Hudd for Defensive Midfield Role

Article by Jesse Johnstone

Thus far, our summer signings have consisted of Luka Modric, a central midfilelder who doesn't hold back when it comes to the flair side of his game. We have also signed Giovani dos Santos, an up and coming individual talent, who, to be honest, I know nothing about, other than what I read about in the papers. But from what I have read, it looks as though our new Mexican youngster can play either on the wing (most probably the left wing as he's left footed), just in behind the strikers or as a striker. We're also apparently awaiting the work-permit from the DoE for Heurelho da Silva Gomes, our new keeper.

It seems as though we are close to signing David Bentley too. All in all, we've signed a keeper, and two attacking midfielders, with apparently one on the way.

I thought that our problem last season wasn't putting the ball in the net, but actually trying to keep the ball out of it.

No matter what anyone says, we miss Michael Carrick. We miss him terribly. I personally have been waiting for us to be linked with a central defender who can act as cover for Ledder's when he's unfit and a central midfield enforcer. Someone who can sit in front of the back four, break up play, spread long passes and occasionally have a crack at goal.

After reading that "The Hudd" had signed a new 5-year deal with the club, it suddenly dawned on me; we have the midfield enforcer right here! Tom Huddlestone in my opinion, can become not just a great player, but a superb one. His vision, passing skills, and his ability to hold up the ball make him the prime candidate for a central midfield role.

I honestly thought that he would be one of the players shown the door. It seems as though Juande Ramos has other ideas. You don't tell your Director of Football/Board that you want them to offer a new and improved 5-year contract to a player, unless you plan on using him.

I feel that Huddlestone can become the type of player that we've lacked since the departure of Carrick. If all the reports are true, then we could be looking at a midfield of;

Giovani - Modric - Huddlestone - Bentley/Lennon

If the players can gel, then we're talking about a midfield that will surely rival any that is in the top four.