Tom Huddlestone: a cut above Luis Suarez and Co?

30 December 2013 11:43

Tom Huddlestone has made a somewhat belated claim for the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award in the Premiership after what his Hull manager described as one of the best midfield performances he has ever witnessed.

The former Tottenham and Derby man produced an absolute master class of midfield artistry in his side’s 6-0 demolition of Fulham. It was a display that had TV pundit Glenn Hoddle drooling – and he was the master of passing, posing and producing moments of pleasure.

Huddlestone had promised not to cut his hair until he ended a goal drought extending back to April 2011 – when he scored for Spurs against Arsenal – and he was true to his word, immediately, after joining in the goalscoring fun against a Fulham side suffering from a Christmas hangover.

His long-delayed trim started within seconds of him scoring as he ran to the touchline so a member of Hull's backroom staff could snip off a lock of the midfielder's hair. All in the name of charity. A worthy celebration of a goal which capped a wonderful individual performance.

Huddlestone said: "I set a charity up in October 2011 - my mates dared me to do it. I've had injuries so it dragged on a bit. I'd like to dedicate the goal to my mum. Twenty seven years ago she was in labour with me so hopefully this will make up for the pain."

Hull boss Steve Bruce, who signed Huddlestone from Tottenham in August, was happy to wax lyrical after his midfielder’s super show and said: “I've seen some great performances but I've never witnessed something as outstanding as what he produced today.

"He gave a master class of how to play in midfield. He had the lot: free-kicks, passing range, goals, a shot from 40 yards." All of which would seem to suggest Huddlestone is playing himself into the frame for a place in the England squad for next summer’s World Cup.

As Bruce pointed out in his post-match interview, England will need to retain possession for long periods in the Brazilian heat and there are currently few better than Big Tom. Mind you, if we are eyeing up potential World Cup stars, look no further than Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

Once again, the brilliant Belgian was the star of the show as Jose Mourinho’s Blues maintained their challenge for the Premier League title with a 2-1 win against rivals Liverpool, with Hazard scoring the opener whilst tormenting his opponents throughout.

Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko should not be discounted for our monthly award either as he has stepped up to the plate in the injury-enforced absence of leading scorer Sergio Aguero. The top flight’s latest super sub scored the only goal of the game against Crystal Palace; so registering his 50th for the club.

Luis Suarez might have had something of an off day in the defeat at Stamford Bridge but he has been in top goalscoring form throughout the month and I wouldn’t argue with the view of many that he is currently the best striker in the world.

But what do you think, and who will get your vote for PFA Fans’ Player of the Month in the Premier League for December?

Follow the link to our poll and show your support by voting for the player you think deserves the accolade of PFA Fans' Player of the Month.

Source: DSG