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 […]
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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.
[linequote]Huddlestone could save the club £20 million for a midfielder that, I don’t know, could be better spent on a striker?[/linequote]
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.
[author name=”Raj Bains” avatar=”https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/2347183812/image.jpg” twitter=”BainsXIII” website=”BainsXIII.tumblr.com” tag=”rajbains[/linequote]
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28 Comments
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28/06/2012 @ 7:41 pm
Love Hudd.. but a little lazy for my liking
28/06/2012 @ 7:42 pm
We cant rely on Jake fuckin Livermore if Huddlestone gets injured so we do need a Modric replacement if he goes. Moutinho looks spot on for me. Your off your head Raj if you think Hudds is adequate.
28/06/2012 @ 7:44 pm
I have said before that even though you cannot compare Modric and Huddlestone you can compare Modric + Parker and Huddlestone + Sandro. The dynamics of those 2 pairings check all the right boxes and with the added bonus of a few more goals coming from Hudd and Sandro.
The problem is will whoever the new gaffer is see that pairing or will just see to hole that Modric leaves if in fact he is sold.
28/06/2012 @ 8:11 pm
quote of the day right there “huddlestone makes passes only modric could dream of” i love tommy but his a league below modders i agree we dont need to go trying to find another modric just a great playmaker
28/06/2012 @ 8:14 pm
Hudd will be great. He’s no moderic, for sure but I have no doubt he’ll become great.
Sandro hudd and Parker in the middle could be awesome with a forward line of bale, Ade and Lennon.
28/06/2012 @ 8:15 pm
Huddlestone is a fantastic player, just like modders he can control games. He can pass just aswell, he just doesn’t have the abillity to take people on. But if we play get AVB as our manager we will be playing 433 meaning you could play either sandro/parker with huddlestone and then we would need a new box to box midfielder.
28/06/2012 @ 9:12 pm
Too dozy, and for someone who supposedly strikes the ball so well, doesn’t score enough goals.
28/06/2012 @ 9:24 pm
In fairness, Nani is more Ronaldo’s replacement. Fergie gets replacements in a year or two before the replaced go. If your arguement was about Sandro I’d be fully behind you. Tom has a few grey areas that keep him down a level. A bit slow and clumsy in the tackle for a central midfielder, he also has a temper. And not many goals for such a great shot. He’s very good, but not top, top level. Luka has a shit shot, but that’s probably his only flaw. Seen as too slight, he’s shown he can shield, tackle, work in tight spaces without time. When he wants it, the pace of tracking back and covering from him in the final quarter of a match is just astonishing. And he will play like that at Madrid for Jose for every 90 mins he gets all day long. Fantastic player. Sandro is special, too. Mainly a defensive midfielder but he can do everything. I’ve seen him clearing of our line after running 40yds, getting to right byline and banging in a cross, goals from edge of the box, tackle is immense, intimidating, but I digress… very fast, stamina, can play, he’s the mutts nuts. Parker is key and Hudds will play a part I’m sure. I like if Siggy comes, he’s something we haven’t got. Even Jenas, don’t laugh… would be more effectiive in 3 man midfield and is quick, can score. We’ll need the numbers if playing 3 cm’s we’ll need 6 or more in squad tier system. Still have Vdv as of now. Siggy covers Modric with Parker and Sandro would be a strong, quick midfield with goals in it.
28/06/2012 @ 9:43 pm
I agree, hudd can be fantastic for us. Needs to improve his concentration and temperament. Some things about him cannot be changed, but his desire to be a top player is the key.
28/06/2012 @ 10:10 pm
Tom is the lick! Best passer of a ball in the league. If English football appreciated technicians as much as other countries would have had about 50 caps by now. He will definitely slot in if fit like he did the season we last came 4th.
28/06/2012 @ 10:14 pm
Think a certain David Ginola will have something to say about best player ever to wear the 14 shirt! #legend
28/06/2012 @ 11:42 pm
totally agree mate,i think raj is a little overexcited,Ginola will be getting my vote for Spurs greatest P/L team for sure
28/06/2012 @ 10:35 pm
Ever wonder why SAF and Jose want to buy Modric?
They don’t chase Hudd, Jenas, Livermore but Luka makes them drool because he controls games.
If Spurs sell Modric the replacement will be a downgrade because exceptional players like that do not come to clubs like Spurs.
28/06/2012 @ 10:57 pm
An exceptional player like that DID come to spurs! (how else could he be leaving???)
Unless my memory fails me, The Hudd played when Modric was injured the year we qualified for the CL and our win average was up for those games. I’m definately pro Hudd.
28/06/2012 @ 11:36 pm
sir alex just wants him because he knows the mileage on scholes and giggs has run out, as for mourinho he justs likes having class players to call off the bench,like he did at chelsea, exceptional players do not come to spurs,whats wrong with Sandro???,he’s a regular in the brazilian squad.
28/06/2012 @ 11:05 pm
i seem to remember mourinho courting jenas, i’m a big fan of thudd, he was brilliant champs league qualifying year, we needed him this year, hopefully he can get sharp but we are still a little light although that could be plugged by sigurdsson and extra money on forwards, i think theyre might be a suprise not a higuain but we must have at least 2 lined up
28/06/2012 @ 11:54 pm
I agree that having Tommy back will be like having a new player but he’s not a replacement for Modric – Tommy can’t really run and pass (much like Hoddle) whereas Modric can (like Jonny White)
If anything we need a winger to replace Modric (and Krancjar) – someone who can run, attack and get onto balls. Who played on the wing when Bale/Lennon were injured? – Modric. Also Bale may be after a more central role in the team if Modric vacates. Piennaar also certainly has a role to play now.
29/06/2012 @ 12:07 am
have to disagree with you raj,the reason huddlestone has’nt nailed down a starting spot is because he is prone to injury.We cannot afford to rely on a player like that,hence the need to buy another,he is a beautiful striker of the ball and has a good passing game,but he is lazy in defence and does’nt score that often.You are right that we dont need to push the panic button if modric leaves,because we have three internationals in Parker,Van der Vaart, and Sandro still there,and with huddlestone and livermore as back-up we have plenty of cover.I think what we do need is a Afellay or a Adam Johnson to cover Bale and Lennon,and two world class strikers,throw Vertonghen in the mix,and i think we have a squad that can rival manure,chelski,and ar@#!#l
29/06/2012 @ 6:07 am
You do not know what you are talking about. He has had one bad injury how does that make him injury prone? He is in the team to pass the ball,which he does better than anyone, not score goals he is a deep lying player. Parker is a headless chicken and is awful in possession. Rafa has no fitness so unless he is used as a 2nd striker is next to useless. Sandro is brilliant, great engine, great in the tackle, but can run with or without the ball can pass and can shoot he is the future of our midfield and I think him and Tom will be massive together. Neither Afellay nor Johnson would leave their current teams to ride our bench. Clueless!
29/06/2012 @ 12:23 am
Hudd was our most played and consistent performer the season we qualified for the CL and dictated a lot of our play centrally while Modric mostly played left midfield.
I’m all for him starting every game, especially now he’s over that awful injury.
oh and by the way, Ginola was 100 times the player Modric is in the #14 shirt
29/06/2012 @ 4:08 am
Do you not remember Ginola the entertainer, he wore 14 and was imperious!!!
29/06/2012 @ 9:29 am
stopped reading after ‘number 14’s greatest inhabitant’ – are you f’ing joking me? David Ginola by a long, long way!!
29/06/2012 @ 9:37 am
ok, i then came back and read it again, because i felt you deserved another chance despite your #14 gaffe.
Interesting piece, and I agree you don’t always necesarily have to replace like for like, however I do not feel Huddlestone is enough to replace Modric. He simply isn’t quick enough and against big teams, he can be overrun. He can spread about long passes as good as anyone, but have you ever Huddlestone find that clever, quick little through ball that splits the defence and sends the striker clean through?
I don’t doubt Huddlestone has a role to play in our squad, as he does have some very good qualities, but he cannot be our main midfielder.
29/06/2012 @ 9:57 am
Hudd has made 114 appearances for us including subs, and scored 6 goals.
For a man with his shooting power that’s not very good is it?
Also, to compare him to Pirlo is unfair on both Tom and Pirlo. Pirlo finds space and time, Hud is often hustled out of it particularly when we play teams like Arsenal and their 5-man mid-field.
I like Hudd but he will need to improve significantly in terms of mobility and goal-scoring to be worth his place. Maybe with some new recruits he will fit into the team better?
29/06/2012 @ 12:18 pm
thanks for reading as always, nice reading all your thoughts, just a couple of things that obviously need bringing up:
– number 14, it didn’t get any great thought, and it was mainly an excuse for a Hossam Ghaly joke, added to the fact I was ages 5-8 while Ginola was at the club, he slipped my mind, apologies
– it was about not needing a ‘replacement’ – so all criticisms about Tom playing the same role are void, the comparison to Scholes and Pirlo were backed up with the fact he needs time to grow, he’s only just 25, so could be just as good come his prime if given a chance
– regards to his mobility, adaptability and versatility; he has played attacking midfield several times, central midfield most of the time, holding midfield against the likes of Inter at home where he was also captain and centre back when needed with fairly decent results too, not too shabby for a lazy player eh?
– I wasn’t saying that we needn’t sign new midfielders either, we need squad depth in order to rotate and progress, was just suggesting that having several men that can create and play in midfield is better than just relying on one man, even if he stays, I’d like to see Tom play more in his place anyway
can’t remember anything else, hope that clears up some discrepancies, much love.
29/06/2012 @ 1:12 pm
Smart, eloquent writing! Considered, thought provoking opinions!
I don’t always necessarily agree! But I do always enjoy reading them.
Keep it up Raj!
30/06/2012 @ 5:48 pm
Sandro is the perfect foil for Huddlestone. Rather than sit, The Beast hunts the ball down, tiggerishly and pressurises the man in possession, often in advanced areas. Hudd can hold and distribute from a deeper position (Like Pirlo)
Its not a combo we’ve really seen yet, but i think it could be a real winner.
Tottenham Hotspur: Quarterback Huddlestone Can Replace Playmaker Modrić | Raj Bains
03/10/2013 @ 9:27 pm
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