Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone admits he's Chelsea mad!
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has likened him to an American football quarter-back, setting up the crucial play. Indeed, Redknapp has compared his passing ability with Hoddle who, like Huddlestone, had his short-sighted critics. But Huddlestone takes it all in his thoughtful stride.
"The manager wants me to mix it up , to get on the ball a lot and get our attacks going. But the other side of my game, which I think I've improved a lot this season, is closing people down, making more tackles and trying to win the ball back in the opponents' half rather than let them come on to us. I'm still only 23, but this season has been my best and most consistent so far. "
The variety and class of his early influences suggest he may well be at home if Spurs make it to the Champions League.
He told the Daily Express: "I used to like watching Pep Guardiola and Fernando Hierro in Spanish football. And growing up in England, I used to love watching Steven Gerrard and Marcel Desailly.
"I grew up supporting Chelsea when Hoddle was the manager, so he's a massive idol. And I worked with him at Wolves, which was very good."