Having earned a reputation as one of the most promising young English midfielders in the game early in his career, Huddlestone joined Tottenham in a £2.5 million deal from Derby County in January 2005.

A product of Derby's Academy, Huddlestone made his debut aged just 16 in August, 2003 and went on to make 95 appearances for the Rams in his two seasons in the first team squad.

After signing for Spurs Huddlestone remained on loan at Derby for another season but eventually made an impact at White Hart Lane under manager Juande Ramos, playing in midfield and at centre-back. During the 2009/10 season, he became a regular under new boss Harry Redknapp and in May 2010 the England international was named in Fabio Capello's preliminary World Cup squad.

Strengths: A commanding figure who is useful with the ball at his feet, boasts power, pace, a ferocious shot and an impressive range of passing

Weaknesses: Can be ponderous on the ball and sometimes lacks concentration. Considering he is a deep-lying midfielder his tackling could be better.

Career high: Winning the 2008 League Cup with a 2-1 win over London rivals Chelsea.

Career low: Missing out on the World Cup after being selected in Fabio Capello's preliminary squad.

Style: A languid player who likes to spray passes out to the flanks and dictate the play in midfield.

Quotes: "He's a terrific talent. As a young player, he was the best passer of a ball I had ever seen, and I've worked with some good young players." Former Derby County manager George Burley.

Trivia: Huddlestone was taken on by Nottingham Forest at an early age but was released at 12-years-old as he was 'not strong enough'.