Tottenham are one of the most successful clubs in English football. Do not let their recent silverware drought take away from the fact that they have won the sixth most trophies of all teams in the country's pyramid, which is a testament to their long-standing influence.
Spurs have had plenty to shout about in their decorated history, and that's thanks to an array of world-class talent that famously donned the Tottenham badge. Many of these stars earned recognition for their contributions, but for some in the more modern era, a lack of silverware often overshadowed their brilliance, and they were left criminally underappreciated as a result.
Now, ChatGPT has weighed in, and it has named one Tottenham legend as not just underrated by Spurs fans or the media, but as the most underrated British footballer of all time.
ChatGPT Names Glenn Hoddle as Most Underrated British Player in history
The former international had immense talent
Britain has been the origin for plenty of world-class players, and some were more underrated than others. Perhaps none were more underappreciated than Spurs icon Glenn Hoddle.
The Englishman lifted two FA Cups for the North London club, in addition to a UEFA Cup in 1984, but that was in no way representative of the talent he actually possessed.
Hoddle could be seen in a plethora of different attacking positions, but one thing remained constant - when the ball arrived at his feet, no opposition player could retrieve it unless he willed so. With such elegant technique and impeccable control of the ball, the Hayes-born man became a fan favourite for Tottenham in his 13-year tenure.
ChatGPT was full of praise when describing the quality Hoddle possessed, and here were its reasons.
Unusually Gifted Playmaker
ChatGPT said: "Incredible vision, passing range, and technique. Scored stunning goals from long range and set pieces.
Ahead of His Time
ChatGPT said: "Played with a fluid, continental style rarely seen in England at the time. Played with a grace and creativity more associated with Spanish or French football."
Impact Abroad
ChatGPT said: "Went to AS Monaco in 1987 and was pivotal under Wenger—an Englishman succeeding abroad well before it became common."
Why Hoddle was Underrated
The technician was beyond his time
In an era where British midfielders were expected to be industrious and direct, Hoddle was different. His game was built around dictating play and unleashing his creativity on the pitch - qualities more associated with those in continental Europe.
As such, his brilliance was somewhat misunderstood. ChatGPT affirmed this too, saying:
"The English game in the '70s and '80s prioritized grit, hustle, and strength over elegance and technique. Hoddle’s game was undervalued by managers, media, and even teammates who preferred more “traditional” British midfielders."
"He never fully fit into the England setup [as a result]. Managers like Bobby Robson didn’t build the team around him and often left him out. His elegance was seen as luxury, not necessity, in a national team that valued work rate and physicality."
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Glenn Hoddle managed 53 caps for the England national team in a nine-year span, scoring eight goals in the process.
ChatGPT also suggested that the media perception of the ex-Monaco star had an impact on how his career was perceived. It added: "Hoddle's quiet confidence was sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance. He was from a working-class background but had an air of sophistication in his play, which clashed with media expectations."
As the years passed by, the enthralling grasp of the football Hoddle displayed ultimately became more of a distant memory, with little tangible to show for it. It is often the older generation who remember his qualities as a player, while more recent recollections tend to rise from his time as a manager - specifically the manager of the England national team.
He held this role for three years between 1996 and 1999, but his stint was littered with controversy, and that unfortunately took away from his more pleasant playing career. ChatGPT further noted:
"His controversial managerial career, especially his England tenure and later comments, diluted the public memory of him as a player. Some younger fans know him more for TV punditry than his on-pitch brilliance."