The Mail Bag
Player of the Season (So Far)
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I'm not sure exactly how we are 7th in the table at present, because I can't think of many really good performances to shout about. But it did make me think about who our star performers are so far.
For what it's worth (and I'm sure I'll be slated for this), here's my top 3:
1. Jags - Prepared to step in front of anything for the cause.
2. Tim Howard - Awsome in the last few games.
3. Captain Pip - Has excelled at right back.
Bring on the abuse.
Liam Reilly, Posted 03/12/2008 at 09:30:20
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Agreed, Neville has prospered in confidence as the others have faultered.
Jags................
What a fantastic potential he is; he deserves a lot of credit becuase if he was playing as shite as the rest of the team we might be sitting toward the bottom of the table.
What a fantastic potential he is; he deserves a lot of credit becuase if he was playing as shite as the rest of the team we might be sitting toward the bottom of the table.
1. Jags
2. Howard
3. Neville/Fellaini
2. Howard
3. Neville/Fellaini
I?d agree only I?d say Neville was slightly ahead of Howard.
Neville has been one of the players carrying us through and stopping us falling completely apart at the seams at times. Howard has onyl this month come back to form ? and how ? that 2nd stop at Wigan was the save of the season and the Pavluychenko stop at 0-0 monday was worth 2 points on its own.
As for Jagielka, he is an example for Baines... when you get into the team you play so well you make yourself undropable.
Neville has been one of the players carrying us through and stopping us falling completely apart at the seams at times. Howard has onyl this month come back to form ? and how ? that 2nd stop at Wigan was the save of the season and the Pavluychenko stop at 0-0 monday was worth 2 points on its own.
As for Jagielka, he is an example for Baines... when you get into the team you play so well you make yourself undropable.
Call me a stickler for the rules but I will wait until y?know the end of the season before naming a Player of the Season.
1. Jags
Thats it really!
Howard was terrible at the start of the season, made some major blunders with his lack of communication!
Baines has been good when given a chance...Neville has improved etc.
But the ONLY consistent performer we have had has been Jags.
Thats it really!
Howard was terrible at the start of the season, made some major blunders with his lack of communication!
Baines has been good when given a chance...Neville has improved etc.
But the ONLY consistent performer we have had has been Jags.
Liam did say Player of the Season ?so far? and I wouldn?t argue much with his choice. However, I might be inclined to consider Saha somewhere in there as his goals have got us quite a few points... points that if we hadn't got them would mean we would be scrabbling around the bottom of the table!
I agree, I think Phil Neville has had a terrific season so far, Jags has been consistent, absolutly brilliant! But I cannot believe no one has mentioned Pienaar!!! He is such an important player for us and he is the player we have missed, he's the one that creates and holds the ball up, this season when he's played, when he's been out we have missed him badly! Against Tottenham I thought he put in a great performance and we missed what he can give us! Even missing most of the season, he's up there in the top 3!
Jagielka is winning by a mile.
No one else stands out. Certain players have improved but nothing special.
No one else stands out. Certain players have improved but nothing special.
Phil Jagielka of course. He has done what so few of our players have done ? built on the progress made last season. An honourable mention for Cap?n Nev too for much the same reason. And injury-free, Pienaar would probably have consistently done the same.
Howard looks to be back to where he should be and with a bit of luck Arteta, playing in the centre will recover his form. So let's hope that the competition for the honour hots up with stronger performances to come. But this takes nothing away from the Jag, who has been excellent.
Howard looks to be back to where he should be and with a bit of luck Arteta, playing in the centre will recover his form. So let's hope that the competition for the honour hots up with stronger performances to come. But this takes nothing away from the Jag, who has been excellent.
Jags is by far the best player this season. So I wish I could get my head around the fact he is being ignored by England. I know Upson played well against Germany but in my opinion he should never have been there in the first place. If Yobo continues the way he is, he will be up there at the end of the season, as will Ossie!
Like all the other players, Jags had a poor start to the season but has really stood out in the last 4 or 5 games.
I would also agree with Neville, who I?ve previously slated but who has been reliable and arguably one of the best english RBs so far this season.
Don't know what?s happened to our previous hero Lescott though. He seems to have taken his bat and ball home and left it there.
I would also agree with Neville, who I?ve previously slated but who has been reliable and arguably one of the best english RBs so far this season.
Don't know what?s happened to our previous hero Lescott though. He seems to have taken his bat and ball home and left it there.
I’m thinking it should be someone from this little clip........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so1UJxRc_fw
I’d like to nominate the wee fella who at 3:15 into it scores what can only be described as a peach of a goal.........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so1UJxRc_fw
I’d like to nominate the wee fella who at 3:15 into it scores what can only be described as a peach of a goal.........
Agree about Jags having a great season. It is no coincidence that Howard is back on form and we are starting to get points more consistently ? he seemed to have a bit of a crisis of confidence at the start of the season.
Happily suprised by Neville lately. Some of Neville?s crosses have been brilliant, better than Arteta?s efforts! He has proved a real threat when he has overlapped on the right, more dangerous than Lescott, despite being more defensive minded. Lescott clearly doesn?t have the natural full back?s sense to cover when it is crucial. Lescott needs time on the bench in my opinion as he has been my biggest disappointment of the season (albeit he is being played out of position). I think Moyes won?t do it in case Lescott threatens to leave in January.
Cahill has been poor so far this season. What has happened to his finishing?! We have missed Pienaar much more than Cahill. Again though, he seems one of Moyes?s undroppables, regardless of form. The fact that we have no strikers seems to have forced the issue anyway, so let's hope Cahill starts scoring those headers which he has been wide open for so regularly lately.
Happily suprised by Neville lately. Some of Neville?s crosses have been brilliant, better than Arteta?s efforts! He has proved a real threat when he has overlapped on the right, more dangerous than Lescott, despite being more defensive minded. Lescott clearly doesn?t have the natural full back?s sense to cover when it is crucial. Lescott needs time on the bench in my opinion as he has been my biggest disappointment of the season (albeit he is being played out of position). I think Moyes won?t do it in case Lescott threatens to leave in January.
Cahill has been poor so far this season. What has happened to his finishing?! We have missed Pienaar much more than Cahill. Again though, he seems one of Moyes?s undroppables, regardless of form. The fact that we have no strikers seems to have forced the issue anyway, so let's hope Cahill starts scoring those headers which he has been wide open for so regularly lately.
Would you believe, the lad behind me thinks Jags is shite, Lescott should be playing centre half and Baines left back, each to their own eh!
John, is that lad me? I still think what you mention there is our best side.
Obviously we shouldn?t drop Jagielka ? we will be strongest with him and Joey in the centre, Bai our best player by miles this season. However, I still think he?s over-performing, and when Lescott (eventually) comes back into form at left back and Jags as a more than capable option on the bench.
Obviously we shouldn?t drop Jagielka ? we will be strongest with him and Joey in the centre, Bai our best player by miles this season. However, I still think he?s over-performing, and when Lescott (eventually) comes back into form at left back and Jags as a more than capable option on the bench.
1. Jagielka
2. Howard
3. Fellaini (just wish he’d stop fouling the opposing players)
2. Howard
3. Fellaini (just wish he’d stop fouling the opposing players)
Santosh was spot on, and in that order.
Jags (aside from first few games) has been immense, just wish he'd improve his passing when he has the ball.
Howard, again, apart from first few games, has been quite awesome. His all round game is so good that I truly can?t think of anyone I?d rather have. In fact, Christ only knows where we?d be now if Jags & Howard hadn?t been so strong for us.
Neville deserves a good mention too. I?ve always liked his leadership abilities and it?s impossible to miss his dedication to the cause & the way he carries himself on & off the pitch. But he?s also been excellent for most of this season at right back.
Fellaini, given the problems of new club, new country, team playing shite, miserable manager etc, has done great. I think he?ll become top dog. The fact that he?s chipped in with a few goals already is a bonus. I think we?ll see his real worth next season & the one after that.
Jags (aside from first few games) has been immense, just wish he'd improve his passing when he has the ball.
Howard, again, apart from first few games, has been quite awesome. His all round game is so good that I truly can?t think of anyone I?d rather have. In fact, Christ only knows where we?d be now if Jags & Howard hadn?t been so strong for us.
Neville deserves a good mention too. I?ve always liked his leadership abilities and it?s impossible to miss his dedication to the cause & the way he carries himself on & off the pitch. But he?s also been excellent for most of this season at right back.
Fellaini, given the problems of new club, new country, team playing shite, miserable manager etc, has done great. I think he?ll become top dog. The fact that he?s chipped in with a few goals already is a bonus. I think we?ll see his real worth next season & the one after that.
Nice to see Jagielka being featuring so highly. Oh & by the way, does anyone remember the criticism levelled at David Moyes for signing this "jack of all trades", not so very long ago!
1. Jags
2. Howard
3. Fellaini/Saha
Surely Saha has to get a mention ? from the moment he started playing he?s been a different class. Fellaini has also had to carry centre midfield all season thanks to the invisible Osman.
2. Howard
3. Fellaini/Saha
Surely Saha has to get a mention ? from the moment he started playing he?s been a different class. Fellaini has also had to carry centre midfield all season thanks to the invisible Osman.
Alan’s assessment of Fellaini sounds right to me. He looks - and plays - older than his age and he has carved out a place in our team and the Prem very impressively. Do we do ’best newcomer’? Should be little doubt about that.
Seriously how can people keep saying Howard? He was all over the place at the start of the season ? at fault for countless own goals. In fairness he has been excellent lately and long may it continue but surely shouldn't be in the reckoning for player of the season so far after that start.
My top three for what its worth:
1) Jags (outstanding really)
2) Neville (and I was never a fan but credit where its due)
3) Fellaini (slow enough start but is really looking like he is gonna be a player)
Other than those I think everyone else is well below last year's levels and that's a worry but if other can start to raise their game as Howard has (I'm thinking Arteta, Cahill and Lescott really) then we could have a good finish this season but it's such a fine line this year!
My top three for what its worth:
1) Jags (outstanding really)
2) Neville (and I was never a fan but credit where its due)
3) Fellaini (slow enough start but is really looking like he is gonna be a player)
Other than those I think everyone else is well below last year's levels and that's a worry but if other can start to raise their game as Howard has (I'm thinking Arteta, Cahill and Lescott really) then we could have a good finish this season but it's such a fine line this year!
I don’t think anyone deserves that accolade ("so far" or not "so far"), although I think Phil Neville’s performances this season deserve mention ... not outstanding, but doing what we all expect our captain to do.
Keith, to be honest mate I don?t really think there's a massive choice for "best newcomer" other than Fellaini and Saha, the rest, and deservedly so, have not played.
I think until this mega rich Billionaire comes in "this space" I've been hearing so much about I don?t think we're ever going to have need of it!
I think until this mega rich Billionaire comes in "this space" I've been hearing so much about I don?t think we're ever going to have need of it!
1. Jagielka
2. Neville
3. Castilllo
Howard has been great in the last games as was Screech, but remember Howard?s fuck ups early in the season. Jagielka and Neville were pretty consistent throughout and deserve to be in the top three. Castillo was one of the few consistent players at the start of the season until Moysey decided to srop him. I still have no idea why. I feel he deserves to be in the first team, more so than Yobo or Lescott.
Agreed with all of you about Jags. He’s been absolutely rock solid.
And like all of you, credit given where credit is due. PHIL NEVILLE has certainly been the 2nd best Everton player so far - for being a leader and a great defender - with those great overlapping runs and crosses too. Not to mention he has been playing a lot of ground passes as well, and hoofs the balls like 5% these days.
And of course, that WONDERFUL TACKLE on Ronaldo really got us rocking!
And like all of you, credit given where credit is due. PHIL NEVILLE has certainly been the 2nd best Everton player so far - for being a leader and a great defender - with those great overlapping runs and crosses too. Not to mention he has been playing a lot of ground passes as well, and hoofs the balls like 5% these days.
And of course, that WONDERFUL TACKLE on Ronaldo really got us rocking!
Jags by a country mile.
Someone said they can’t believe he hasn’t been recognised by England..... I say, long may that continue! Fuck Ingerland and let Jags keep doing the business for EFC
Someone said they can’t believe he hasn’t been recognised by England..... I say, long may that continue! Fuck Ingerland and let Jags keep doing the business for EFC
Benji
I know what you mean about Pienaar, but he?s missed most of the season so far, that's why he?s being overlooked.
The Jag and Howard had less than convincing starts, but both have come through it and are at least the equal of any of their counterparts in the Prem.
Expect, Arteta ? now he?s central ? Fellaini and Pienaar all to figure in the end-of-season vote.
I know what you mean about Pienaar, but he?s missed most of the season so far, that's why he?s being overlooked.
The Jag and Howard had less than convincing starts, but both have come through it and are at least the equal of any of their counterparts in the Prem.
Expect, Arteta ? now he?s central ? Fellaini and Pienaar all to figure in the end-of-season vote.
Fickle fans eh!
No-one remembers the first five games of the season when Jags cost us 5 goals?
Na?
Or the fact that he still can?t pass the ball out of defence and has a serious impact on our need to play proper football?
Na?
Fair enough, he?s been solid, but emerging from the cack that we?d had to endure this season is hardly an accolade to be merited... especially considering the handsome remuneration he gets for it.
No-one remembers the first five games of the season when Jags cost us 5 goals?
Na?
Or the fact that he still can?t pass the ball out of defence and has a serious impact on our need to play proper football?
Na?
Fair enough, he?s been solid, but emerging from the cack that we?d had to endure this season is hardly an accolade to be merited... especially considering the handsome remuneration he gets for it.
Ciarán, a large number of posts agree that Jags didn?t have a great start to the season but I think your criticism is a little harsh. For me and obviously many others, he has been absolutely outstanding and our player of the season by a mile.
I accept his distribution isn?t fantastic but the fact remains that he is constantly putting in brilliant performances which have definately won us points. In a perfect world he would have great passing skills but I can overlook that as long as he is making game-saving tackles, providing stability and confidence to the rest of the team and reading the game in the expert way that he does.
As of now, he has to be the first name on the team sheet and I think if you?d of said that when we were first interested in signing him, you?d be laughed out of the place. I myself saw him as nothing more than a squad player and his signing gave me no excitement whatsoever but boy am I glad he has proved me wrong. Certainly he?s one of Moyes?s better, shrewd signings.
I accept his distribution isn?t fantastic but the fact remains that he is constantly putting in brilliant performances which have definately won us points. In a perfect world he would have great passing skills but I can overlook that as long as he is making game-saving tackles, providing stability and confidence to the rest of the team and reading the game in the expert way that he does.
As of now, he has to be the first name on the team sheet and I think if you?d of said that when we were first interested in signing him, you?d be laughed out of the place. I myself saw him as nothing more than a squad player and his signing gave me no excitement whatsoever but boy am I glad he has proved me wrong. Certainly he?s one of Moyes?s better, shrewd signings.
If Jag?s good games had came at the start of the season and the bad ones in the last 5 or 6, would you still be making the same claims? I doubt it very much.
I?ll give credit where credit is due, he?s been great defensively recently... but the degree of eulogising that?s going on here is frankly a little remiss...
I?ll give credit where credit is due, he?s been great defensively recently... but the degree of eulogising that?s going on here is frankly a little remiss...
Can someone just remind me which goals Jags cost us at the start of the season when playing out of position?
Start with the Stoke match when he was in centre half... and work forward yourself.
He was responsible for two goals in that game if I remember rightly, ducked under the first one, then put the second one in.
Revisionism eh!He has played well, but I?d say the knighthood is a little premature. Let's wait until he learns to pass the ball, eh!
He was responsible for two goals in that game if I remember rightly, ducked under the first one, then put the second one in.
Revisionism eh!He has played well, but I?d say the knighthood is a little premature. Let's wait until he learns to pass the ball, eh!
1. Jagielka
2. Jagielka
3. Jagielka
Honorable mentions to Pip and Screech.
Ciaran: I think you?re correct about PJ being somewhat responsible for the goals at Stoke, but remember that Howard also waved liked like a sissy at one of those. And we won that one so who cares?
If Jags hadn?t been playing last Sunday what do you think the score would?ve been?
2. Jagielka
3. Jagielka
Honorable mentions to Pip and Screech.
Ciaran: I think you?re correct about PJ being somewhat responsible for the goals at Stoke, but remember that Howard also waved liked like a sissy at one of those. And we won that one so who cares?
If Jags hadn?t been playing last Sunday what do you think the score would?ve been?
Ciaran, the prophet of doom as ever! You never give anyone any credit do you?
Jags defensively in the last 5 or 6 games has been immense, you can't argue with that mate.
I think Pienaar deserves a mention too, when he plays, we play ? and the kid ?gets back? as much as he gets forward, which is a huge asset... especially when the rest of our midfield is usually out of position!
I know you agree with Jags being excellent defensively and I agree with you about his passing ability (or lack of it) but what on earth has the amount of money he gets paid got to do with the price of fish?? I?ve seen you mention money on a number of occasions on here and often wonder why?
Are you horribly underpaid yourself and therefore feel hard done by? Whats with the money issues Ciaran?
Personally I couldn't care less how much they get paid, it has zero effect on me and my life so good luck to em... I can certainly vouch for everyone on here when I say you wouldn't turn it down if offered!
Jags defensively in the last 5 or 6 games has been immense, you can't argue with that mate.
I think Pienaar deserves a mention too, when he plays, we play ? and the kid ?gets back? as much as he gets forward, which is a huge asset... especially when the rest of our midfield is usually out of position!
I know you agree with Jags being excellent defensively and I agree with you about his passing ability (or lack of it) but what on earth has the amount of money he gets paid got to do with the price of fish?? I?ve seen you mention money on a number of occasions on here and often wonder why?
Are you horribly underpaid yourself and therefore feel hard done by? Whats with the money issues Ciaran?
Personally I couldn't care less how much they get paid, it has zero effect on me and my life so good luck to em... I can certainly vouch for everyone on here when I say you wouldn't turn it down if offered!
To be honest Jagielka?s distribution is no different to any of our back four. If people are going to single out his distribution then it should be aimed at the whole back four. The midfield as well whose movement is shocking at times.
He finds a man more than both Yobo and Neville. Lescott's and Baines?s distribution is only slightly better.
He finds a man more than both Yobo and Neville. Lescott's and Baines?s distribution is only slightly better.
Jags has been by far Everton's best player this season and he should be able to displace Upson with ease to stake a claim for an international place in the coming months.
I take Ciaran?s point to some extent about the Stoke game... but there?s not many defenders who can deal with those IBM throw-ins! Attackers can?t be offside so a defender has to have eyes in his arse and his elbows to have a chance. Goalkeepers have the same problem. Jags is not the only defender to be caught out by them this season (remember Arsenal?) and he won?t be the last. I don?t think Jags can be held personally responsible.
"Ciaran, the prophet of doom as ever! You never give anyone any credit do you?"
James, exactly which part of..... ?I?ll give credit where credit is due, he?s been great defensively recently?...are you having trouble reading?
James, exactly which part of..... ?I?ll give credit where credit is due, he?s been great defensively recently?...are you having trouble reading?
"Ciaran, the prophet of doom as ever! You never give anyone any credit do you?"<
James, exactly which part of..... ?I?ll give credit where credit is due, he?s been great defensively recently? are you having trouble reading?
James, exactly which part of..... ?I?ll give credit where credit is due, he?s been great defensively recently? are you having trouble reading?
JAGS!
And PEANUTS for his creativity and graft. We?ve been much better since he returned from injury.
Totally agree. Jags has been exceptional, making up for some anaemic performances by Lescott and I have been surprised by Pip's performances at right back. However, we need him or Castillo back as an anchorman because that Carsley role has still not been filled.
Howard has also proved himself one of the best in the world. Fellaini has talent but is still learning the Premier League ways. If Arteta and Cahill can get back amonst the goals, as they must now that Vaughan and Yak are sidelined, then the season may still not be fruitless.
Good old Ciarán
Nice to see he?s got his scrooge character nailed for Panto season... [Joke]
Nice to see he?s got his scrooge character nailed for Panto season... [Joke]
Oh no I haven’t.
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2. Howard
3. No one else deserves a mention yet!