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Harry Redknapp praises Wilson Palacios as a Spurs hero in the making
Andy Fifield19 Aug 2009
It was a comment to make even the toughest Spurs supporter go weak at the knees.
"Wilson Palacios is in the Graham Roberts mould," said Harry Redknapp ahead of Tottenham's trip to Hull tonight. "He rolls his sleeves up, he's hard and gives everything each week. I think he will be a real hero at this club."
The Spurs boss does not issue glowing compliments lightly and, at White Hart Lane at least, there is no greater praise than a comparison to Roberts, one of Tottenham's true all-time greats.
Yet Palacios is already proving himself worthy of such veneration. The Honduran is the kind of all-action midfielder Tottenham have lacked for too long, a player of substance to underpin the stylish contributions of Tom Huddlestone, Luka Modric and Aaron Lennon.
He was the outstanding performer in Tottenham's richly deserved victory over Liverpool last weekend and he will be expected to grit his teeth again this evening as his side aim to build on their turbo-charged start.
A midweek outing to a far-flung northern outpost is not traditionally Spurs' forte, but with the tireless Palacios in place anything seems possible, including a possible top-four finish.
"Wilson is not the type of guy you would want to play against," Redknapp added.
"He makes it very difficult. He might turn the ball over occasionally but his effort, enthusiasm, strength and work has won everyone over. He leads by example.
"With the players we've got like him I expect us to do better. We finished eighth last year even after that start we had, so there is no reason why we can't do better this year, with a better start."
Jermaine Jenas (groin) is still sidelined and will miss out while Hull midfielder Dean Marney will not face his former club due to a knee injury.
Reader views (10)
Is-Stu-Robby-in-disguise? Could be our new anthem at the Lane!
- Ted, London, 20/08/2009 08:02
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This is a guy that earns every penny of his salary and after all the horrible goings on in his personal life can turn up and work his socks off for us. Perhaps he should give a few tips to Bentley on how to conduct himself. As long as he stays fit then we stand a decent chance of doing well this year. Next two games will really see how good we are away from home and a real test we need to overcome.
- Sd, WICKFORD, 19/08/2009 15:10
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"Palacios is the top signing spurs have made in years".
Doesn't sound like too difficult an honour to achieve.
- Stu, Beckton, 19/08/2009 14:52
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hey guys I'm leny and I'm from honduras....and I love to see palacios playing ....whenever he plays for our national team....he just gives everything on da field....thanks for the support guy....
- Leny Suazo, honduras & usa, 19/08/2009 14:05
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Well Matt in time, Spuds will let him go. As the player has ambition to match his ability. Rottenham cannot & will not be his answer to this. A top European or English club will come in for him and as usual the money will be too good for Levy to refuse.
- Nc, UK, 19/08/2009 13:24
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Palacios is the top signing spurs have made in years. the first time i saw him play i loved him, hes a star and we should never let him go
- Matt, Stansted, 19/08/2009 11:34
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As a neutral, I can't explain why I love Tottenham as much as I dislike Arsenal. Arsenal are probably very attractive to watch, but I enjoy watching them lose.
- Dre, London, United Kingdom, 19/08/2009 10:51
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totally agree,was there sunday and all the crowd around have really taken to WP,a true workhorse wo loves working and helping his team mates that is well appreciated by the crowd..could be the nearest thing we have had since Graham Roberts,he even looks good going forward..i think most true Spurs fans feel like we have a diamond in the making here,money well spent Harry,just what we needed in the middle,though i do recall a couple of the usuals here that he was not worth it and was a poor overpriced purchase...who the fools now??
must get the 3 pts tonight tho to make sundays win wothwhile...c.o.you.s
- Phil, croxley, 19/08/2009 10:36
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"To Hull and back" with smiles all round? Fingers crossed, lads.
- Ted, London, 19/08/2009 10:27
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I agree totally, i was at the match on sunday and Wilson totally dominated midfield, from his tackle on Torres to his shot Reina tipped over, he had it all. His modesty and honesty is what i think will win most people over, god knows we have enough premadonna's in midfield. I thought Harrys comments when he presented Wilson with the man of the match champagne was excellent "Wilson does'nt drink but i know a few boys at this club that do". He should be as much a players favourite as a fan's favourite, they could all learn from him. Next up Hull, then we'll really know where we are.
- Brendan (Irishyid), IRELAND, 19/08/2009 10:05
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