Tom Huddlestone
Encyclopedia
Thomas Andrew Huddlestone (born 28 December 1986) is an English footballer who plays for Tottenham Hotspur
and the England national team
.
, Nottinghamshire
, Huddlestone was taken on by Nottingham Forest
at an early age but was released at 12 as he was claimed to be "not strong enough". After Forest he joined Derby and after progressing well, made his debut for Derby County's reserve side at the age of just 15, when he appeared as an 80th minute sub at right-wing back in a match against Coventry City
.
He was given his full debut by George Burley
at the age of 16 on the opening day of the 2003–04
season in a 3–0 home defeat to Stoke City
, where he was voted Man of the Match. Though Derby struggled in Huddlestone's first full season, Huddlestone was one of Derby's few bright points, with Burley saying "He's a terrific talent. As a young player, he (is) the best passer of a ball I (have) ever seen, and I've worked with some good young players." He eventually went on to appear in 43 of Derby's 46 league games that season. He enjoyed an equally successful 2004-05
as Derby reached the Football League Division One playoffs, where they lost to Preston North End
in the semifinals. However, half way through the season Huddlestone signed for Tottenham Hotspur in January 2005 for a fee reported to be worth up to £2.5 million, though he remained at Derby for the rest of the campaign. He left Pride Park with 95 appearances to his credit.
season on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers
, scoring his first league goal, at Derby, before returning to make his debut for Tottenham as a substitute in the 1–0 defeat away at Fulham
on 31 January 2006.
His first start for Tottenham came on 14 September 2006, away to Slavia Prague in the UEFA Cup
, a game which Tottenham won 1–0.
His first goal for Spurs came in the Carling Cup
4th Round match against Port Vale
on 8 November 2006. Huddlestone scored 2 goals in this match, his second goal proving decisive in extra time, taking Tottenham through to the quarter finals of the competition.
Huddlestone got his first league goal for Spurs on 17 December 2006 against Manchester City with an excellent half-volley on 24 minutes, hit first-time after assisting with team mate Calum Davenport
's first goal with a free-kick.
Huddlestone established himself as one of the most promising young English central midfielders in the premiership towards the end of the 2006–07 season and head coach Martin Jol compared Tom Huddlestone with German legend Franz Beckenbauer due to his playmaking abilities, ferocious shot power and versatility. He has also been deployed at centre back on numerous occasions for both Tottenham
and the England under-21s.
On 25 December 2006, he signed a new four and a half year contract – keeping him at the club until 2011. Tom signed a new and improved five-year contract on 30 June 2008 committing his future to Tottenham Hotspur until 2013. He came on as a substitute as Spurs beat Chelsea in the 2008 Football League Cup Final
. During the 2009–10 season, he became a regular under Harry Redknapp
. In March, he extended his contract until 2015.
On 2 November he captained the side to a famous 3-1 win over European Champions Inter Milan in matchday 4 of the Champions League, leaving Spurs 1 win away from the knockout stages.
. He played twice in the 2007 UEFA Under-21 Championship
before a red card for dissent ruled him out of the semi-final and final. In October 2008, he scored the opening goal from a free kick in the second leg of the 2009 European Championship qualifying play-offs
against Wales. Although the game ended in a draw which ensured qualification for England, it was marred by his sending-off in the second half for a reckless challenge on Darcy Blake
. He missed the tournament through injury.
squad for the first time by coach Fabio Capello
to face United States
and Trinidad and Tobago
in friendlies. On 14 November 2009, he received his first cap for the senior side in the 1–0 loss in a friendly match
against Brazil
, after coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute in a 1-0 defeat. His next appearances came in a 2010 World Cup
warm up match against Mexico
, where he came on in as a substitute in the 61st minute. His latest appearance for England also came in a 2010 World Cup warm up game against Japan
where he started for the first time in 2-1 victory.
In May 2010, Fabio Capello announced that Huddlestone would be in his preliminary World Cup
squad of 30 players. However, was not selected for the final 23-man squad.
.
He also has a powerful shot that has enabled him score long range goals from midfield, notably when he scored twice from outside the penalty area against Fulham
on 26 December 2007, a top-corner goal against Bolton Wanderers in May 2010 and a spectacular left-footed effort against Arsenal in a 3-3 draw in April 2011.
Correct as of 2 May 2010 (UTC)
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
and the England national team
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
.
Derby County
Born in NottinghamNottingham
Nottingham is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England. It is located in the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire and represents one of eight members of the English Core Cities Group...
, Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire is a county in the East Midlands of England, bordering South Yorkshire to the north-west, Lincolnshire to the east, Leicestershire to the south, and Derbyshire to the west...
, Huddlestone was taken on by Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest F.C.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
at an early age but was released at 12 as he was claimed to be "not strong enough". After Forest he joined Derby and after progressing well, made his debut for Derby County's reserve side at the age of just 15, when he appeared as an 80th minute sub at right-wing back in a match against Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
.
He was given his full debut by George Burley
George Burley
George Elder Burley is a Scottish football manager and former player and manager, formerly the manager of Crystal Palace Football Club. Burley had a professional career spanning 21 years as a player making 628 appearances and earning 11 Scotland caps...
at the age of 16 on the opening day of the 2003–04
2003-04 in English football
The 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game....
season in a 3–0 home defeat to Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
, where he was voted Man of the Match. Though Derby struggled in Huddlestone's first full season, Huddlestone was one of Derby's few bright points, with Burley saying "He's a terrific talent. As a young player, he (is) the best passer of a ball I (have) ever seen, and I've worked with some good young players." He eventually went on to appear in 43 of Derby's 46 league games that season. He enjoyed an equally successful 2004-05
2004-05 in English football
The 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League...
as Derby reached the Football League Division One playoffs, where they lost to Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
in the semifinals. However, half way through the season Huddlestone signed for Tottenham Hotspur in January 2005 for a fee reported to be worth up to £2.5 million, though he remained at Derby for the rest of the campaign. He left Pride Park with 95 appearances to his credit.
Tottenham Hotspur
Huddlestone spent a few months of the 2005–062005-06 in English football
The 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether...
season on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
, scoring his first league goal, at Derby, before returning to make his debut for Tottenham as a substitute in the 1–0 defeat away at Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
on 31 January 2006.
His first start for Tottenham came on 14 September 2006, away to Slavia Prague in the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
, a game which Tottenham won 1–0.
His first goal for Spurs came in the Carling Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
4th Round match against Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
on 8 November 2006. Huddlestone scored 2 goals in this match, his second goal proving decisive in extra time, taking Tottenham through to the quarter finals of the competition.
Huddlestone got his first league goal for Spurs on 17 December 2006 against Manchester City with an excellent half-volley on 24 minutes, hit first-time after assisting with team mate Calum Davenport
Calum Davenport
Calum Ray Paul Davenport is an English footballer, who is currently playing for Wootton Blue Cross after being released by West Ham United. He plays as a centre back.-Coventry City:...
's first goal with a free-kick.
Huddlestone established himself as one of the most promising young English central midfielders in the premiership towards the end of the 2006–07 season and head coach Martin Jol compared Tom Huddlestone with German legend Franz Beckenbauer due to his playmaking abilities, ferocious shot power and versatility. He has also been deployed at centre back on numerous occasions for both Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
and the England under-21s.
England national under-21 football team
England's national Under-21 football team, also known as England Under-21s or England U21, is considered to be the feeder team for the England national football team....
On 25 December 2006, he signed a new four and a half year contract – keeping him at the club until 2011. Tom signed a new and improved five-year contract on 30 June 2008 committing his future to Tottenham Hotspur until 2013. He came on as a substitute as Spurs beat Chelsea in the 2008 Football League Cup Final
2008 Football League Cup Final
The 2008 Carling Cup Final was a football match played on 24 February 2008. It was the first League Cup Final to be played at the new Wembley Stadium, and the first to be played in England since the old Wembley was demolished in 2000. The defending champions were Chelsea, who beat Arsenal in the...
. During the 2009–10 season, he became a regular under Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp
Henry James "Harry" Redknapp is a former English footballer who has enjoyed a long career in football management starting in 1983 with Bournemouth. He is the current manager of Tottenham Hotspur....
. In March, he extended his contract until 2015.
On 2 November he captained the side to a famous 3-1 win over European Champions Inter Milan in matchday 4 of the Champions League, leaving Spurs 1 win away from the knockout stages.
Youth
Having been capped at the U-17 and U-19 levels, Huddlestone was a regular in the England under-21sEngland national under-21 football team
England's national Under-21 football team, also known as England Under-21s or England U21, is considered to be the feeder team for the England national football team....
. He played twice in the 2007 UEFA Under-21 Championship
2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship
The UEFA U-21 Championship 2007 were held from 10 June 2007 to 23 June 2007. It is the 16th staging of UEFA's European Under-21 Football Championship....
before a red card for dissent ruled him out of the semi-final and final. In October 2008, he scored the opening goal from a free kick in the second leg of the 2009 European Championship qualifying play-offs
2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification play-offs
The qualification play-offs for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship took place from 10 October to 15 October 2008. The ten group winners and four best runners-up from the qualifying group stage were drawn together in pairs in order to determine the seven teams that joined hosts...
against Wales. Although the game ended in a draw which ensured qualification for England, it was marred by his sending-off in the second half for a reckless challenge on Darcy Blake
Darcy Blake
Darcy James Blake is a Welsh professional footballer currently playing for Cardiff City in the Football League Championship. He is also a Welsh international, having made his debut in October 2010.-Cardiff City:...
. He missed the tournament through injury.
Senior team
He was called up into the EnglandEngland national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
squad for the first time by coach Fabio Capello
Fabio Capello
Fabio Capello is an Italian football manager and former player. He is the manager of the England national football team.Capello has the distinction of winning the domestic league title with every club he has coached throughout his career...
to face United States
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
and Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago national football team
The Trinidad and Tobago national football team, nicknamed The Soca Warriors, is the national team of Trinidad and Tobago and is run by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation. It reached the first round of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals...
in friendlies. On 14 November 2009, he received his first cap for the senior side in the 1–0 loss in a friendly match
Exhibition game
An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition...
against Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
, after coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute in a 1-0 defeat. His next appearances came in a 2010 World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
warm up match against Mexico
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
, where he came on in as a substitute in the 61st minute. His latest appearance for England also came in a 2010 World Cup warm up game against Japan
Japan national football team
The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
where he started for the first time in 2-1 victory.
In May 2010, Fabio Capello announced that Huddlestone would be in his preliminary World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
squad of 30 players. However, was not selected for the final 23-man squad.
Attributes
He is known for his size and his superb passing range which has led to comparisons with former Tottenham player Glenn HoddleGlenn Hoddle
Glenn Hoddle is an English former footballer and manager who played as an attacking midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur, AS Monaco, Chelsea and Swindon Town and at international level for England....
.
He also has a powerful shot that has enabled him score long range goals from midfield, notably when he scored twice from outside the penalty area against Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
on 26 December 2007, a top-corner goal against Bolton Wanderers in May 2010 and a spectacular left-footed effort against Arsenal in a 3-3 draw in April 2011.
Honours
Tottenham Hotspur- Carling CupFootball League CupThe Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
: 2007–08Football League Cup 2007-08The 2007–08 Football League Cup was the 48th staging of the Football League Cup, a knockout competition for England's top 92 football clubs. The competition name reflects a sponsorship deal with lager brand Carling.... - Barclays Asia Trophy: 2009
- Eusébio CupEusébio CupThe Eusébio Cup is an annual football tournament held at Sport Lisboa e Benfica's Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal. Benfica host the tournament in early-mid August, one or two weeks before the regular season kicks off. It is usually Benfica's and the participating team's last pre-season match...
: 2010 - Vodacom ChallengeVodacom ChallengeThe Vodacom Challenge is a association football pre-season tournament that features Vodacom-sponsored South African giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs plus from 2006 onwards an invited European club...
: 2011
Career stats
| Club | Season | Premier League | Domestic Cups | Europe UEFA The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer.... |
Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | Goals | Assists | Games | Goals | Assists | Games | Goals | Assists | Games | Goals | Assists | ||
| Tottenham Hotspur | 11-12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 10-11 | 14 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 2 | 2 | |
| 09-10 | 33 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 4 | 3 | |
| 08-09 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 31 | 2 | 3 | |
| 07-08 | 28 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 43 | 4 | 8 | |
| 06-07 | 21 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 35 | 3 | 5 | |
| 05-06 | 4 | 0 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | 0 | 1 | |
| Club Total | 126 | 9 | 18 | 27 | 5 | 3 | 26 | 2 | 3 | 171 | 14 | 21 | |
| Club | Season | Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
Domestic Cups | Europe UEFA The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer.... |
Total | ||||||||
| Games | Goals | Assists | Games | Goals | Assists | Games | Goals | Assists | Games | Goals | Assists | ||
| Wolves Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at... (on loan) |
05-06 | 13 | 1 | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| Club Total | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 0 | |
| Club | Season | Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
Domestic Cups | Europe UEFA The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer.... |
Total | ||||||||
| Games | Goals | Assists | Games | Goals | Assists | Games | Goals | Assists | Games | Goals | Assists | ||
| Derby County Derby County F.C. Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English... |
04-05 | 45 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | 48 | 0 | 1 |
| 03-04 | 43 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | 45 | 0 | 1 | |
| Club Total | 88 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 93 | 0 | 2 | |
| Career totals | 209 | 8 | 17 | 32 | 5 | 3 | 21 | 2 | 2 | 263 | 14 | 23 | |
External links
- Player Profile at Tottenham Hotspur Official Website
- Premier League profile