds+ to an advancing Lennon deserves more recognition - he can turn defence into attack in seconds. I also believe he has the right mould of players around him for him to continue excelling!
Long may his run in the team continue and no i do not want his babies!
Peace
What happens when Wilson gets injured or booked who replaces him?The reason hudd looks good is because of Wilson who for me is the class of this year .If we loose Wilson for a game or two how good will the hudd be then?I fear thats when all those who say he has class will see he can't mark ,he is a very poor tackler for such a big guy and he is very slow .Yes he can pass a ball but so could i many years ago but it did not make me any good we need cover or it will be back to o'hara and the prince in midfield and how many games will we win then.Sorry i stll think Arteta is a great buy for us injuries or not he is miles better then hudd.
sex is the answer