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Tottenham: Quarterback Huddlestone Can Replace Playmaker Modric
If Modric is to leave Tottenham this season many Spurs fans will be clamouring for a big-name replacement. According to this fan, however, the answer may be closer to home.
For a second season, Luka Modric is being heavily linked with a summer move away from White Hart Lane. Rational Tottenham fans have all but resigned themselves to the fact that come the end of this transfer window, it’s looking increasingly likely that the lilywhite number 14 shirt will have been left behind by quite possibly its greatest ever inhabitant - apologies to Hossam Ghaly. However, this isn’t what this piece is about. I could write at length about the merits of the transfer saga, but I don’t want to tread on already fertile ground. That pudding has been well and truly over-egged; but the fact of the matter is thus: either Daniel Levy lets him go, or he doesn’t. End of discussion. Yet, thoughts have already begun to turn to sounding out possible replacements, just in case. Forums are being littered with pipedream big name signings and suggestions for possible formation alterations, but on the whole, I’ve found myself disagreeing with them all. I don’t think we need to go out and buy this fabled ‘Modric replacement’. I believe that Tottenham already have the cultured, chance creating, playmaking, goal scoring, pace setting, set piece taking midfielder we may require should Luka leave, he’s just somehow been forgotten about.
Tom Huddlestone is one of the most technically gifted footballers I’ve ever seen in a Tottenham shirt. He’s naturally two footed with an eye for a pass, be it from 6 yards away or 60, and is one of the most accomplished strikers of the ball in the league. Sure, he’s not the same type of player Modric is, but who says we need him to be? Bigger, better players than Modric have been sold in the past, and finding a direct replacement isn’t always the answer. When Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United, he arguably left them with a bigger void to fill than if Modric was to leave Tottenham. But did Sir Alex panic buy? No, of course he didn’t. He spent £16 million of the eighty he received for Ronaldo on Antonio Valencia, hardly a like-for-like superstar replacement, but who has in time become just as important to the team, performing an entirely different role. If arguably the biggest team in the world - definitely in the country - with the greatest manager the games ever seen have realised that players come and go in modern day football, why haven’t we? Sometimes, searching for an ideal replacement and crowbarring them into a team can harm a side more than slightly adjusting their style will, look at Alberto Aquilani at Liverpool for example, billed as Xabi Alonso’s replacement, but in reality a completely different type of player made to play a role he wasn’t comfortable with, ultimately ending in failure.
When Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United, he arguably left them with a bigger void to fill than if Modric was to leave Tottenham. But did Sir Alex panic buy? No, of course he didn’t.
I think we, the fans, have become too used to seeing Modric run our midfield, and convinced ourselves we need a playmaker of his ilk in order for the team to succeed, but I’m not too sure about that anymore. Much debate has been had between Spurs fans, largely confusing themselves with whether his role in the team is overrated, or whether or not he is irreplaceable. Being the person I am, I look at the situation slightly more pragmatically. If Modric is to leave, it gives us a chance to refocus our means of play, not losing any of the attacking intent or balance in midfield, and possibly opening up the squad so reliance in chance creation isn’t focused largely on only one man. Players like Modric don’t come around all too often, and we’re lucky to call him one of our own, but we can’t be so single-sighted in thinking progression is impossible without him either. Like I said, Tom Huddlestone isn’t the same type of player as Modric is, but he has the ability to emulate the likes of Andréa Pirlo, Paul Scholes, or closer to home, Glenn Hoddle. Becoming more of a quarterback than a playmaker, a type of player like Huddlestone could be perfect for the pace in the current Tottenham team. Slightly more robust and stronger in midfield, with the ability to play passes Modric could only dream of, linking defence and attack almost instantaneously, Huddlestone could save the club £20 million for a midfielder that, I don’t know, could be better spent on a striker? We have the personnel to back up the type of role he’d be playing too; Pirlo had Gattuso at Milan, Scholes had Roy Keane, we have Scott Parker and Sandro. One midfielder with culture, the other midfielder a vulture. It’s a template that’s worked time and time again, producing results at the very highest levels.
Of course, I’m not saying Huddlestone will be ready straight away, but he’s not going to learn and improve sitting on the bench either. His injury troubles should hopefully be behind him next season, and any criticisms regarding his weight and athleticism are a thing of the past. He isn’t the quickest player in the world, and never will be, but he would be playing a role that wouldn’t require him to be. His midfield partner is the one required to chase and hustle, giving him the time on the ball needed to launch attack after attack. But, maybe Levy decides he wants Modric for another year, he’s still got four or five years to run on his six-year contract, and he’s already shown he’s not one to be pressured in to selling. Maybe this won’t be an issue for another year, but in the event that it is, I for one hope that Tom Huddlestone gets the chance I think he deserves to impress.
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COMMENTS
Huddlestone could replace Modric. Are you serious?
Funniest thing I've read in ages. Cheers!
Good player, but completely overrated (especailly by you). Would probably be better suited to the continent.
I have never seen this site before so I am assuming this is some kind of bad joke. As a midfielder Tom Huddleston does not run and does not tackle. These are two important skills needed in the Premiership let alone the Champions League but maybe you are not aiming for either of those. There is a reason why Real Madrid, Manchester United & Chelsea are not coming in for Tom. As a midfielder Tommy should call it a day however as a defender he isn't too bad. He has played there before for Spurs and started there for Derby. I would be surprised if AVB or whoever it is that comes in as manager is convinced that Tom Huddlestone is the solution once Modric departs.
Huddlestone is a technically gifted player, better than modric with his passing, goal scoring, and set-pieces. BUT, Modric is better at moving around the pitch, tackling, and running the ball passed 2-3 players. Huddlestone DOES NOT suit Spur's style of play, he wants to sit deep and ping about passes, we but need goalscoring midfielders to play along side Sandro.
So the other midfielders do all the work whilst Huddlestone just swans around completely unchallenged by the other team who'll just stand there in awe watching big Tom play his Hollywood passes. Get real!
I actually agree - Hudd is class and I think we've missed him. Played next to Parker/Sandro in a 4-2-3-1 I think he'd be excellent. Nobody is as good at dinking those balls over the top for Bale/Lennon to chase. Modric IS overrated, he's good at keeping possession and playing - and of course I'd rather keep him than sell him - but I think Bale is more irreplaceable. If Madrid want to give us £20m and Higuian in exchange then that looks like a reasonable bit of business when you conside the little rat doesn't want to be here any more.
He was developing really well under Martin Jol. Great support to Berbatov, Keene and Malbranque in the old days. Would be an interesting combination with him playing off Sandro or Jake Livermore.
Tommy the Tank is too immobile, he can hit a ball and pick a pass but thatis it, if you think he can replace Modric you need to get your self looked at.
I've been thinking this very thought myselkf for the last week. Hudd is a fantastic player and adds his own dimension to the team. Parker was sensational last year, but I'm not looking ahead to the coming season 'expecting' him to maintain that form. This could be a big year for Sandro who I feel has great potential to build a relationship with Hudd. With VDV or another fleet footed deep forward/attacking midfielder ahead and you have a highly competitive midfield.
Tom Hudlestone is the best passer of a ball in Europe that's how high i regard him a 6ft3 Perlo. The only thing we need is the ankle to be fully healed and we have a great quarter back in the waiting. What we have to hope is ABV also sees big tom talent or Fulham are waiting to pounce.
big cuddles is a class act i agree. He played a huge role the season we qualified for cl. I think we missed him this year he can score them long goals when the lower teams. But he hasnt played for a couple of seasons now it will probably take him half a season to find his feet
both players have had 4 seasons of regular football at the lane. stats read like so: Luka: P - 159, G - 17, A - 26 Tom: P - 152, G - 13, A - 19 not quite as good I'll admit, but hardly so poor to be worthy of the slating in some of these comments. I'd quite happily see him as the 'Pirlo' in a midfield 3 with Sandro the enforcer and VDV (Sigurdsson, Dzogoev, whoever else we're linked with this week) getting forward.
Yes. Huddlestone will save the Tottenhamss! (Thursday nights, channel 5. Enjoy)
Ha ha, Pirlos and quarterbacks, WTF are some people on?
Steve, those stats mean f all. Huddlestone makes a couple of cross field pin point passes in a game and some people are shooting their load. Modric is always in the game (or was until he decided we're not good enough for him). We need a much better player than Huddlestone in the team if we're serious about progressing. He's a squad player.
I remember a similar debate when Carrick was at the club. Pirlo showed the way. Remember under AVB we will play either 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. This is totally different to 4-4-2. Tell me is Alonso or Pirlo faster that Hudd? I think not. Hudd and Alonso share many similar qualities and for Spain Alonso is one of the 1st names om the list
You do realize Tom Huddlestone is the slowest midfielder in the Premier League..and although has an eye for a pass and a heavy shot, he isn't exactly adept at close quarters or dribbling....he would definitely be better off at a club like Fulham...does not fit in the Spurs system...and how would he replace the creativity that Modric brings???
interesting, we still judge a midfielder on his speed. Do you think Alonso or Pirlo have any pace? Glen Hoddle said he was one of the most natural passers he had ever seen. give the guy s chance. He not quick but he ain't that bad.
A turning point for me was when we beat the Arse (just) but massacred Chelski with Modric and Thud outstanding. That was the first time I thought we'd turned the corner. I don't want to lose either really until we know what the new managers philosophy and style will be. COYS
Even with our dazzling first half of last season you got the impression we were complicating things too much in midfield - a nexus of Gylfi, Huddlestone and Sandro would make it more direct but still attractive to watch.
So you're comparing one of the most average English players to probably one of the top 5 playmakers in the world. Good job there. Next up: Lennon is the new Ronaldo.
Sorry, mate, but you have got it COMPLETELY wrong with regard to Aquilani and Liverpool, on two counts. One, he was NOT meant to be a 'direct replacement' for Alonso at all. They DO have different playing styles, which was precisely what Rafa wanted: a greater attacking threat from his midfielder. Aquilani is to be found far more often in or around the penalty area than Alonso, hence the reason for his purchase. As for being a 'failure', that's nonsense. The only reason he can be considered a faiure is because two managers have sent him on loan, thereby preventing him from building upon his promising performances in the second half of his first season - where he scored two goals, made six assists, and won four Man of the Match awards. Is that really a failure? Hardly.
I don't think anyone is saying Huddlestone is a direct relacement for Modric but he has ability and should be given the chance. Read the article!
Hudd is great. He just needs to come to fruition. With parker and sandro behind him he could be very effective. We all know he's got a killer pass and a thunderous and accurate shot but more surprisingly he started to learn how to tackle and chase when palacios joined before that he took his lead from that shirker J'anus. He carried the tougher side of his game through to europe and put on some great displays alongside Sandro when Modric was injured. He's a late developer. He needs to be a man. but like Bale, I expect he'll come through. THUDDLESTON!! COYS!
tom the tank engine sandro livermore parker lol play any two 2-4-4 spurs futuristic warm welcome andre villas-boas interesting great campaign ahead reinforcements coming c'mon! lilywhites.
Hahahaha funny article...Comparing a Hyuandai with a Ferrari....If Tom plays in the middle in any role as oppose to Modric there is only one way for Spurs to go and that is down. In saying that there aren't many players you can't say that for and none at Spurs so I suppose he's as good as any for midtable mediocrity that awaits you....also someone said he's better passer then Modric hehehehe...Modric is right up there with Xavi Iniesta Pirlo as far as midfield and passing are concerned...Huddlestone passes one or two long balls in a game gives it away hundred times..runs feck all..influences the game feck all..it's just dumb even talking about it...
Why are some comments laughing at the idea of the author? The author simply said that there are other types of playmakers. Just because Spurs are used to seeing a playmaker like Modric, doesn't mean other type of playmaker would fail at Spurs. Hudd's qualities are suited for him to play the role of a deep lying playmaker a la Pirlo or Scholes. These two players don't move around the pitch much do they? And also these players usually have a partner in centre midfield to help them with defending, i.e. Pirlo had Gatusso and Scholes had Keane. A similar combination of Sandro/Parker as the one who do the dirty work and Hudd as the one who decide the tempo of the game is very plausible. The ones that laugh at this idea seriously overestimate Modric and underestimate Hudd.
Greatest ever number 14?!?! you're forgetting Daviiiid Ginola! remember, he's a footballer not a movie star. Because he's worth it!
Overall, a very well considered - and positive - argument. The central plank - that Spurs have the midfield personnel potential - especially , now, with Gylfi in the squad - and with AVB on board - to become even better, nothwithstanding Modric's particular contribution, with a FIT Huddlestone (who IS capable of passing better - especially at distance - than Modric (without his energy & pace but with other compensatory players around him), enables us to try other (potentially more effective) midfield combinations (with AVB's flexibility & tactical nous) in ensuring at least regular 4th (& higher) EPL placings and regular entry to The Champions League...And if Luka stays (or is forced to by Levy) another season, than this can only bode well for the sucessful development of an eventual _ at least equally effective - alternative (buying us time to experiment)solution.
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