I didn't realise that he had trained under Ernie.
I know he's had time overseas in the States etc but seems to have changed positions since then from a LB / RB to a DM. Looks to have a good passing range and timed his tackles well whilst seemingly not been flustered on the ball when under pressure.
But do we need another young midfielder after Rufer and Ridenton?
I'd take him.
Rufer and Ridenton are weird ones, the both seem to play several roles, but I don't know if DM is right for either of them. Hudson-Wihongi, however, is a DM, and a current international, albeit that's not a high bar. What is a fairly high bar, however, is to perform well for formerly-worlds-3rd-best-team Auckland City, which he has done.
I do have to question the hair, though. It's a bit of a shocker.