NICK ARMITAGE COLUMN
The Worm Has Well and Truly Turned
By Nick Armitage : 15/03/2008 : 
Comments (41) :
That Fiorentina game was like being in a jacuzzi with Girls Aloud; ultimately you knew nothing would come of it but by God it was good while it lasted. Arteta?s exocet into the Gwladys Street goal had Goodison rocking like I haven?t seen it rock for years. Wednesday night was more than another plucky European effort, we absolutely marmalized one of the top teams in Europe. I lost count of the number of goal attempts and the thing that impressed me most was that two of our biggest goal threats weren?t even available for selection.
Comments (41) : All the reports the next day stated how unlucky we were and how penalties are so cruel but I looked a bit deeper than that. On Wednesday night I saw a team come of age. Some players who have played well of late took the bull by the horns and stepped up a level. Jagielka is rapidly turning into the next Kevin Ratcliffe. He was a rock in that game like he has been for a few months now.
Lescott was awesome, how often do you see a centre half, played out of position, take the piss out of the whole flank of an Italian team? He ran them ragged and crossed like Ryan Giggs. I raved about Lescott the fist time time I saw him and he has just got better and better in all departments.
But the player who impressed me most on Wednesday was the much-maligned Leon Osman. Against Fiorentina at home he was simply immense. That was the best I have seen him play despite this being his best season for us, for 120 minutes he was a constant thorn in their side. He tackled like Peter Reid and picked holes in them like Peter Beardsley used to. In addition to that he ran like Andy Johnson.
If you don?t like Leon Osman as a player then you just don?t understand football - the lad is fucking magic and that game proved it. His head is always up and he is always looking to move the ball forward.
Add those three to the likes of Yobo, Pienaar, Arteta, Howard, Cahill, Vaughan and the Yak and we have the best team and squad for 20 years.
Despite the strides we have made of late all Blues were disappointed with the result, and justifiably so, even if the performance was as good as we could have expected. Moyes, however, was gutted with the result and appeared to have been expecting that level of performance.
That?s because Moyes has known for a long time that his current Everton team is capable of producing performances like that. Moyes has built that team from scratch and the reason why he was so disappointed was because he knows that his team is well and truly capable of winning silverware. The good times are about to return to Goodison Park.
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I want to see Everton winning titles again and for the first time in a long time I think we’re two-three additional players away. Finishing as high as we can this season will set us up nicely for that challenge. Frankly finishing fourth (third anyone?) only has resonance because it would deny a particularly odious crew of our acquaintance money and status. A club of Everton’s stature & history need to aim as high as their fans can imagine.
I think Osman in middle of midfield looks a different player. When played out wide, he lacks conviction to go past fullbacks. In a more central role he really has a influence on games and dare I say gives the side much more balance then Cahill in this role.
Fiorentina are one of the ’best teams in Europe’ how?
And ’two-three’ players away from winning the title’?
It’s nice to see delusion still reigns at the self styled ’peoples club’.
And ’two-three’ players away from winning the title’?
It’s nice to see delusion still reigns at the self styled ’peoples club’.
Agree with everything you have said Nick. If we look at this team now and compare it to the beginning of the season then the progress has been amazing. It reminds me of the second half of the 83-84 season when the improvement in the team was equally great. Not one but several players have improved, some of them a vast amount. Leon Osman is a great example of this, I think he has improved beyond all recognition from even 12 months ago. He is not the only one, Jagielka, Lescott, Yobo, Pienaar, Yakubu, even Carsley I think has improved as a player this season. If we can keep it going till the end of the season and add a few quality players I really think this team can go right to the top.
Nick, I agree that Osman did play excellent on Wednesday night but I do take exception to your remarks about not understanding your football. I don?t really rate Osman that much but that is my opinion ? doesn?t mean it?s right or wrong.
Osman has found his role in the team. He is without doubt a top centre midfielder and has proved it this season both on a European stage and in the Premier League. He’s also proved he can play in a four and doesn’t get bullied out of games when playing through the middle.
The game that summed this up for me was the Portsmouth one. He was up against three good physical midfielders in Diop, Diarra and Muntari and in my opinion he out classed them.
What impresses me most is the way he finds space in tight situations. Despite being slow he has the awareness, quick feet and footballing brain to get him out of tight situations. His passing is always simple but effective. He’s definatly got a future in the middle for us.
I think the midfield’s looking good now. We have four different options. Osman the creative attacking midfielder, Cahill the box to box midfielder, Fernandes the deep lying play maker and Carsley the defensive midfielder. Four different options and obviously Arteta and Pienaar could also play centrally which is also handy.
Its all looking good at the moment.
The game that summed this up for me was the Portsmouth one. He was up against three good physical midfielders in Diop, Diarra and Muntari and in my opinion he out classed them.
What impresses me most is the way he finds space in tight situations. Despite being slow he has the awareness, quick feet and footballing brain to get him out of tight situations. His passing is always simple but effective. He’s definatly got a future in the middle for us.
I think the midfield’s looking good now. We have four different options. Osman the creative attacking midfielder, Cahill the box to box midfielder, Fernandes the deep lying play maker and Carsley the defensive midfielder. Four different options and obviously Arteta and Pienaar could also play centrally which is also handy.
Its all looking good at the moment.
Yes John, it does mean you are wrong.
Personally I think Osman shines in CM when we play in Europe because he does not have to worry about being muscled off the ball too much nor the amount of physicality involved as we know in Europe it’s almost a non-contact sport.
There, he really has a chance to show how good his football mind is and he can use his quick feet to full effect.
However, I would have to disagree with you Nick overall as I do believe his weaknesses are highlighted more strongly in the Prem week in week out.
Again he can fit in the Prem "style" if he is playing in 4-5-1 as he has more support to help divert the opposition away from him, but in 4-4-2 he usually is annonymous.
He will be a very useful player for a long time to come, but I think it’s fair to say Nick he isn’t the type of player who will play a main role in the future if we are competing for domestic titles, like you portray him to be.
Whilst we are building towards that, i.e. moving into 4th and securing our position, he will be an integral part of the team, especially in Europe.
For the record- Ossie my MoTM for the Fiorentina match.
There, he really has a chance to show how good his football mind is and he can use his quick feet to full effect.
However, I would have to disagree with you Nick overall as I do believe his weaknesses are highlighted more strongly in the Prem week in week out.
Again he can fit in the Prem "style" if he is playing in 4-5-1 as he has more support to help divert the opposition away from him, but in 4-4-2 he usually is annonymous.
He will be a very useful player for a long time to come, but I think it’s fair to say Nick he isn’t the type of player who will play a main role in the future if we are competing for domestic titles, like you portray him to be.
Whilst we are building towards that, i.e. moving into 4th and securing our position, he will be an integral part of the team, especially in Europe.
For the record- Ossie my MoTM for the Fiorentina match.
Ric Wallace, you?d be surprised but our 4-5-1 a lot of the time is a 4-4-2. There are periods in a lot of games where Cahill basically plays as an out-and-out striker leaving Osman and Carsley as the only centre midfielders.
We never actually play 5 in midfield unless we are being dominated like Chelsea away for example. In most games though it is either 4-4-2 usually if we are dominating or 4-4-1-1 if the game is evenly matched.
Competing for domestic titles? We're nowhere near that level and won?t be for a number of years. At this moment in time he?s a key member of this team, certainly holds his own against most teams in the Premier League and is good enough for our eleven.
We never actually play 5 in midfield unless we are being dominated like Chelsea away for example. In most games though it is either 4-4-2 usually if we are dominating or 4-4-1-1 if the game is evenly matched.
Competing for domestic titles? We're nowhere near that level and won?t be for a number of years. At this moment in time he?s a key member of this team, certainly holds his own against most teams in the Premier League and is good enough for our eleven.
Nick, "dont understand football". Well I was raving about Osman to my mates nearly ten years ago when I used to watch him in the outstanding youth team. Nobody has ever denied his ability but you are the perfect example of many on this site who go way over the top after a particularly good performance. The problem with Leon, as is the case with Arteta, is a lack of CONSISTENCY; not ability. I can name you many games in this and recent seasons were both have been completely anonymous. Dont you understand that the teams who WIN tophies contain players who perform to a high level week in week out, home and away against all opposition as did the 85 team; Lescott and Jeigalka are perfect examples in the current team. Hopefully, Leon’s performance on Wednesday will give him greater confidence in his own ability and then maybe he can now perform to a similar level against the top 4.
Surely it’s only a matter of time before Osman gets called up to the England squad and I think it would be a great shame if he didn’t. The one thing that stands out for me is his commitment, confidence on the ball and his technical ability. He effectively managed to turn the Fiorentina midfield inside out at times and his ability to keep the ball in a tight space. He isn’t afraid to run with the ball either.
I disagree with the previous statement saying he doesn’t have consistency. I think he is Everton’s most consistent midfielder (ok - maybe along with Carsley).
I disagree with the previous statement saying he doesn’t have consistency. I think he is Everton’s most consistent midfielder (ok - maybe along with Carsley).
Lescott crosses like Giggs? Thank god no!
Ossie? Yes, to get to top level his football brain has to outweigh his lack of football brawn. And there are real signs that it might. He is one clever player who can find a good pass.
I watched arsenal today and they could have done with him, I said to my other half that we are on the road to overtake them. Skill? Yes. Passion? No! If we could get fourth then next year could be something quite different.
COYB!
Ossie? Yes, to get to top level his football brain has to outweigh his lack of football brawn. And there are real signs that it might. He is one clever player who can find a good pass.
I watched arsenal today and they could have done with him, I said to my other half that we are on the road to overtake them. Skill? Yes. Passion? No! If we could get fourth then next year could be something quite different.
COYB!
Until we find a big dominant midfielder who takes the game by the scruff, we cannot properly judge Osman?s worth.
At present he is as good as we've got and good luck to the lad.
He compares well with the average midfielder but not with a half-dozen in the Sky 4 or some in teams below us.
It is mouth-watering to imagine Yakubu
being fed by the likes of Rooney or dare I say Gerrard.
By all means grant Osman, Arteta etc their well deserved praise but let it not blind us to what is possible.
At present he is as good as we've got and good luck to the lad.
He compares well with the average midfielder but not with a half-dozen in the Sky 4 or some in teams below us.
It is mouth-watering to imagine Yakubu
being fed by the likes of Rooney or dare I say Gerrard.
By all means grant Osman, Arteta etc their well deserved praise but let it not blind us to what is possible.
Steve Ryan, have you been watching us this season? Osman not consistent? He has been all season bar one or two games he’s played on the wing when Pienaar left to the African nations.
Other than that he’s been excellent. Only Pienaar has out performed him for me in midfield. He’s also chipped in with some vital goals and assists aswell.
No ones going over the top at all. We’ve all seen what Osman can do in the middle of the park and where praising him. On the wing YES he is shit but he’s been a breath of fresh air in the middle of the park.
"Dont you understand that the teams who WIN tophies contain players who perform to a high level week in week out, home and away against all opposition as did the 85 team"
I think your the only one going over the top with that comment. The 85 team is on a different level to this current team so there’s no point in comparing.
Other than that he’s been excellent. Only Pienaar has out performed him for me in midfield. He’s also chipped in with some vital goals and assists aswell.
No ones going over the top at all. We’ve all seen what Osman can do in the middle of the park and where praising him. On the wing YES he is shit but he’s been a breath of fresh air in the middle of the park.
"Dont you understand that the teams who WIN tophies contain players who perform to a high level week in week out, home and away against all opposition as did the 85 team"
I think your the only one going over the top with that comment. The 85 team is on a different level to this current team so there’s no point in comparing.
The guy has one good game in a blue moon and all of a sudden he is praised for being a top midfielder?
Weak, can't tackle, poor shot and low-level impact ? Osman is a link player. This means that he links the play, rather than being a good all-rounder; this is all he does. Yes, he is good in Europe and maybe could play for England where he has time and space but he looks like a very average player in the Prem.
Can anyone seriously compare him in centre midfield to Gerrard or Lampard?
Really funny how some people go way over the top after a player has ONE good game! Consistent ? Osman? Come on! For new stars I say Jagielka has really cemented his place this year and Lescott always plays well ? they are what I call consistent.
Weak, can't tackle, poor shot and low-level impact ? Osman is a link player. This means that he links the play, rather than being a good all-rounder; this is all he does. Yes, he is good in Europe and maybe could play for England where he has time and space but he looks like a very average player in the Prem.
Can anyone seriously compare him in centre midfield to Gerrard or Lampard?
Really funny how some people go way over the top after a player has ONE good game! Consistent ? Osman? Come on! For new stars I say Jagielka has really cemented his place this year and Lescott always plays well ? they are what I call consistent.
Mark Cassin, One good game? You need to open your eyes when you go the match lad. He’s been good for most of season and of late he’s been excellent. The Portsmouth and Fiorentina games really stand out for me in which he has given two excellent individual performances.
Anyone who follows us on a regular basis will have seen how much Osman has come on this season. Bar Pienaar I’m struggling to think of a midfielder in our team who’s been better than him. Cahill hasn’t and neither have Carsley or Arteta. 6 goals and a few assists also shows the contribution he has had to the team.
You’ve named Osman weaknesses now I’m going to name his strengths. He’s a good passer of the ball, he has quick feet, he’s got a terrific engine and an excellent work rate, he’s got an excellent touch and he gets his fair share of goals and assists. He’s technically gifted and does alot more than just link play.
The fact is he doesn’t look an average player in the Prem. When he’s playing in the middle he’s looked one of our better performers this season without a doubt. Considering how average he is why have we improved so much this season with him in the middle? Why has the football improved and why can we now create from the left, from the right and through the middle. The answer is Pienaar, Arteta and OSMAN!!!
"Can anyone seriously compare him in centre midfield to Gerrard or Lanpard?"
What a load of bollocks that is. Did anyone say he was better than these two players? No they didn’t. Gerrard is the best all round central midfielder in the world in my opinion and Lampard is also a class act on his day. None of our midfielders are at there level never mind Osman.
I thought Osman was shit last season and wanted him out the team. He’s to slow to play on the wing and everyone could see it. But since he’s moved centrally I’ve changed my mind and I’ve admitted I was wrong for doubting him as he has been good this season. No ones saying he’s a top midfielder we just rate him and are praising his form.
I respect the lad as he’s showed alot of character. He was a boo boy last season and he’s completely changed that around this season and proved the doubters wrong which is good to see. He’s not world class by any means but where not a world class team.....far far from it and at this current level we are at him is a very handy player to have.
Anyone who follows us on a regular basis will have seen how much Osman has come on this season. Bar Pienaar I’m struggling to think of a midfielder in our team who’s been better than him. Cahill hasn’t and neither have Carsley or Arteta. 6 goals and a few assists also shows the contribution he has had to the team.
You’ve named Osman weaknesses now I’m going to name his strengths. He’s a good passer of the ball, he has quick feet, he’s got a terrific engine and an excellent work rate, he’s got an excellent touch and he gets his fair share of goals and assists. He’s technically gifted and does alot more than just link play.
The fact is he doesn’t look an average player in the Prem. When he’s playing in the middle he’s looked one of our better performers this season without a doubt. Considering how average he is why have we improved so much this season with him in the middle? Why has the football improved and why can we now create from the left, from the right and through the middle. The answer is Pienaar, Arteta and OSMAN!!!
"Can anyone seriously compare him in centre midfield to Gerrard or Lanpard?"
What a load of bollocks that is. Did anyone say he was better than these two players? No they didn’t. Gerrard is the best all round central midfielder in the world in my opinion and Lampard is also a class act on his day. None of our midfielders are at there level never mind Osman.
I thought Osman was shit last season and wanted him out the team. He’s to slow to play on the wing and everyone could see it. But since he’s moved centrally I’ve changed my mind and I’ve admitted I was wrong for doubting him as he has been good this season. No ones saying he’s a top midfielder we just rate him and are praising his form.
I respect the lad as he’s showed alot of character. He was a boo boy last season and he’s completely changed that around this season and proved the doubters wrong which is good to see. He’s not world class by any means but where not a world class team.....far far from it and at this current level we are at him is a very handy player to have.
I think AJ defo deserves a shout for his performance the other night too he was immense
Connor ? you make some interesting points.
I?ve been in Tokyo and now Singapore for the last 4½ years so I'm only able to watch on the TV. This being said I can see him play and IMO he has looked great in European ties but very inconsistent in the Premier League.
I would rate both Arteta and Pienaar as far superior players for passing ability and awareness not to mention workrate. This being said, again in Europe when he has time Osman is a good player.
As for us not being world class, well we are a top-notch team and I would already class Howard, Lescott, Jagielka, Pienaar, Johnson, Yakubu and generally Arteta as some of the best players in the Premier League.
We desperately need a new centre midfielder (thought it would be Manuel Fernandes but he hasn't done much this time) who could do both the Carsley and Osman roles. Obviously I?m of the opinion that we need to replace the fella!
I?ve been in Tokyo and now Singapore for the last 4½ years so I'm only able to watch on the TV. This being said I can see him play and IMO he has looked great in European ties but very inconsistent in the Premier League.
I would rate both Arteta and Pienaar as far superior players for passing ability and awareness not to mention workrate. This being said, again in Europe when he has time Osman is a good player.
As for us not being world class, well we are a top-notch team and I would already class Howard, Lescott, Jagielka, Pienaar, Johnson, Yakubu and generally Arteta as some of the best players in the Premier League.
We desperately need a new centre midfielder (thought it would be Manuel Fernandes but he hasn't done much this time) who could do both the Carsley and Osman roles. Obviously I?m of the opinion that we need to replace the fella!
On this comparison to the 85 team how many of these writers actually saw the side - because I have a video of the Bayern game and this side would murder them I am sorry to say. They are fitter tougher and more skilful but the standards are always rising ,in my 56 years of watching the same could be said of all past sides .We were then the best side in Europe and were definitely robbed of more trophies by you know who but sorry that side looks ordinary today.
Have you watched Derby vs ManUtd.
The reason why ManU is champion is because they have individual players who can win a game when everyone else is not fantastic on the day.
Derby were fantastic yesterday, and can beat most teams with that performance. Still, its not champion material.
Everton need to have match winners to be champions, apart from having a well knitted team.
The reason why ManU is champion is because they have individual players who can win a game when everyone else is not fantastic on the day.
Derby were fantastic yesterday, and can beat most teams with that performance. Still, its not champion material.
Everton need to have match winners to be champions, apart from having a well knitted team.
There are two main reasons that Leon is starting to show his real quality.
1. He is being played in his best position, coming deep from beside Lee Carsley, facing the opposition goal rather than having his back to it when he receives the ball. He has more time to pick a pass or beat a man and his link play is improving all the time. He was never a wide man due to his lack of pace. He could beat a defender but couldn’t get away from him so was always being dragged back into crowded situations where he couldn’t flourish. Ask Leon where he prefers to play and he will always tell you Centre Midfield.
2. We are now playing the type of football in which Leon can thrive. The emergence of Pienaar has got the whole team passing better. Pass and move, create space, have confidence on the ball and don’t always do the obvious has been meat and drink to a player of Osmans technical ability. It must have been frustrating watching the long ball siling over his haed week in, week out. He still lacks the physicality to be an International standard midfielder but at least now we are playing to his strengths.
1. He is being played in his best position, coming deep from beside Lee Carsley, facing the opposition goal rather than having his back to it when he receives the ball. He has more time to pick a pass or beat a man and his link play is improving all the time. He was never a wide man due to his lack of pace. He could beat a defender but couldn’t get away from him so was always being dragged back into crowded situations where he couldn’t flourish. Ask Leon where he prefers to play and he will always tell you Centre Midfield.
2. We are now playing the type of football in which Leon can thrive. The emergence of Pienaar has got the whole team passing better. Pass and move, create space, have confidence on the ball and don’t always do the obvious has been meat and drink to a player of Osmans technical ability. It must have been frustrating watching the long ball siling over his haed week in, week out. He still lacks the physicality to be an International standard midfielder but at least now we are playing to his strengths.
He tires a lot towards the end of matches in the Prem, simply due to the pace.
Then we are often left playing with 10 men as he can’t get hold of the ball to dicate passages of play anymore.
Then we are often left playing with 10 men as he can’t get hold of the ball to dicate passages of play anymore.
If he was called Leo Osmano and cost £3.5m from Athletico Benidorm we’d all be saying weve got a little bargain. Quick feet, quick brain, great first touch, disagree about him having a poor shot, think he’s one of our most composed edge of the area strikers of the ball and has scored some great goals for us. Spot on about Pienaar getting us to play - the lad is magic.
When Pienaar, Arteta and Ossie are fit and on form some of the football they play is outstanding. The first half of the Arsenal game is a case in point: We out-Arsenaled Arsenal, played them off the park and only ?cos Wenger reverted to the long ball game and a couple of handballs going unnoticed by Eduardo, we should have won the game. These 3 players are technically very gifted and they play well TOGETHER , which is invaluable. We have a settled defence, except for right back, creative midfield and the makings of a great forward partnership in Yak and AJ. Don?t forget before 1985 nobody really rated the individuals in our team that eventually became arguably our best ever. The core of the squad is now tied ?til 2012 and all about 25 years old with youngsters coming through. Let's be optimistic, why not'?
Actually I agree with Mark that Osman has been inconsistent. On some occasions he has been brilliant and on others he was even better. So yes I think he has been pretty inconsistent.
Mark Cassin, the thing is though he has been consistent when played centrally this season. He’s been a key player for us this season and has really improved us from a central position. Even if he is a stop gap for a new and improved central midfielder no one can deny the progress he has made this season.
"I would rate both Arteta and Pienaar as far superior players for passing ability and awareness not to mention workrate."
I wouldn’t say Pienaar was far superior personally. Arteta is but I wouldn’t put Pienaar in that category. I’d say Pienaar was better but he isn’t streets ahead of him in terms of ability. There very similar actually. Both have excellent awareness and both specialize in short passing game. Just my opinion like.
We may well need a new midfielder but at the moment where stuck with these current players and Osman has been doing a good job in the middle of the park for most of the season.
Just because Osman can’t do certain jobs doesn’t make him an average player. You very rarely find midfielders these days who are all rounders. You mention Fernandes but I’d still say he needs to work on his defensive game and alot of midfielders are similar. A the moment we have four types of midfielders. Carsley the defensive midfielder, Fernandes the deep lying play maker, Osman as the creative attacking midfielder and Cahill as the box to box/attacking midfielder. All these options are useful ones to have and will be next season.
Osman has proved himself for me.
"I would rate both Arteta and Pienaar as far superior players for passing ability and awareness not to mention workrate."
I wouldn’t say Pienaar was far superior personally. Arteta is but I wouldn’t put Pienaar in that category. I’d say Pienaar was better but he isn’t streets ahead of him in terms of ability. There very similar actually. Both have excellent awareness and both specialize in short passing game. Just my opinion like.
We may well need a new midfielder but at the moment where stuck with these current players and Osman has been doing a good job in the middle of the park for most of the season.
Just because Osman can’t do certain jobs doesn’t make him an average player. You very rarely find midfielders these days who are all rounders. You mention Fernandes but I’d still say he needs to work on his defensive game and alot of midfielders are similar. A the moment we have four types of midfielders. Carsley the defensive midfielder, Fernandes the deep lying play maker, Osman as the creative attacking midfielder and Cahill as the box to box/attacking midfielder. All these options are useful ones to have and will be next season.
Osman has proved himself for me.
I am a big Leon fan but I also am realistically aware of his perceived shortcomings i.e. his weakness on the ball - just like he was so weak away at Spurs when he shrugged off Edgar Davids like a fly to help set up AJ’s goal (from a cross by that other Everton player that can do no right - Phil "can’t tackle, can’t pass" Neville) and we all know what a Rottweiler Edgar is.
I also do not agree with Ric Wallace’s assessment that he tires towards the end of a game. I think Leon gets better towards the end of the game. I think he maintains the same pace throughout the game so towards the ends of a match he looks quicker.
There is not a player in the premiership that is consistent week in week out so to use that as a negative about Leon is unfair.
I agree with Ste Lewis, if Leon was called Leo Osmano and played in the blue and black stripes of Inter Milan how would opinion of him alter?
For all Leon’s perceived faults I would not swap him for any other midefielder in the Premiership.
I also do not agree with Ric Wallace’s assessment that he tires towards the end of a game. I think Leon gets better towards the end of the game. I think he maintains the same pace throughout the game so towards the ends of a match he looks quicker.
There is not a player in the premiership that is consistent week in week out so to use that as a negative about Leon is unfair.
I agree with Ste Lewis, if Leon was called Leo Osmano and played in the blue and black stripes of Inter Milan how would opinion of him alter?
For all Leon’s perceived faults I would not swap him for any other midefielder in the Premiership.
Connor, responding to lifelong Evertonians whose views differ from yours with comments above like "have you been watching us this season"; "you need to open your eyes when you go the match lad" and "what a load of bollocks that is" does you no favours mate and would lead people to think that your are patronisng self opinionated cretin; which I am sure you are not. The fact that your contibutions are longer than most doesn’t mean that you are always right. By the way, in answer to your question, although I now live in Sydney I have watched every Everton game this season home and away (including the European games) as they are all televised here via viewers choice and I also managed to attend 4 live games when I was in Liverpool over Christmas. Osman is a cracking player but needs to be more consistent in my opinion. If you dont agree with that comment fine; but less of the sarcasm please.
Steve Ryan, If I’m sounding partronising I apoligise. Sorry about that mate.
I wouldn’t get too carried away with what happened on Wednesday night. Let’s not forget the game was over two legs and if anyone needed reminding, the first leg was pretty much a reverse of the second. The difference being that in Italy, Fiorintina retained possession much better than we did at Goodison. We did create many more chances but a lot of the time they were still coming from long humps upfield. If we do somehow make the champions league and come against the likes of Milan or Barcelona then we can’t revert to these tactics and hope to win. It isn’t all bad however, we played some superb football at times and if we could get a bit more quality and creativity in midfield we could have a chance. On the bench the other night we had 3 full-backs, Victor and a crocked Gravesen. Things are looking good at the moment but we are still far from the elite. Much like the Italians ask about Fiorintina, are we the biggest of the small clubs or the smallest of the big clubs?
Appreciated Connor. My point has just been highlighted in the first half at Fulham which has just ended. Osman and Arteta are once more showing their inconsistency; lets hope they improve second half.
There is the problem, we will always be 2 or 3 players short of winning something. Whilst it was refreshing to see such an accomplished display as we saw, like every other Evertonian I was distraught at full time. Heroics are reserved for those who win against the odds, and whilst we did win at 90 mins, we failed repeatedly to divert clear shot chances, and for me the most damning fact of all, is the way and choice of penalty takers.
What was Jags doing taking a penalty?? Sure he probably did deserve a crack, but realistically there must have been a better choice in the team. I do think we where too naive when chances came our way, knowing just one more goal would see us through. Just goes to show, we must practise penalties at every opportunity in training, Unfortunately that doesn't seem to be case at Finch Farm, because we are always practising set pieces mostly all the time.
The fact we lost to a mediocre team, please Fiorentina where not one of the best or better teams in Europe, we played shite in the first leg, because we struck dumb no doubt because we where in awe of a team that we ultimately prooved where shite, by slaughtering them at home.
It was a great showing in Europe, but really this tournament was ours for the taking and we all know it, and to let go of the chance of lifting the cup was a smarting kick in the balls. Question, have we learnt anything this year in Europe? We have played nothing but poor to mediocre teams, and when we come up against a pretentious wannabe Fiorentina we struggled and laboured in the first leg...
Yes, I think we have learned one important thing... take every chance you get, or risk heartbreak. Champions League next year? the more I think about it, the less likely I think it will happen. We are going to have to win EVERY match till then, draws are just not good enough, now especially since Saturday the red shite have gone 3 points clear again...
We have to do something that sounds simple, which for Everton is anything but, but to beat every team... Lets just hope we get another crack at Europe next year since there is only 1 Uefa Cup place, due to the FA Cup winners come may... here's hoping.
I quote... ??we absolutely marmalized one of the top teams in Europe.?? Just out of sheer curiousity, how did you come to the conclusion that Fiorentina are one of the best teams in Europe????? So funny it hurts. All the best teams in europe are competing in the real EU cup which is the CL. The likes of Barca, Real, Milan, Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Lyon are top teams not teams like Fiorentina, Tottenham, Everton and Rangers. This competition is just like the worthington, sorry WORTHLESS cup. Even the teams that get knoocked out of the CL group stages end up in it which says it all. Anyway, to cut a long story short, if you truly believe that you are 3 players away from competing for the title you really need to get your head out of the clouds and watch highlights of your performance against woeful Fulham today. Oh well, looks like we are all back to reality again........
I love it when you refer to Liverpool as red shite. You Everton fans will just have to come to terms with the fact that YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR SHADOW!! 1 quick bit of trivia for you before this supporter of red shite leaves, when was the last time you ever won anything?? YNWA. FULHAM 1 Everton 0!!!!
Steve Ryan, I disagree to be honest. Osman had to play as more or less a centre forward for most of the game which didn’t suit him at all. At least he put in some effort.
Arteta I don’t even want to go into. I love the lad, he’s a great player on his day but that was a shit house performance for me. The likes of Osman, Pienaar, Neville and Carsley where woeful but atleast there was some effort. Arteta is our best player and didn’t even want to get involved.
Arteta I don’t even want to go into. I love the lad, he’s a great player on his day but that was a shit house performance for me. The likes of Osman, Pienaar, Neville and Carsley where woeful but atleast there was some effort. Arteta is our best player and didn’t even want to get involved.
Never doubt our abillity to bounce back, it took a lot out of us on wednesday. We have a teriffic team, keep the belief .....true blue
Osman has proved to be a sporadic performer in league and cup games, in England and in Europe. I admit that there have been times where he has performed beyond expectation and the only reason he has done so is because the expectation for him has been set so low.
Osman’s inability to penetrate a midfield, let alone a defence, has been lacking. This is notably evident in the extremely poor loss to Fulham. In this game Osman showed himself to be bullied out of position of the ball on numerous occasions by midfielders of comparable weight and stature. He has shown his inadequacies in being a consistent Premiership and European cup performer by (1) lacking a distinctive attacking prowess, (2) being an unaccomplished goal finisher, and (3) being incapable of holding a solid defensive rearguard action in desperate situations. How can one player who has limited applications when backs are against the wall be so revered amongst supporters who supposedly aim for Champions League football.
Osman’s inability to penetrate a midfield, let alone a defence, has been lacking. This is notably evident in the extremely poor loss to Fulham. In this game Osman showed himself to be bullied out of position of the ball on numerous occasions by midfielders of comparable weight and stature. He has shown his inadequacies in being a consistent Premiership and European cup performer by (1) lacking a distinctive attacking prowess, (2) being an unaccomplished goal finisher, and (3) being incapable of holding a solid defensive rearguard action in desperate situations. How can one player who has limited applications when backs are against the wall be so revered amongst supporters who supposedly aim for Champions League football.
Allan, I agree that Osman was terrible yetserday, but so was Arteta, Yak, Piernaar, etc, etc., does that mean they are terrible players too? Limited application when backs are against the wall, Fiorentina home??? Who would you put in his place in CM Allan, Neville, Fernandez??? I don’t think so.
Having said this, I have always thought he is a terrific little player and at the moment will always want him in the side. He has not always been consistent, but was a big factor in us finishing 4th in 04/05, did okay last season and is playing well this season. Long live Ossie!
Having said this, I have always thought he is a terrific little player and at the moment will always want him in the side. He has not always been consistent, but was a big factor in us finishing 4th in 04/05, did okay last season and is playing well this season. Long live Ossie!
Good positive article. I've been waiting for Osman to recieve the accolades he deserves as a footballer, which is exactly what he is, a footballer, a ball player who on his day is as good as anyone and better. How many times in a game do you hear yourself saying "Brilliant, Ozzy" and applauding him as he manages to maintain posession?
I love the way he is so modest and never seems to have an attitude or an ego, and is delighted to sign a new contract when it's presented. He?s as gifted a player as I've seen in a blue shirt and his influence on & off the field can't be taken for granted. I think he?ll emerge as one of our most important players in the years to come.
I'm going to have to go and buy some new glasses.
Either I can't read very well or people actually rate Osman.... I find it comical TBH -- crap yesterday as usual.
Either I can't read very well or people actually rate Osman.... I find it comical TBH -- crap yesterday as usual.
Mark Cassin, I used to think the same thing as you. Last season I was ripping into him and most of all I wanted him out of the team at the start of this season. But I’ve changed my mind now. He’s really proved himself a capable midfielder and especially when stationed in the middle of the park.
I think alot of our good football this season has come because Osman has moved centrally. We where able to get Pienaar on the left, Osman through the middle and Arteta down the right. Three creative players and compared to last season the football is alot better.
I think alot of people are judging Osman on last year instead of looking at his form this season. He has been good and he has got rid of his boo boy status. Other than Pienaar I think he’s been our best midfielder this season which shows he’s added consistency to his game.
I certainly don’t think he’s the long terms solution but the way people are going on you’d think he was terrible. He’s a good player to have in the squad and he’s come on leaps and bounds this season. He certainly not dead wood like some people are making out.
"Either I can’t read very well or people actually rate Osman.... I find it comical TBH -- crap yesterday as usual."
As usual? I’d say he’s been good in four of his last six games. Fiorentina and Portsmouth at home he was man of the match for me and he also played well in the away leg in Brann and Man city away. Against Fiorentina away and Fulham I’d say he was poor but you have to take into consideration that against Fulham he was virtually playing as a centre forward which isn’t his position and against Fiorentina bar Howard everyone was shit.
I really do think people are underrating Osman’s contribution to this season. Unsung hero in my eyes.
I think alot of our good football this season has come because Osman has moved centrally. We where able to get Pienaar on the left, Osman through the middle and Arteta down the right. Three creative players and compared to last season the football is alot better.
I think alot of people are judging Osman on last year instead of looking at his form this season. He has been good and he has got rid of his boo boy status. Other than Pienaar I think he’s been our best midfielder this season which shows he’s added consistency to his game.
I certainly don’t think he’s the long terms solution but the way people are going on you’d think he was terrible. He’s a good player to have in the squad and he’s come on leaps and bounds this season. He certainly not dead wood like some people are making out.
"Either I can’t read very well or people actually rate Osman.... I find it comical TBH -- crap yesterday as usual."
As usual? I’d say he’s been good in four of his last six games. Fiorentina and Portsmouth at home he was man of the match for me and he also played well in the away leg in Brann and Man city away. Against Fiorentina away and Fulham I’d say he was poor but you have to take into consideration that against Fulham he was virtually playing as a centre forward which isn’t his position and against Fiorentina bar Howard everyone was shit.
I really do think people are underrating Osman’s contribution to this season. Unsung hero in my eyes.
For all their skill and fancy free kicks, flair players come and go. Osman could go on to be a Everton legend in the way Harvey Kendall and Ball are remembered. The lad has something about him. He?s been on the fringe for a while, but has stuck at it and not moaned. I was sat watching a game a few weeks ago and was talking to a couple of guys well into their sixties, maybe seventies, and to hear guys who?ve seen the very best our club has ever offered praise Ossie as they were is as good a compliment as I think you?ll hear.
The new Peter Reid for me.
The new Peter Reid for me.
Leon Osman is the hardest worker in the starting side and deserves all the credit you are giving him. He has indeed blossomed in the centre of midfield. It suddenly occured to me a few games ago - "hang on Leon?s in centre midfield and we?re passing it through him - and he?s doing a great job".
I?ve long admired his contribution to the team. You can criticise players for a number of reasons but in Leon?s case it?ll never be for the lack of effort - and given that the same can be said for so many other players credit must go to Moyesie for much of that - and if ultimately they aren?t good enough then it?s the manager?s responsibility to find a suitable replacement.
I think he should get an England call up. He isn?t the best but then it isn?t always the best eleven players that win things. It?s a team game.
I?ve long admired his contribution to the team. You can criticise players for a number of reasons but in Leon?s case it?ll never be for the lack of effort - and given that the same can be said for so many other players credit must go to Moyesie for much of that - and if ultimately they aren?t good enough then it?s the manager?s responsibility to find a suitable replacement.
I think he should get an England call up. He isn?t the best but then it isn?t always the best eleven players that win things. It?s a team game.
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1 Posted 15/03/2008 at 18:41:22
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