COLUMNIST JIM HOURIGAN
Cahill ? The Dilemma?
By Jim Hourigan : 09/10/2007 : 
Comments (19) :
I notice that there is an increasing level of expectation about the return of Tiny Tim to our central midfield. He is often being linked to the words 'creative' and 'imaginative' ? I wonder which Cahill people have been watching if they suddenly expect our creativity to increase with the inclusion of Tim. Very sadly a creative Cahill is not somebody I recognise.
Comments (19) : Cahill is without doubt an enthusiastic and energetic player who causes the opposition problems getting into the box late. Equally his ability at set pieces will be invaluable and he will score goals. However if, as we all seem to be saying, our centre of midfield is lacking quality and creativity these are not attributes that I believe Tim possesses. Energy, drive, commitment, enthusiasm ? yes in bucket-loads, but a passer of defence splitting balls, a player to change the play or the tempo of the match, then I'm sorry, no.
So what exactly will Moyes do with him? Well I for one have absolutely no idea ? will he revert to the 4-5-1 system which seems to get the best out of him. Will he put him alongside Gravesen in a 4-4-2 and ask mad dog to hold (has he the discipline to do that?) or has he another plan ? Cahill and Neville/Carsley/Osman/Piennar plus Arteta.
My mate and I have some interesting debates about Cahill's value to the team and the impact his selection has. I believe he is ineffective in a 4 man midfield because of his lack of ability on the ball and that to get the best out of him we need 5. Is that the way to play football? and who would be our lone striker? Does it also mean we revert to 2 up front if we go behind in order to win the game? If so, then if 2 up front is the solution to winning the game should that not be the way we start?
My mate argues his presence and energy sets a tone for how we should play and that his presence alone merits inclusion. He would also argue that his goal scoring is vital.
So Tim's on the comeback trail ? where will he play? what system should we play? who plays alongside him? or dare I question it should he play? and finally does / should 1 player be so influential that a teams whole system changes to accommodate him and is Tim that vital?
Reader Comments
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
His presence in the team keeps the opposition honest, allowing players like Arteta and Pienaar more time on the ball without 3 defenders closing them down immediately. Cahill a creative player, no. Cahill a quality player, yes. Cahill providing offensive options that we are sorely missing, absolutely. Do you think that Fabregas would be as creative if being paired with Neville and Carsley. He wouldn’t, because defenses would just surround him.
Anyone who scores 10 to 15 goals from midfield in a season is a must. Maybe 4-5-1 isnt that bad if we paly the ball along the ground. I still think 4-4-2 can work with Cahill.
Baines
Lescott
Yobo/Stubbs/Jag
Neville/Jag
Pinnear/Van Der Meyde
Graveson
Cahill
Arteta
McFadden/Vaughan
Yakuba/Johnson/Anechebie
I think that Cahill is a must in our team, Beckham was never able to beat a man but that never stopped his creativity. Cahill is a good passer of the ball and can hold onto it.
Baines
Lescott
Yobo/Stubbs/Jag
Neville/Jag
Pinnear/Van Der Meyde
Graveson
Cahill
Arteta
McFadden/Vaughan
Yakuba/Johnson/Anechebie
I think that Cahill is a must in our team, Beckham was never able to beat a man but that never stopped his creativity. Cahill is a good passer of the ball and can hold onto it.
I agree with David ... Cahill’s presence helps keep other teams honest, and gives us energy and confidence (another proven offensive weapon is very nice). Teams must respect him which will free up some space for Arteta... He and Arteta are very different, yet wonderfully complimentary players. Having both of them healthy makes everyone’s play better. I can’t wait to see them back on the field together!
Anyone know how far off Tim is from being match fit?
Cahill can play in a 4 man midfield, it just has to be set up right. I would suggest a diamond formation with Carsley as the holding midfielder, Areta and Gravesen/Pienaar in the middle and Cahill with a free role at the front. He did this with startling effect in the Asia cup for Australia. Aus were winning 1-0 and showing no signs of getting a second. On comes Cahill after 70 minutes, sets up one goal from the left, one from the right and one through the centre. Result was 4-0 to Australia
This formation of course gives no natural width, so we would be relying on the full backs to provide that, which with Carsley covering their backs, they will be able to do.
It also effectively means we would be playing with 3 up front, this prevents the opposing full backs going too far up the park leaving more space in the centre for Arteta & co to work their magic. Of course, this formation won’t suit all games, but I think with most players fit, we have enough variety to be able to change things around when required
This formation of course gives no natural width, so we would be relying on the full backs to provide that, which with Carsley covering their backs, they will be able to do.
It also effectively means we would be playing with 3 up front, this prevents the opposing full backs going too far up the park leaving more space in the centre for Arteta & co to work their magic. Of course, this formation won’t suit all games, but I think with most players fit, we have enough variety to be able to change things around when required
i like that ali, that would be a great formation to watch, but we have a problem, in the form of mr David Moyes, he may approve of this formation but only if it can incorporate at least 6 defenders, but more proberbly 7. its a shame but thats the way his brain works.
I know the article is about Cahill and what he will or will not bring to the midfield. Our centre medfield and moyesys use of it seems to be the main issue among evertonians. I agree to certain extent, the fact is our midfield has not been performing and at times we have been pretty awful.
But my main concern is our defence. At least we are seem to be scoring goals again, but the defence looks terrible. Silly mistakes that you would rarely have seen in the past few years are really hurting us. The worrying thing for me is even in games we are winning we look like we could concede a bucket load.
But my main concern is our defence. At least we are seem to be scoring goals again, but the defence looks terrible. Silly mistakes that you would rarely have seen in the past few years are really hurting us. The worrying thing for me is even in games we are winning we look like we could concede a bucket load.
Interesting debate - and to be honest I don’t know how I swing. But here’s a tangential theory to the whole Cahill debate: do you think that Lescott’s only scoring the goals he’s scoring now simply because he’s in the positions that Cahill would usually take (esp from corners)?
The start of Cahill’s injury "nightmare" came on March 3rd at Sheff Utd. Lescott grabbed his first goal in the game after next, away to Villa.
Think of all Lescott’s goals and you can see that they’re all trademark Cahill-style notches.
Part of me says that in Lescott we’ve got another Degsy Mountfield on our hands. Another part of me expects Lescott’s goals to dry up as soon as Timmy returns.
Don’t suppose it matters who scores them, ultimately, but it would be nice to think that we’ll continue to get goals from both sources.
Somehow I doubt it.
The start of Cahill’s injury "nightmare" came on March 3rd at Sheff Utd. Lescott grabbed his first goal in the game after next, away to Villa.
Think of all Lescott’s goals and you can see that they’re all trademark Cahill-style notches.
Part of me says that in Lescott we’ve got another Degsy Mountfield on our hands. Another part of me expects Lescott’s goals to dry up as soon as Timmy returns.
Don’t suppose it matters who scores them, ultimately, but it would be nice to think that we’ll continue to get goals from both sources.
Somehow I doubt it.
You beat me to it Jim.I was going to contribute to the site something along those lines. I was reading posts claiming we need that quality midfielder who can thread a ball through to the Yak,and in the same breath Cahill was being mentioned.I totally agree with you,all the times I have watched Cahill I wouldn’t say he is a good passer of the ball and how many times have we all mentioned that he can’t tackle either.His main quality, is his knack of popping up and scoring goals,not his passing or tackling.While he might bang a few in,I don’t see how he is going to bring what we are lacking in the middle of the park,that being a creative play.It wasn’t long ago some fans were saying get shut of him because we don’t need him (that would have been a crime)and how does he fit into the system Moyes wants to play.It’s not as if we havn’t seen Cahill playing in the side and the football still being dire.Don’t get me wrong,I rate Cahill highly and can’t wait to see him back,but I just think some people have forgot that he is not a creative midfield player.
Which is why I think we’ve got to try Arteta in the centre sooner rather than later, particularly in Europe.
For the first 70 mins against Metalist we were screaming out for someone in the midfield to get their foot on the ball and start passing. With 20 mins to go Arteta moved to the centre, was taking the ball off the defence and beginning attacks on the ground.
If you think that leaves us short out wide then...Cahill’s played well at right midfield in the past, Osman and Pienaar can play on either flank, and Baines could also do well at left mid.
Anything to see someone in middle who can pass!
For the first 70 mins against Metalist we were screaming out for someone in the midfield to get their foot on the ball and start passing. With 20 mins to go Arteta moved to the centre, was taking the ball off the defence and beginning attacks on the ground.
If you think that leaves us short out wide then...Cahill’s played well at right midfield in the past, Osman and Pienaar can play on either flank, and Baines could also do well at left mid.
Anything to see someone in middle who can pass!
Agree completely with the posts above. Cahill is not a creative midfield player, but I think for him to be most effective he needs to be played centrally. His main attribute is his goals so I would play him behind a striker in a 4-4-1-1. This is where he played in the Derby game last season. His goal scoring record is comparable (if not better) than many of the other strikers we have. Whilst this may be seen as a negative formation, play Gravesen, Arteta and Osman/Pienaar as 3 of the midfielders and the creativity would be there.
Cahill takes a defender or midfielder out of the game because they know he will always get into the box
it will work with two strikers because it will create space for them
it will work with two strikers because it will create space for them
I agree that he plays better as part of a 5 man midfield, but to call him ineffective in a 4-4-2 is utter shite. I have had the pleasure of watching pretty much every game Tim has played since he arrived, and believe you me, he puts the tackles in, and is involved in good ball retention. I admit he is no Arteta, and not the creative inspiration we need, but he is not that kind of player. Tim is a classic box to box midfielder, so dangerous around the goal and has an excellent scoring record. In my opinion, he is first on the teamsheet, whatever formation we decide to play, and I also know there would be a host of clubs, even the top 4, that would pick Cahill up if he was available. Good column though, at last some constructive debate on the mailbag, and not Tony Marsh moaning and moaning and moaning some more, and then more moaning, and then just for a change another moan, and then Kirkby, and then more moaning, zzzzzzzzzzzz
Without getting too ’Football manger’, I agree that Cahill’s return will be interesting. When he played for Millwall they played a diamond formation with him just behind the front two, and his best form for us is in the 4-5-1 position. He just doesnt have the composure/passing ability to play in a flat 4 man midfield. Given the players we have (ie no decent fit/natural winger apart from Arteta who likes to play in the middle anyways) I reckon Alisdair Denny is correct, Moyes should go for the diamond. It will allow baines to get forward alot and will give the two strikers a bit more support...AND...it might even get us playing more cohesive football!
Only downside to that formation is that it forces the two strikers to do a lot of running down the channels, so Johnson will love it...but Yakubu will hate it :)
Only downside to that formation is that it forces the two strikers to do a lot of running down the channels, so Johnson will love it...but Yakubu will hate it :)
Yes Cahill is not creative but he is miles better than the likes of Carsley, Neville and Jagielka in terms of passing and movement. People dont realise that he tends to keep it short and simple instead of over elaberating and trying to make the through ball which he knows he is not capable of.
Can he play in a 4-4-2? Ofcourse he can be as people have said he needs to be used right. He needs to play the box to box role instead of the out and out attacking midfielder. He has enough pace, agression, drive, energy, aerial ability to compete in a 4 man midfield. I also beleive people underestimate his tackling. Its nothing amazing but he usually wins the ball. Cahill usually gives freekicks away by being feisty.....kicking opponents and tripping them up which he does tend to do but then that is a big part of his game. He is a pain in the arse and anything that is an improvment on Carsley and Neville will do me.
For the derby if Cahill, Gravesen and Vaughan are fit I would like to see this team:
....................Howard....................
..Neville...Yobo.....Lescott...Baines..
..Arteta...Grav.....Carsley...Pienaar..
........................Cahill..........................
.......................Vaugan......................
That for me could end up being our best and most effective team. The likes of Gravesen, Cahill and Carsley revel in a five man midfield. Cahill is able to play just off the striker aswell as tracking back when we are defending. Gravesen is given more time and space to to dictate and pick his passes whereas Carsley can break up play and protect Gravesen something Tommy needs in my opinion. Baines and Neville offer us some natural width and effective crossing and Pienaar and Arteta in wide areas can work there creative magic. Vaughan is perfectly capable and effective playing up top on his own as he showed against Chelsea and Man utd. He’s quick, agressive, strong, good in the air and holds the ball up reasonably well for a youngen.
I think we need some protection in midfield as the likes of Arteta and Pienaar are lightweight and need some presence along side them aswell as the extra man to link up with when in tight situations.
Can he play in a 4-4-2? Ofcourse he can be as people have said he needs to be used right. He needs to play the box to box role instead of the out and out attacking midfielder. He has enough pace, agression, drive, energy, aerial ability to compete in a 4 man midfield. I also beleive people underestimate his tackling. Its nothing amazing but he usually wins the ball. Cahill usually gives freekicks away by being feisty.....kicking opponents and tripping them up which he does tend to do but then that is a big part of his game. He is a pain in the arse and anything that is an improvment on Carsley and Neville will do me.
For the derby if Cahill, Gravesen and Vaughan are fit I would like to see this team:
....................Howard....................
..Neville...Yobo.....Lescott...Baines..
..Arteta...Grav.....Carsley...Pienaar..
........................Cahill..........................
.......................Vaugan......................
That for me could end up being our best and most effective team. The likes of Gravesen, Cahill and Carsley revel in a five man midfield. Cahill is able to play just off the striker aswell as tracking back when we are defending. Gravesen is given more time and space to to dictate and pick his passes whereas Carsley can break up play and protect Gravesen something Tommy needs in my opinion. Baines and Neville offer us some natural width and effective crossing and Pienaar and Arteta in wide areas can work there creative magic. Vaughan is perfectly capable and effective playing up top on his own as he showed against Chelsea and Man utd. He’s quick, agressive, strong, good in the air and holds the ball up reasonably well for a youngen.
I think we need some protection in midfield as the likes of Arteta and Pienaar are lightweight and need some presence along side them aswell as the extra man to link up with when in tight situations.
When Gravesen signed, I did wonder how Moyes would employ the centre mid. With the "in yer face and at ’em, goalscoring terrier" - Cahill? Or the more considered passing game of Gravesen? Unfortunately, they’ve been out at the same time, and I’d take either of them at the mo’.
There will also be games when it will be right to employ Cahill as a second forward or at the top of a five-man midfield. Either way, i’d love him back for the Derby. How many times does he score against them? They must hate him. Come on Timmy!
There will also be games when it will be right to employ Cahill as a second forward or at the top of a five-man midfield. Either way, i’d love him back for the Derby. How many times does he score against them? They must hate him. Come on Timmy!
WHEN EVERYBODY IS FIT ,THIS IS THE WAY WE MUST LINE OUT.451 .HOWARD
NEVILLE
JOBO
STUBBS
LESCOTT
BAINES
3 CENTRE MIDS
GRAVESEN
CARSLEY(HOLDING)
CAHILL
PIEENAR
ARTETA BOTH WIDE ADVANCED
VAUGHAUN.
NEVILLE
JOBO
STUBBS
LESCOTT
BAINES
3 CENTRE MIDS
GRAVESEN
CARSLEY(HOLDING)
CAHILL
PIEENAR
ARTETA BOTH WIDE ADVANCED
VAUGHAUN.
I think the only way Cahill can return to the team over the next few weeks is to play him as a second striker behind victor or yak, give him half games...luton ideal, too early for uefa. Tim has not been the same player for nearly a season, even before injury. He adds little to midfield but the pain in the neck, all action, mad dog, in the right place at the right time man role..no doubt he is good at that but we are forced to play 4-5-1 to fit him in...not the way forward...get him fit...then have him as an option. Yes we want his goals but not at any cost... Is he worth selling when fit?
© ToffeeWeb
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
1 Posted 09/10/2007 at 23:54:57
Report abuse