The Mail Bag
Most promising youngster pre-season
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Kieran Agard has most impressed me so far this pre-season. He was a bit unlucky not to score in the last two games but you can see he's going to be simply amazing. Jack rodwell and jose baxter are good prospects but agard is highly gifted and lively and quick, I d love to see him in the Premier League this season.
Jack Simms, Posted 27/07/2008 at 18:53:50
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Jack, couldn?t agree more. Kieran looks a real prospect, ran his heart out at Forest for no end reward, Rodwell looked composed on the ball got his head up early and looked for the forward pass and Baxter?s first instinct is to go forward, good control and knows how to finish. Must not forget Gosling who looks assured. However, when you look at our history, very few players in the PAST have been given a real chance.
Does anyone know what has happened to Kissock? Watched him play for Gretna whilst I was working up there and whilst they were garbage he didn’t appear half bad, hope he has had a haircut since too!
’’However when you look at our history very few players in the PAST have been given a real chance. ’’
And those that do get a chance bugger off...
And those that do get a chance bugger off...
I suspect that we may have no choice but to play some of these guys purely down to numbers and trying to keep the squad as fresh as possible. It is slightly disturbing that the curreent trend over the last few years is we let go of some players replace only one of two of them. Its a known fact Moyes has been operating with a thin squad, but this year, unless they no something we don’t then we just need bodies, hence the need to blood these boys on pre season to give them a taste of what they are likely to face.
What sort of crazy world are you guys living in? Agard is nowhere near ready for the Premier League - a good prospect as are Baxter and Rodwell but do me a favour, they are just kids. It would be suicide to put them in the first team. I know we are short of players but get real for heaven's sake.
In response to Robert , you get highlights only of our prem games with Everton tv And Gavin ... JP Kissock was injured, he was hoping to go to USA with the squad; he may well go out on loan again next season.
Rodwell really impressed me, he looked confident and assured and Baxter could be anything... impressive!!!
Rodwell really impressed me, he looked confident and assured and Baxter could be anything... impressive!!!
Is it worth the £40 Arthur? What’s the quality like?
I?ve watched a bit of us over the summer and I can?t see Agard making it at the top level.
Rodwell and Baxter are both outstanding prospects. The other player to have most impressed me is Eunan O?Kane. Very intelligent footballer with an eye for a pass.
Rodwell and Baxter are both outstanding prospects. The other player to have most impressed me is Eunan O?Kane. Very intelligent footballer with an eye for a pass.
I agree with Mick though, I?d say only Rodwell looks like having the stamina to play more than a couple of games this season.
Kieran Agard looks very average to be honest. All pace no technique or intelligence. A young AJ really. I don’t think he’ll make it to be honest.
Rodwell definatly will, he’s got the physique already and he’s so composed on the ball. He’ll definatly be a squad player this season.
Jose Baxter will make it but won’t break through until later in the season I think. He’ll break through properly next season I think.
Rodwell definatly will, he’s got the physique already and he’s so composed on the ball. He’ll definatly be a squad player this season.
Jose Baxter will make it but won’t break through until later in the season I think. He’ll break through properly next season I think.
I went to Preston and thought Agard was weakest player on the pitch. He may be quick but he looked technically awfull. Reminded me of Beattie!
I’ve seen a few highlights and was at the Forest game. Of all the "kids" i’d say the ones that stood out were Baxter, Gosling & Rodwell. Some of the others may develop but those three look the best prospects to me. I’d say Baxter needs another season to progress but Gosling and Rodwell may well be knocking on the door this season (although if we make no signings one or both may start as regulars!).
I am yet to be convinced by Agard to be honest with you Jack.
He looks neither fast enough, strong enough, intelligent enough or skillful enough to make it in the Premier League. However, I hope that I am entirely wrong ?cause his attitude seems spot on and he looks like he is giving it a right real go ? so please prove me wrong, Kieran!
For me the best three young players in this order are
Gosling, Baxter and Rodwell. I would agree that it will be Gosling and Rodwell knocking on the door this year with Baxter to follow.
He looks neither fast enough, strong enough, intelligent enough or skillful enough to make it in the Premier League. However, I hope that I am entirely wrong ?cause his attitude seems spot on and he looks like he is giving it a right real go ? so please prove me wrong, Kieran!
For me the best three young players in this order are
Gosling, Baxter and Rodwell. I would agree that it will be Gosling and Rodwell knocking on the door this year with Baxter to follow.
Let?s remember the ages:
Dan Gosling is 19 in February, Jack Rodwell will be 18 in March and Jose Baxter will be the ripe old age of 17 (yes SEVENTEEN) in February next year.
Baxter won?t be anywhere near ready, even if he?s the golden vision reincarnate, until the end of the the coming season at best. Rodwell may step up and hopefully play up to 15 games (mostly sub cameo appearances) whilst Gosling is the only one old really to consider pushing on for the first team. However, I think he?s behind Rodwell both physically and mentally and I doubt we?ll see much of him this side of Christmas. I hope he can step up as the season progresses.
One thought, Gosling is likely to end up in centre mid (as his career progresses), but likely to play right back whilst he is young (more out of the way for Moyes - less likely to be a liability if he has a bad game). Rodwell may end up at centre half but appears from the second half of last season and this pre-season to be in the running for a centre midfield berth.
Therefore, is Moyes thinking: "Do I need to shell out a load of cash on a new Carsley when I can make do with Neville this season and then hope Gosling or Rodwell can fill the gap long term". But if he is, then surely it would have made sense to keep Carsley and wait for them to develop.
On the other hand, I?ve heard nothing about Fernandes and therefore assume that his future is sorted (otherwise his agent would surely be touting him around) and therefore he must be staying at Valencia (unlikely) or coming back here. If he?s coming back here and links up with Moutinho, Cahill/Osman, Pienaar, and Arteta then surely Fernandes is going to be the more defensive player, favouring the deep lying role in dictating play. This would herald a shift in tactics towards a more attacking style of play, with Neville to play there when games desire a kicker rather than someone with finesse in front of the back four.
On the point of Neville, did it escape everyone?s memory that Hibbert recently signed a lengthy deal without much fuss. Surely this indicates Moyes has convinced both they will play regularly = Neville in midfield?
Dan Gosling is 19 in February, Jack Rodwell will be 18 in March and Jose Baxter will be the ripe old age of 17 (yes SEVENTEEN) in February next year.
Baxter won?t be anywhere near ready, even if he?s the golden vision reincarnate, until the end of the the coming season at best. Rodwell may step up and hopefully play up to 15 games (mostly sub cameo appearances) whilst Gosling is the only one old really to consider pushing on for the first team. However, I think he?s behind Rodwell both physically and mentally and I doubt we?ll see much of him this side of Christmas. I hope he can step up as the season progresses.
One thought, Gosling is likely to end up in centre mid (as his career progresses), but likely to play right back whilst he is young (more out of the way for Moyes - less likely to be a liability if he has a bad game). Rodwell may end up at centre half but appears from the second half of last season and this pre-season to be in the running for a centre midfield berth.
Therefore, is Moyes thinking: "Do I need to shell out a load of cash on a new Carsley when I can make do with Neville this season and then hope Gosling or Rodwell can fill the gap long term". But if he is, then surely it would have made sense to keep Carsley and wait for them to develop.
On the other hand, I?ve heard nothing about Fernandes and therefore assume that his future is sorted (otherwise his agent would surely be touting him around) and therefore he must be staying at Valencia (unlikely) or coming back here. If he?s coming back here and links up with Moutinho, Cahill/Osman, Pienaar, and Arteta then surely Fernandes is going to be the more defensive player, favouring the deep lying role in dictating play. This would herald a shift in tactics towards a more attacking style of play, with Neville to play there when games desire a kicker rather than someone with finesse in front of the back four.
On the point of Neville, did it escape everyone?s memory that Hibbert recently signed a lengthy deal without much fuss. Surely this indicates Moyes has convinced both they will play regularly = Neville in midfield?
Please don’t mention Neville in midfield Steve. He isn’t a midfielder for one and Moyes doesn’t see his position there. He’s said on numerous occasions that he’s looking to bring someone in to replace Carsley.
Neville is a right back and with Hibbert being injured he’ll play there. I’d rather have Rodwell in midfield to be honest. Neville is not a midfielder.
Neville is a right back and with Hibbert being injured he’ll play there. I’d rather have Rodwell in midfield to be honest. Neville is not a midfielder.
Baxter is just a kid. He was very quiet for us in the academy this season. Rooney was much better with better stats. Baxter only scored four goals in the academy games last season his stats are pretty poor compared to the other academy players. I have been impressed with a few youngster Agard, Rodwell, O'Kane. But it's far too early to be judging yougsters at this stage.
Some youngsters really blossom when given a chance to play at higher levels..eg; Rooney, Fabregas, Walcott... If we have no money to spend then it makes sense to blood at least one of them... preferably midfield. If we do get Moutinho, I'm sure he and Arteta could really bring some of the youngsters on and more importantly provide decent service for the Yak to score goals. Surely letting the kids go and then buying them back makes no sense at all.
Dreamland Trevor if you are comparing any of our kids to Fabregas and Walcott. And Baxter is a slight 16-year-old ? Rooney at that age was built like a brick shithouse.
I thought that John Irving looked good in the CUFC game
"I went to Preston and thought Agard was weakest player on the pitch. He may be quick but he looked technically awful. Reminded me of Beattie!"
Steve, I assume you mean the "technically awful" bit reminded you of Beattie, and not the "quick" bit - unless I missed something I don?t remember him breaking a sweat!
Steve, I assume you mean the "technically awful" bit reminded you of Beattie, and not the "quick" bit - unless I missed something I don?t remember him breaking a sweat!
Be fair, Ian, one thing Beatiie did do was run and run and run. Not very fast, and to no great effect - but he did get a lather on most games. Pity that doesn’t count for anything.
Agree completely Peter, the running wasn’t a problem, just the velocity and end results!
To be fair, I agree with most on here regarding Agard. His attitude is spot on and his award last season pays testiment to that, but as already stated, you don't make a career in the Prem without having the ability to match.
I would say Agard is the weakest out of the three but he is still young and I hope he does make it. I honestly don't think he is any worse that Big Victor minus the obvious physique.
Jose Baxter is a raw talent and does remind me a lot of Rooney is the way he plays, he wants to beat everyone and often does, but Rooney was a lot stronger; he?s been the same size since he was 13. I really do think that Baxter will break through this year at some point because he is so good. He just needs his to work on his awareness and when to pick the killer pass instead of trying to skin everyone. I guarantee that he will beat both Rooney?s and Vaughan's records.
As for Jack Rodwell, he reminds me of a young Gareth Barry, so calm and relaxed on the ball, superb range of passing if needed but often picks the easy ball and never gives it away. he always seems an outlet in the middle and never looks worried at all. He really does look a class act and he more than anyone will make the grade this year. I think he?ll see more action than you expect.
Physically he looks ready and there is no doubting his ability. I think he?s a future captain in the making.
Now sign Moutinho, get Manny back and go for Darren Bent and we are well on our way.
I would say Agard is the weakest out of the three but he is still young and I hope he does make it. I honestly don't think he is any worse that Big Victor minus the obvious physique.
Jose Baxter is a raw talent and does remind me a lot of Rooney is the way he plays, he wants to beat everyone and often does, but Rooney was a lot stronger; he?s been the same size since he was 13. I really do think that Baxter will break through this year at some point because he is so good. He just needs his to work on his awareness and when to pick the killer pass instead of trying to skin everyone. I guarantee that he will beat both Rooney?s and Vaughan's records.
As for Jack Rodwell, he reminds me of a young Gareth Barry, so calm and relaxed on the ball, superb range of passing if needed but often picks the easy ball and never gives it away. he always seems an outlet in the middle and never looks worried at all. He really does look a class act and he more than anyone will make the grade this year. I think he?ll see more action than you expect.
Physically he looks ready and there is no doubting his ability. I think he?s a future captain in the making.
Now sign Moutinho, get Manny back and go for Darren Bent and we are well on our way.
He’s off....
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/08/07/28/SOCCER_Everton.html
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/08/07/28/SOCCER_Everton.html
James Fox, Baxter as been converted in to an attacking midfielder these day by the academy and thats probably why his stats aren't as good as Rooney?s and plus Rooney was an awsome talent coming through the ranks!
And to them who think were going to sign Fernandes forget it, if we sign Moutinho then we're not going to sign Manny' trust me! They're both similair types of player, both like to play in front of a defensive midfielder and get on the ball and get things going on the in the middle of the park although IMO I think Moutinho is better than Manny, he?s got more guile and a cleverness about him than Manny and very rarely wastes or gives the ball away and will link up brilliantly with Arteta and Pienaar either side of him!
I don't think Moyesy would sign Moutinho and then bring in Fernandes to play the Carsley role because he?s just not that type of player as I've already said Manny likes to play in front of a Carsley type of player and recieve the ball and get things going but Moutinho is that type of player too so he won't bring them both in to play that role. So it will be one or the other and Moutinho?s obviously first choice!
If (!!) we get Moutinho, then I totally agree with Aide that we wont gto for Manny ? too similar; neither are the "Carsley" replacement.
On the kids side I think if Moyes fails to find a Carsley replacement then Neville will be pushed into midfiled initially with Rodwell or Gosling groomed to replace him at some time into this season. Rodwell is the more cultured, better passer but Gosling has the drive high energy action ? who gets the role will depend on how the team is playing. If we are defending well then Rodwell will get in; if we are giving away goals then Gosling will get the call.
On the kids side I think if Moyes fails to find a Carsley replacement then Neville will be pushed into midfiled initially with Rodwell or Gosling groomed to replace him at some time into this season. Rodwell is the more cultured, better passer but Gosling has the drive high energy action ? who gets the role will depend on how the team is playing. If we are defending well then Rodwell will get in; if we are giving away goals then Gosling will get the call.
Unfortunately Manny seems to be impressing his new coach at Valencia and, given he hasn't been approached before the "half a team" building excercise in the USA, looks unlikely to join us.
Pity because, with Mouthino looking to cost around £20 million and Manny reputedly available for £6 million, I know which I?d go for given our financial constraints.
Pity because, with Mouthino looking to cost around £20 million and Manny reputedly available for £6 million, I know which I?d go for given our financial constraints.
Jose Baxter is going to be THE talent he has great feet, awareness and always looks to get forward and play football, Rodwell is becoming more self assured as is Gosling -great engine, all 3 will play varying numbers of matches I feel.
All Toffees fans should be encouraged that we have such talented youngsters.
As for Kieran I feel hes not the real deal, sorry but would be delighted to be proved wrong, such a hard job being a striker you need to be exceptional and he doesn't look that. I saw Rooney in his youth days and you could see it, likewise Baxter.
All Toffees fans should be encouraged that we have such talented youngsters.
As for Kieran I feel hes not the real deal, sorry but would be delighted to be proved wrong, such a hard job being a striker you need to be exceptional and he doesn't look that. I saw Rooney in his youth days and you could see it, likewise Baxter.
With the pending departure of AJ and huge increases in asking prices for the likes of Keane and Arshavin I wondered for a bit of a fun distraction if anyone cared to value our current squad in today's market, player by player including the young pros comming through.
Our youngsters have come a long way. They all have very good stats and they can only be an asset to us whether we keep them or sell them. The real deals always come out the winners in the end. They will go on to be multi million pound signings. and there is nothing we can do about that.
Hot shot Kieran is the real deal. He got very good stats at academy level and he's been winning awards. This could his year. I agree with Jack, he's impressed me but I follow the academy so I know a bit about the youngsters. Kieran is very quick and he's improved technically
Lukas is another one that will feature but only as a good in the air second striker. He's a different type of player. Baxter impresed me, a lovely kid, but a long way off the prem, not very quick though. Better suited to attacking mid roles. He seems agreat kid and I'm sure he'll do well, the hype and experience can only improve him as a player.
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1 Posted 27/07/2008 at 21:33:39
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A quick question, if you get Evertontv do you get every one of Evertons Premier League matches?