Eren Mitchell On Tommy H…
After seeing Tom Huddlestone’s rash challenge on Bolton’s Johan Elmander in Saturday’s 4-2 loss, many critics have spoken out about his “nasty” approach. Replays have shown him stamp on the Swede’s chest in the dying minutes of the game where he received no card. The incident follows up last month’s elbow on an FC Twente player in the Champions League.
The England international also received no punishment.
People have questioned the midfielder’s temperament of late but there is no doubting his talent. Huddlestone has established himself as a key member of the Spurs team this season with his trademark passes and tactical awareness. He has captained the team several times this season and has made himself a real contender for an England place.
He doesn’t need to adapt this style to his game but two needless challenges have rightfully got people talking. Harry Redknapp has come out since to defend his player and has said “Tom’s tame, he’s not aggressive.”
He’s not maliciously gone out to hurt a player in the past so two in the past month shouldn’t be getting him bad views from the fans. He’s not in the category alongside the likes of Joey Barton, Robbie Savage or even Nigel De Jong. These are players who have been involved in robust challenges throughout their careers so Tom Huddlestone shouldn’t be compared to these sorts of players.
Paul Scholes, another technically gifted player is well known for his outstanding ability on the ball but his wayward challenges have often given him bad press. Tom Huddlestone is a similar player to the United legend but getting this negative reputation Scholes possesses will do him no favours.
Huddlestone has the potential to be one of the best players in the League but these types of rumours are not helping him. He has a lot to play for this season with Spurs going well in Europe and he faces a tough battle to retain a top four place. He must now let his football do the talking and concentrate on cementing a place in Fabio Capello’s next 23-man squad for the European Champions Qualifiers.
