PLAYER PROFILE

Tom Huddlestone

Position: Midfield

Height: 6'2

Weight: 11st 2lbs

Date of Birth: 1986-12-28 Nottingham, England

Tom Huddlestone

Tottenham Hotspur signed talented young midfielder Tom Huddlestone from Derby County in the summer of 2005, having arranged the deal earlier in the year.

The versatile 18-year-old, who can play in defence as well, joined the White Hart Lane outfit in a deal which could be worth £2.5m.

"When Spurs approached us we recognised this move is a great opportunity for Tom and sensible one for the club," said Rams chief executive Jeremy Keith.

"One of his greatest strengths is his passing, over short and long range. He's already the best in the country in his age group," said Tottenham's sporting director Frank Arnesen.

"He demonstrates great intelligence on the field and his awareness is so outstanding that he reads the game well."

In October 2005, he moved to Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan, but returned White Hart Lane in January 2006 to make a further four appearances for Martin Jol's men.

With Michael Carrick moving to Manchester United in the summer of 2006, Huddlestone enjoyed more first team opportunities in 2006/07 and impressed in almost all of them. He made 25 starts all in all and scored three goals. He is an important figure for the future.