Hiddink hails Pav's prowess

09 April 2009 17:25
Guus Hiddink insists Roman Pavlyuchenko is one of the best strikers in Europe and is underused by Tottenham. The Russia international has struggled to adapt to life in England and has failed to produce a consistent level during his short time at White Hart Lane. He has, though, shown glimpses of the talent which helped put paid to England's Euro 2008 dreams and persuaded Spurs to part with £14million last summer. The 27-year-old has scored 13 goals in 31 appearances for the North London club, but continues to find himself regularly benched by boss Harry Redknapp. Hiddink, Chelsea boss and Pavlyuchenko's manager at international level, believes Spurs are wasting one of their most potent attacking weapons and insists he would have welcomed the opportunity to work with the talented frontman at Stamford Bridge. "Pavlyuchenko is capable of seriously strengthening Chelsea's attack, to add both power and pace," Hiddink said in an interview with the www.svpressa.ru website. "I used to call him a sleeping giant. Since he began playing for Tottenham, he began to think more quickly on the field and he is now playing better. "It's a pity that the club (Tottenham) keep him in reserve. I would never do that. A talented player like Roman must play, play and play again. "I think Pavlyuchenko would prove useful to Chelsea."

Source: SKY_Sports