What to do with James Vaughan

Anthony Lamb 14/02/2008 44comments  |  Jump to last
I just wonder what people's responses might be to a real worry and fear I have at the moment. It is that we might run the risk of losing a young player who in my humble opinion has the potential to become a truly top-class striker ? namely James Vaughan.

I do honestly believe that this young man has all the attributes to become an outstanding player. He is already blessed with pace, athleticism, the necessary degrees of aggression and physical strength together with a developing ability in the air although as yet the attacking element of this in the box is perhaps the weaker aspect, and he has the ability to finish. All these attributes at present are, of course, in the "not yet the finished article" category and yet I feel that the only way they can become so is by him playing more consistently.

This also raises the very real dilemma faced by the manager in that he is in the fortunate position of being able to select from four different strikers each with their good qualities and obviously their limitations. What concerns me, however, is that James is reaching that age and stage in his career when sitting on the bench week-in and week-out will not satisfy the understandable desire to progress. I know it is a real problem for the manager and I sympathise with his dilemma, but I do so hope that we do not lose James if he decides that pastures new will give him the opportunities he may feel are not coming his way at Everton.

Clearly Yakubu brings his qualities, finishing ability, strength, and no little technical skill etc. Johnson brings his pace and unflagging commitment to a team effort but I do genuinely feel that the constant chasing balls down in the channels as he is called upon to do so often is taking its toll on that often instinctive feel for the six-yard box opportunity that forwards maintain only through being in there more often! This is something that he is not able to do consistently in the present style of play.

Anichibe also brings his physical presence to his role and with experience may develop the abilities to apply that to the various arts required of the striker.

Notwithstanding Victor's role and performances in the Uefa Cup games, I just feel that, of the four strikers, the one with the deepest pool of overall abilities and potential for the future well-being of the team is the one at present being denied those opportunities to let them develop and flourish. I do not know what the manager's view of this is of course, and I do not know if my fear of losing him is unfounded. Nor do I know how we might resolve my desire to see James included more frequently in the team. I just wonder how other Evertonians feel about this and, if they think he SHOULD be in the side, how do we accommodate him?

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Matthew Lovekin
1   Posted 14/02/2008 at 21:12:10

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I also believe that James Vaughan has the potential to be a great striker. I can see him having the best attributes of AJ, but even better, namely pace and commitment, and also the best attributes of the Yak, namely goal poaching and scoring, potentially even better than the Yak.

However ’in Moyes we trust’, and although if I was the Everton manager, I would probably play Vaughan and the Yak up front together, we must trust Moyes to do the right thing.

I think that there are two problems with Vaughan which maybe the reason why Moyes is not playing him.
1. His injury record, and that Moyes is being ultra careful so that he doesn’t break down again.
2. The Rooney factor. Moyes doesn’t want to unearth another teenage striking sensation just to see him tempted away again before he has really started.

Whatever the reason, unfortunately we can’t do much about it. If he doesn’t play, he might want to leave to get regular first team football, or if he does play, you may get a ’big’ club come in with an offer and turn Vaughan’s head.

All we can hope is that he is a true blue and just wants to play for the club and appreciates the opportunity that the club has given him and he wants to repay it, and that he does fulfil his potential that we know he can.
Joe Milner
2   Posted 14/02/2008 at 21:19:50

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I agree 100%, this is a real problem and Moyes will have to use all his man-management skills to resolve it.
I was a bit shocked to see Victor come on last night ahead of Vaughan. And to judge by his body language Vaughan was none too chuffed either. This guy, in my humble opinion, is an England player in the making. He looks like he has that something which no amount of coaching can produce; a natural football talent and brain, a bit like Linekar.
Jarrod Prosser
3   Posted 14/02/2008 at 21:45:47

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Given the kids injury history, i don’t blame Moyes for bringing him along slowly. He could be great, i agree. and it’s for that very reason that we don’t want him crocked by the time he’s 22.

Remember, before the severed artery last season, he was beginning to get a consistent run in the side. With Yakubu, he obviously moves down the pecking order a touch. But he’s still our 3rd striker. Not bad for a 19 year old at a top 4 club.

He’s getting more game time as the season moves on, and he will be fine. Just have some patience with the lad.
Paul Hennessey
4   Posted 14/02/2008 at 22:17:16

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I agree with the post - he has the potential to become the best striker at the club. We need to be looking to get him games if we can - personaly I?d start him with Yakubu in the second leg
James Wong
5   Posted 14/02/2008 at 22:10:48

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Vaughan came on for 45 minutes on Saturday, and last night was Anichebe’s turn. Anichebe has a great record against european defenders.

Moyes has probably told Vaughan to give Everton another 2 or 3 years at the very least.

Right now Everton are building two squads. One in their mid 20’s Cahill, Arteta, Pienaar, Yak, Johnson. The other group a lot younger Gosling, Fernandes, Vaughan, Anichebe, Ruddy. The younger group will come through together so I’m sure everyone can see the bigger picture at Everton.
Connor Rohrer
6   Posted 14/02/2008 at 22:15:10

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I doubt we’ll see Vaughany alot this season. Maybe the odd start and a few cameo roles from the bench but not a regular. Obviously Yak is our best striker whereas I think Moyes prefers Johnson and Cahill in the second striker role over him at this moment in time.

In terms of potential then he’s got enough to be better than Johnson and Anichebe and possibly Yakubu is he flourishes properly. He is quick, aggressive in a good way and excellent in the air despite being of only average height. If he can work on his touch and technical ability then we’ve got a good striker on our hands. There’s no rush though. He’s got alot of time to develop and if he keeps impressing every time he comes on which he has done of late then he’ll have every chance of making it.

He won’t want to leave. I’ve met the lad in person aswell as Victor and both seem hungry to make it at this club. He’s very thankful that we kept with him through the dark days when he thought he was going to have to retire. Belive me he has the right sort of attitude to make it at Everton and I think we see that on the pitch aswell with his whole hearted style of play almost reminiscent of Andy Gray.

I think next season will be where we really see the real Jimmy Vaughan. A good pre-season under his belt will be excellent for him. You do have to take into account that he actually hasn’t had a proper pre-season before with the first team squad due to injuries. Get him at full strength and there’s every chance he could be starting next season.
Jay Campbell
7   Posted 14/02/2008 at 22:46:25

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I don’t give a fuck what anybody say’s i’d pick Vaughan ahead of any centre forward in that team.

If Moyes gave im a run in the side like he has given to Johnson(shite) he’d deffo bang more in than Yakubu.

Vaughan is a cracker!!
James Martin
8   Posted 14/02/2008 at 23:23:39

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On another thread I mentioned that imo he seems to have that elusive ’decision making’ quality so sadly missing in a certain ’talented’ player we had on our books until recently. I’ve always felt this ’skill’ is something which can be improved with coaching but is basically instinctive. Andy gray was mentioned and is a good example of this attribute. However, without wanting to make a direct comparison, the little I’ve seen of JV reminds me more of Ian Wright.
David Barks
9   Posted 15/02/2008 at 00:49:30

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He’s still extremely young and was playing quite a lot at the end of last season. He started this season with a bad injury, has worked his way back into the fold and the manager showed faith in him to be the difference maker at half time this past weekend. He’ll get his chances but he is still a teenager. He can still learn a lot from Yakubu. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get some playing time next week in the return fixture against Brann. But young players know they have to bide their time at a top team, and that is what Everton is now, one of the top teams in England. We just signed him and Anichebe to extensions and have refused to loan him out, so I’m sure he is in Moyes’ future plans.
Azlan Deniel
10   Posted 15/02/2008 at 01:49:02

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I totally agree that Vaughany is a top scorer in the making as he has all the attributes to be one. The only worry is his injury proneness, and I do think, like some contributors here, is the reason why he is not getting the run to play, just yet!

But, I do personally think another reason why he was not being used yesterday was to give Brann some element of surprise. I am saying this because, I believe that Brann will be watching us play especially our last game against Reading. They might expect the same tactics being used, but viola, its Vic who came and scored! Classic!
Michael Hunt
11   Posted 15/02/2008 at 02:02:00

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Soultion re James Vaughan: PLAY HIM instead of Johnson. Simple and a ’no brainer’ to me!
Stephen Foster
12   Posted 15/02/2008 at 03:02:42

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I dont think he is fully fit, I remember watching him a couple of weeks ago, and he looked very tired after 25 min of play (granted he was chasing down every single ball), Once he is 100% I think he?ll sart to muscle his way in to the side.
Jason Lam
13   Posted 15/02/2008 at 03:11:17

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Vaughan is brilliant and hope he plays for us for many years to come. I think giving him the #14 shirt, a number closer to the ’first 11’, is a indication of Evertons’ aspirations for the lad’s future at the club. His aggression is great but I think sometimes its too much for his own good. You would think the lad would slow down and bit and be more careful with his histroy of injuries but no, he’s right in the thick of it again! That’s the mind of a 19 yr old I suppose and Moyes is clearly trying to put the reins on him. We missed him in the 2nd leg of the Semi though..
Peter Corcoran
14   Posted 15/02/2008 at 07:39:32

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Forget the "Rooney" effect. If Rooney was coming through the ranks with us now he would not leave - simple as that.

Our young strikers are the ones that need to make the decisions.
Do they hang on with EFC and develop with the club, hopefully winning things along the way even if it means they are not first choice team players?
Or do they move to a so called better team and end up sitting on the bench, because if they are not going to be first choice for us why would they be first choice for a "better" team?
Or do they move to a worse team just to get first team football?
Football has changed significantly over the past few years and I do not think that there are many players who actually expect to be first choice week-in, week-out.

Basically, stop worrying as they will be going nowhere. Leave it to Moyes to handle them, he?s doing a good job so far.
Terry Maddock
15   Posted 15/02/2008 at 10:09:13

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Moyes is building a dynasty, not just a team. We have some great talent on the books, all below 20 years old, and while some may leave for pastures new, I can't see it being our better players. Vaughan , Anichibe, Gosling, Turner, Rodwell, Jutekewicz, Jose Baxter, JPK... In 5 years time we could well have 4 or 5 home-grown, class acts in the 1st team... By which time the likes of Lescott, Jags, Baines will all be at their peak...
I think DM is handling the young lads brilliantly and JV is not the type to spit out his dummy and think himself bigger than the club.

The future is very bright... it's Blue!
Nick Smith
16   Posted 15/02/2008 at 10:32:09

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As previously stated, this is a no-brainer. James has to be given a run in the side. He looks the part and to me is a better long-term prospect that AJ. It’s a hard thing to keep young players on the fringe happy these days. Look what a mess Smith made of it. I don’t want to be looking at Vaughan in five years time either playing for another team in the top flight or marooned at Sheffield Wednesday having thrown his career away.
Iain Atkinson
17   Posted 15/02/2008 at 10:59:57

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I remember seeing a quote from David Moyes on the James Vaughn debate a little while ago.

He basically said that Vaughn and Anichebe were given opportunities to impress while Yakubu was away on AFCON duty but neither seized their chance and Vaughn showed in the Oldham game that he wasn’t ready to start.

I’m sure Moyes will give him other opportunities in the near future but we’re in the fortunate position of having four good strikers in the squad and each one has to show enough in training or matches to warrant selection.

I’d like to see Vaughn get a run in the side as well but let’s trust Moyes to know when that should happen.
Martin Barker
18   Posted 15/02/2008 at 11:08:46

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At the back end of last season, Vaughan’s goals were so vital, and in truth fired us to a top six place (e.g. bolton, chelsea away). If we continue to progress in the UEFA Cup and are still fighting for a CL place, we will need all our four strikers at some point to play their part. Vaughan will get plenty of chance to shine in the run in, wait and see!
Paul Gladwell
19   Posted 15/02/2008 at 11:37:07

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Vaughan does have it all and is learning, I personally would start him next year with the yak up front, but for people to say he should start before yakubu then get real.
He did start one game not too long ago against Oldham and was garbage actually. Moyes is right in how he is using the both of the young lads but its up to them to seize the chance when it arrives and this season they lacked a little when they were given a starting chance.
Michael Hunt
20   Posted 15/02/2008 at 12:07:36

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Vaughan was not to blame re Oldham, the whole team underperformed. Big Dunc and Rooney looked shit Vs Shrewsbury FFS! Vaughan is ready and the only way the few rough edges will be smoothed is through top level games. I say PLAY HIM over AJ (who needs a rest anyway)....NOW!
Peter Roberts
21   Posted 15/02/2008 at 12:25:37

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All these people baying for Vaughan to be given a run in the side need to remember one thing. He?s 19.

He?s not as athletic as some and because he?s young, playing him week in week out with his injury proneness will only serve to burn the lad out. Look at Owen now - and turn the clock back 10 years.

The reason Vaughan is deployed from the bench is because at the moment he hasn?t got the stamina to last 90 minutes, and is best used against tired defenders because of his pace and aggression. Once he gets a consistent injury-free period his stamina will improve and he?ll be able to go the distance. I think a lot of people are now piling too much expectation on Vaughan and Anichebe because they?re 19 and Rooney was a first-team regular at 17. You only get one Rooney every 20 years, so to expect one so soon is extremely unfair on the kids.

I?ve trusted Moyes with his usage of JV and VA so far so I see no reason to stop trusting him now. He?s one for the future, not the present.
Brian Williams
22   Posted 15/02/2008 at 13:27:08

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I know hindsight’s a wonderful thing, and David Moyes could quite rightly come out and say that his use of Victor against SK Brann worked out perfectly, but I have to say that after seeing the difference that James Vaughan made against Reading in the secod half last weekend, he must have been as surprised as I was that it wasn’t HIM who was brought on against Brann. I wonder what the lad has to do? I just hope he doesn’t become impatient and disillusioned because IMHO he’s the better prospect of the two youngsters...by far.
Wendy Butler
23   Posted 15/02/2008 at 13:54:50

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Totally agree with the comments of Vaughan being better even at 19 than Johnson.
Has anyone ever seen AJ hit a ball cleanly from distance?
Get rid in the summer West Ham can have him for £9 million and play the 3 strikers as and when required.
ps Let's get a truely great left sided player and melt down Neville for glue ? he is truely crap!
si.kirwan
24   Posted 15/02/2008 at 14:22:22

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Get rid of johnson, absoloute shite and no pace... 8 mil on a quality left sided player ( pienaar ) .. neville out and a new right back in ... sorted..
James Martin
25   Posted 15/02/2008 at 15:11:18

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Iain, as Michael Hunt says, if we?re to judge from the Oldham game, none of our players are ready to start.
With reference to Stephen?s comment about him looking tired after 25 minutes, he?s only been getting occaisional sub appearances of 10-15 minutes so it?s impossible for him to be match fit. Get him on!
Simon Ginty
26   Posted 15/02/2008 at 15:07:34

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AJ has had his chance and didn´t use it. Yes he cost us a lot of money but it hasn´t worked out as well as we hoped. He should be well into double figures by now but instead we´re moaning about the missed chances or praising his effort. It´s goals that count and he´s not scoring enough. Give the young guys a chance before the other clubs come sniffing around. Vic and Vaughny are ready to take over. The yak will look after them on the pitch and get the important goals we need and their youth,enthusiasm and will to do well will shine. Do it now and get a good price for AJ in the summer so we can bolster our midfield. Don´t break the bank for Manny if he doesn´t improve dramatically. The last two games were embarassing for him, constantly giving the ball away!
COYB
Michael Hunt
27   Posted 15/02/2008 at 16:23:03

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Peter Roberts, Vaughan’s injuries are not like Owen’s at the same age. Vaughan as sufferred freaky, one off injuries through bad luck e.g. ruptured artery from a horror tackle, dislocated shoulder after landing on it after a massive leap in an aerial challenge in which he turned upside down in mid air! He is VERY ATHLETIC and far more physically developed right now than AJ or Owen are NOW, nevermind when they were 19! He can do 90 minutes consistently as proved toward end of last season. He scored twice in 90 minutes against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge FFS to break thier unbeaten home record last year (except the ref wrongly chalked the second goal off!) He may be a touch short of match fitness right now due to lack of time on pitch...Moyes can rectify that on Thurday night. I’d love Moyes to start JV and Yak on Thursday, with Vic to come on for last 20 mins as per usual. Brann will have to go for it so Vaughan and Yak (then Vic) could have a field day. What a great fillip that would be ahead of the crunch Man City game on Monday night. COYB!
Trudy Boston
28   Posted 15/02/2008 at 16:52:13

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Vaughan is one for the future and by the end of the decade his value could be triple the price it is now. With Anichebe and Osman we do have some quality forwards. I hope in years to come we do not have another Rooney situation. This is the best side I have witnessed for many a year and with a good, but not great manager we have the springboard to really achieve something ? maybe not this time round but I'm sure it wont be long now.
Ben Jones
29   Posted 15/02/2008 at 17:43:23

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I do agree with the post.. but what about Anichebe? He has undoubted potential too and I think Moyes is doing well in playing the two at different times to create the positive effect for Everton during the matches. Just remember they are both 19, so there is plenty of time. Just wait 3 or 4 years, and I can see Vaughan and Anichebe as our front two when we’re in the Champions League!
Ant Barnett
30   Posted 15/02/2008 at 17:29:30

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Both JV and Victor are exciting prospects but not first teamers for me yet. Both have good strength and enthusiasm but poor first touches alot of the time (along with half the team!). I think AJ will come good again when he starts getting better service and not long balls played up to his head all the time. He’s been unlucky with decisions as well and by rights should have won 2 penalties and scored 1 in the last 3 weeks alone so i think he deserves a break and a continued run in the side.
Sean Rico
31   Posted 15/02/2008 at 17:15:00

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The lad has very good chance of becoming a legend, but in my opinion the boy has to learn when to use his energy and when not too!!! I.e the YAK, some people think he is just lazy, i think he is very clever instead of useing all of his energy chasing down aimless long balls down the chanels ala AJ. he chooses to use he energy in small bursts,i.e when taking on defeders or just making that half yard to get off a strike. and in some cases just standing still sometimes makes it harder for defenders to pick you up when teamates from midfield makes them runs into the box.

Joe Coswell
32   Posted 15/02/2008 at 20:22:08

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I think hes our 2nd best striker. Yakubu has the track record and must be 1st choice but Vaughan should be next imo. AJ keeps getting in ahead of him and its annoying, he can do everything AJ can do but hes stronger and better in the air, which is ideal for 1 upfront.
Matt Bone
33   Posted 15/02/2008 at 21:41:33

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I have been saying for ages that Vaughan has the potential to be a top top player. H?s not there yet and has been very unlucky with injuries but i do think he should be given more playin time. It may be harsh on AJ but I would like to seem Vaughan paired with Yakubu for a few games. We havent got many games left this season and therefore time is running out to see how far the lad has come on.
Alex Pike
34   Posted 16/02/2008 at 04:15:54

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I think the new ruling allowing 7 subs will benefit both JV and VA next season, they?re guaranteed a place at least on the bench every game really, which I think will mean more action for each.

I would personally class JV as second striker ahead of AJ as I rate JV very highly.
Josh Bernard
35   Posted 16/02/2008 at 10:49:51

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IMO he needs to go out on loan to a championship team to get games week in week out which he isnt getting a Everton.

Hes quality as he showed last season and he know s how to finish but a bit of experience ha your laughin then JV and VA!
Dominic Duerden
36   Posted 16/02/2008 at 12:32:27

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I think Moyes is really lucky to have had Rooney, Anichebe and Vaughan fall into his lap.

I think VA and JV are both brilliant , both better than Johnson and should both be playing more. Cahill and Johnson should not play up front when you have VA or JV available.
Tony Fleming
37   Posted 16/02/2008 at 15:06:37

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James Vaughan is my favourite player. The guy is going to be massive for us one day. I think if it were not for his injury at the beginning of the season he would be consistently in the first 11. David Moyes has proved he certainly knows what he is doing, he was gutted when JV was injured again, so we should trust his judgement in nurturing the lads talent.
james vaughan
38   Posted 16/02/2008 at 19:34:21

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well i think i am great and i cant wait to be the first choice starter on a regular basis. i am still young and eager and i have got time on my side so dont worry folks...
James McGreevy
39   Posted 16/02/2008 at 23:42:01

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I do believe that Vaughan and Big Vic had a decent run towards the end of last season and I believe that the Yak was only bought because of Vaughan's injury and Johnson looking likely to be slow to pick up the golden touch since his surgery around April last year, as such I think Vaughan has been a victiim of circumstance.

I too have met the lad and off the pitch; he seems extremely grounded and a credit to those around him if not mostly to himself. I do get worried when I see him take off like a greyhound and I think he needs to work on decision-making in that should he or shouldn't he beat the defender or pass. 9 times out of 10 he will beat the defender but then the only way some of them can cope against his pace is to chop him which brings out a little of over-agression.

I'd say in 2 years max, this young man will be one of the best strikers our great club has seen since Gary Lineker and if Big Vic stays too, I would say it'll be like Lineker/Sharp or even Cole/Yorke.

I do hope that the start of this article doesn't bode for the future, because I think we have the makings of a good old-fashioned title-contending squad in the next few years. That wil attract the investment. Goodison will be redeveloped and we can all still stand in the Lower Bullens to get our Chang and hot-dogs while watching the screens to see the red shite get hammered!!!

So in conclusion, while Beneathus takes the ship Liverpool beneath the waves towards mid-table mediocrity and the Americans look at who they should've invested in, we can all look back and say our lads have come from the club they've always been! Vaughan for 20 goals next season with Big Vic hitting 15 (in the Champions League!!!)

Stephen Burton
40   Posted 17/02/2008 at 12:40:06

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I think a lot of you are getting carried away with Vaughan. He is a talent yes but he hasn’t exactly put in Rooney-esque performances when he has played. The reason Johnson starts more games is because he is a more experienced and therefore a more clever team-player. He pulls defences apart and creates the space for Yakubu or Cahill to exploit. We shouldn’t underestimate this. James and Victor both need to work on their decision making which can only come through time. If he wants to play then perhaps a month or two at Preston may be useful though, especially in Vaughan’s case, the fear of him picking up yet another serious injury may put a stop to that. In essence, he (or Victor) isn’t good enough yet to start consistently. Perhaps in a year or two but right now he will just have to bide his time.
Sam Fearon
41   Posted 17/02/2008 at 16:32:47

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I’d have to disagree with the comment that Vaughan has pace...he doesn’t.
Paul Devlin
42   Posted 17/02/2008 at 22:12:24

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Wait till you see Jose Baxter!!! He?s the next big one and boy is that boy good. Rooney the Second!!!
Brian Garside
43   Posted 17/02/2008 at 22:53:08

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Brann is the perfect opportunity to play JV and give AJ a rest.
Vaughn before Anichebe for me.
He must start games in order to develop.
Mark Pendleton
44   Posted 17/02/2008 at 22:59:01

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I’m sure Moyes chose to bring Vic rather than JV on against Brann was because of the physical presence in the Brann side. Both JV and Vic have had and will get their chances to contribute and develop.
Neil Oliver
45   Posted 18/02/2008 at 09:11:24

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Johnson is the one to go. His mere presense in the side invites the hoofing ball from defenders and we never play the football we?re capable of when he is included. He?s a limited player whose day has come and gone. Get rid and give Vaughany his chance!
John Thomas
46   Posted 18/02/2008 at 12:03:44

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Quality article and some really interesting viewpoints here.

I too feel Jimmy is a top class striker in the making and we need to be careful how this is handled. Problem is, you can?t say Victor doesn?t deserve his chance because that boy works bloody hard and he does the job. I honestly do salavate at the prospect of Jimmy+Vic together in a few years, all the strengths of Yak+AJ, non of the weaknesses.

Let?s face it, AJ is a quality striker and a top team player. However, he is far too unselfish with the ball at times. So many games he?s been clear to go on and have a crack and he?ll hold back and miss the chance, it frustrates the hell out of me because the man has the pace to burn and the quality to finish it off.


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