The Mail Bag
Arteta
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I've been impressed with Mikel Arteta this week. I admit his overall performance against Blackburn wasn't his best but he did score a goal and create a goal and that is what we pay him his money for.
The thing that really impresses me though is his attitude. I've read a few interviews with him before and after the game and his message is a simple one. The situation sucks. The fans have been great. We the players have to accept the situation for what it is and do our very best to keep the team on track. His actions tied in with his words Saturday which I thought was significant as all too often we've seen similar remarks from players that were not backed up by their actions e.g. Beattie.
He also didn't follow the Phil Neville route of toeing the party line and trying to pretend everything is great at Goodison. Mikel took a lot of stick last year for his sub-par performances and this week there have been a lot of unsubstantiated rumours on ToffeeWeb and elsewhere linking him with moves to Spain. Judging by his words and his actions he certainly doesn't seem like someone looking for an exit and in fact he bucks a past trend which has seen our less talented but harder working players (Parkinson, Unsworth, Carsley) being the ones who stand up to be counted when the chips are done.
We the fans can learn from him. I understand the frustrations of those who say they are ready to quit going to games because they are sick of the lies and rubbish coming out of BK but now is the time the team needs everyone. When the fans booed on Saturday, whilst justified, it added pounds to the value of any proposed transfer targets because it reinforced the notion that we are desperate and desperate people will pay over the odds. e.g. Samways/Amokachi transfers.
A football team is like a family and even though at times you might feel like cutting them off, you always end up being there for them ? no matter how many times they let you down and that's what is needed now. Follow Mikel's approach and hopefully we can get through this...
Kieran Kinsella, Posted 18/08/2008 at 22:41:09
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Top man, top player and one of the reasons I enjoy going to Goodison on a Saturday. He got alot of unfair stick from fans last season when it was quite clear he was injured and playing through the pain.
Our best midfielder, without a doubt.
Our best midfielder, without a doubt.
Give him the armband!
Never doubted Arteta for a second. He is without a doubt one of the best playmakers in the Premiership and always remains quiet and loyal. Only wish some of the fans could return the sentiment.
Andy Fredson - apparently we have sent a delegation over to Sporting Lisbon to seal the deal... we live in hope!
Would like to see Stephen Appiah who is out of contract and looking for a club... Gift horse and mouth come to mind!
Andy Fredson - apparently we have sent a delegation over to Sporting Lisbon to seal the deal... we live in hope!
Would like to see Stephen Appiah who is out of contract and looking for a club... Gift horse and mouth come to mind!
Love Mikel to bits and am so glad he´s stayed with us and not pushed or touted himself at all for a move. He´s absolutely key to whatever we achieve
Yup. Give him the Captaincy.
I’d say Cahill (coz I’m biased) but he’s injured every second ;)
Look forward to Arteta pushing Yakubu for most goals this season!
I’d say Cahill (coz I’m biased) but he’s injured every second ;)
Look forward to Arteta pushing Yakubu for most goals this season!
I?m sure some signings will happen this week
Yep, we just signed Tommy G to a 5 year contract.
LOL
Actually, forget Jimmy, we should go after Clint Dempsey. With the clearing out of the yanks at Fulham FC this year, I think he might spend some time on the bench, like he did last week.
Yep, we just signed Tommy G to a 5 year contract.
LOL
Actually, forget Jimmy, we should go after Clint Dempsey. With the clearing out of the yanks at Fulham FC this year, I think he might spend some time on the bench, like he did last week.
Kieran,
Fantastic article and one that gives a little optimism for a change.
Arteta is class and would get in any team in the Prem - not sure if he is ready for a captaincy, maybe one more season behind him; I might be wrong.
But I agree with you Kieran that we need to get behind our team and support them the way we have for decades; good things have to be coming, lets just be a bit more patient.
Fantastic article and one that gives a little optimism for a change.
Arteta is class and would get in any team in the Prem - not sure if he is ready for a captaincy, maybe one more season behind him; I might be wrong.
But I agree with you Kieran that we need to get behind our team and support them the way we have for decades; good things have to be coming, lets just be a bit more patient.
Couldn’t agree more Kieran. I dont expect many players of his calibre would be too happy with the situation at the moment, and would be spitting there dummy out by now. He openly admits he had a bad season last time round because he was playing with pain. This guy genuinely wants to be succesful at Everton. He talks far more sense than pip and he back it up on the pitch. Arteta for captain.
A good positive article Kieran.
Arteta could’ve jumped ship and walked into any other team esp with whats been going on at our beloved club but decided to stay LOYAL.He is truely a class act both on/off the pitch which is why he’s adored by all (evertonians).
Arteta for the captaincy without a doubt ; )
Arteta could’ve jumped ship and walked into any other team esp with whats been going on at our beloved club but decided to stay LOYAL.He is truely a class act both on/off the pitch which is why he’s adored by all (evertonians).
Arteta for the captaincy without a doubt ; )
I’d just like to take a moment to enjoy the fact that there is a thread here that everyone is agreeing on. Now that makes a refreshing change!
Mikky is a top lad, if he stays fit and plays like that all season, it’ll go a long way to easing the problems we’re facing.
Mikky is a top lad, if he stays fit and plays like that all season, it’ll go a long way to easing the problems we’re facing.
I'm glad Arteta seemed to be getting back to his best on Saturday and there were glimpses that its coming back for him, the free kick may have been poor positioning by Robinson but it was still a fantastic delivery from Arteta and something the injury meant he could not do last season, it was sad watching him try to take the set pieces last season when it was obvious the injury was restricting him dreadfully..
Arteta and Yakubu are going to be the two key men for our attack at least until we get (PRAY) new players in..
Arteta and Yakubu are going to be the two key men for our attack at least until we get (PRAY) new players in..
Don’t want to put wet blanket pn things but...
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1046605/Moyes-frustration-continues-Everton-look-like-missing-Tiago-Moutinho.html
So a player who was well off the pace for more than a year eventually returns to give us HALF a bloody game and he’s an all-time hero!Not only that but he puts his name to the crap doled out by the useless madia department and we should make him captain!!!!
God,how easily deceived are the shallow buggers who watch our team.
Just see how they re-act when their wonder boy puts in his customery away non-performance at the Hawthorns.
Arteta-top man?-my arse! Get bloody real,willyas!
God,how easily deceived are the shallow buggers who watch our team.
Just see how they re-act when their wonder boy puts in his customery away non-performance at the Hawthorns.
Arteta-top man?-my arse! Get bloody real,willyas!
Ray,
Urghhhh. Thanks, I guess, for the update :(
I realise I’m in the club of me, myself and I here, but I want Alonso for us. Was just reading on the Guardian website where Rafa was still whining about getting Gareth Barry. How offensive that must be for a player of Alonso’s ability? Stevie Lala falls in love with Barry at holiday camp, and Xavi wanting to see his child born instead of going to a match combines to get this total talent alienated across the way...we should snap him up, pronto. They want cash, we want gifted midfielders...bet they’d take 13M for him, and he’s totally worth every penny.
Alonso has two feet working for him, where Barry has one, and we get the added bonus of Mikel’s boyhood friend partnering him in midfield. It seems a natural?
Have I blasphemed? I’d take Alonso over Moutinho. Call me crazy (or worse...?) If anyone with any influence sees this and agrees with it, pass it along!!
Urghhhh. Thanks, I guess, for the update :(
I realise I’m in the club of me, myself and I here, but I want Alonso for us. Was just reading on the Guardian website where Rafa was still whining about getting Gareth Barry. How offensive that must be for a player of Alonso’s ability? Stevie Lala falls in love with Barry at holiday camp, and Xavi wanting to see his child born instead of going to a match combines to get this total talent alienated across the way...we should snap him up, pronto. They want cash, we want gifted midfielders...bet they’d take 13M for him, and he’s totally worth every penny.
Alonso has two feet working for him, where Barry has one, and we get the added bonus of Mikel’s boyhood friend partnering him in midfield. It seems a natural?
Have I blasphemed? I’d take Alonso over Moutinho. Call me crazy (or worse...?) If anyone with any influence sees this and agrees with it, pass it along!!
Stig, I’m with you mate!
Arteta is sheer class, one of the very best Moyes signings. I agree Alonso alongside him makes great sense.
As an aside, I would like to share with you a discussion I had with our erstwhile CEO, Mr Wyness, at an ESCLA do just as Micky had finished his initial loan spell and, I assumed, we were abouit to sign him. At the bar before the meeting where KW was to be the "guest" speaker I asked him "When will be signing Arteta?". I was astonished by the reply: "Mikel’s not as good as he thinks he is, and David doesn’t really rate him" "You’re joking" I said "He’s the best midfielder to wear the royal blue for at least 10 years, we need to do everything we can to sign him up!"
So, later no surprise when, during the Q&A, someone else asked KW the same question his reply was "Arteta is perhaps the best midfielder to wear the royal blue for at least 10 years, we will do everything we can to sign him up!"
Tells you all you need to know about the two faces of our ex-CEO.
As an aside, I would like to share with you a discussion I had with our erstwhile CEO, Mr Wyness, at an ESCLA do just as Micky had finished his initial loan spell and, I assumed, we were abouit to sign him. At the bar before the meeting where KW was to be the "guest" speaker I asked him "When will be signing Arteta?". I was astonished by the reply: "Mikel’s not as good as he thinks he is, and David doesn’t really rate him" "You’re joking" I said "He’s the best midfielder to wear the royal blue for at least 10 years, we need to do everything we can to sign him up!"
So, later no surprise when, during the Q&A, someone else asked KW the same question his reply was "Arteta is perhaps the best midfielder to wear the royal blue for at least 10 years, we will do everything we can to sign him up!"
Tells you all you need to know about the two faces of our ex-CEO.
Stig/Roger, have either of you actually watched Alonso play over the last two yeasr? He has been absolutely rubbish. He was the best midfielder in the Prem during his first year at RS but then his performances dropped significantly, he is not worth £13m.
Dave and Rodger, so we’ve got a Movement!
Seriously, why doesn’t our fabled ’delegation’ just come home and go round next door to Mikel’s at King’s Dock and get Xavi signed on? RS don’t want him, and apart from G-Laaaaa and Torres he’s their best player. He’s exactly what we need in a creative midfielder...why not? He and Mikel would be a dream pairing that just might see Mik get into the Spanish team.
Shameless, yeah. We don’t have time for shame anymore though, hey? It’d be damn good.
Seriously, why doesn’t our fabled ’delegation’ just come home and go round next door to Mikel’s at King’s Dock and get Xavi signed on? RS don’t want him, and apart from G-Laaaaa and Torres he’s their best player. He’s exactly what we need in a creative midfielder...why not? He and Mikel would be a dream pairing that just might see Mik get into the Spanish team.
Shameless, yeah. We don’t have time for shame anymore though, hey? It’d be damn good.
Good post Kieran, I would go to Goodison just to watch him!!! great player and a great attitude. It was obvious last season he was in pain and his performances dropped as a result. I thought last Saturday he was showing signs of his old self again,anyway I’m off to work, no internet for 12 hours, will somebody let me know if we sign someone. Enjoy your day folks!!!!
Hey Ronan,
I don’t necessarily agree. I don’t think he’s been rubbish. He hasn’t lived up to what they wanted him to do, probably, but I reckon that’s down to Rafa’s ridiculous rotation policy. Alonso’s quality. But yeah, it’d be great if he’s not worth 13M!
I don’t necessarily agree. I don’t think he’s been rubbish. He hasn’t lived up to what they wanted him to do, probably, but I reckon that’s down to Rafa’s ridiculous rotation policy. Alonso’s quality. But yeah, it’d be great if he’s not worth 13M!
Chris, I?ve seen that quote reported a number of times today. I don?t know much about him but from what I have heard he is exactly what we are looking for. If BK cannot wrap up a £6m purchase to resolve our biggest weakness (centre mid) then this proves we don?t have any money.
Last thing I’ll write about it, but have an open mind you guys: He’s a damn fine footballer, Mikel’s best mate, we get him for at least 5M less than Moutinho, Villa lose their captain, and the RS replace Alonso with his lesser. We’re laughing.
Great article Kieran. I would agree that it wasn’t his best performance, however, it looked to me like a player that is on his way to bing back at his best, which is great news for us.
As far as I am concerned, he is our best player, in all aspects and should be made captain today. I actually think he is ready for it and certainly has much more intelligence, both on and off, the field than your average footballer, which I think is the most important part of being a good captain.
As for Alonso, I would love Everton to sign him but I can’t see it happening.
As far as I am concerned, he is our best player, in all aspects and should be made captain today. I actually think he is ready for it and certainly has much more intelligence, both on and off, the field than your average footballer, which I think is the most important part of being a good captain.
As for Alonso, I would love Everton to sign him but I can’t see it happening.
Stig.
You are dead right about Alonso, he is a quality player.
Has been under-used by the RS at the expense of the fat waiters rotational system, and SG laaaa’s( God i hate that man ) insistance on playing in the middle.
I would actually go as far as to say (waits for the vitriol) . He is a better all round player than Arteta, and would complement him superbly in our team.
You are dead right about Alonso, he is a quality player.
Has been under-used by the RS at the expense of the fat waiters rotational system, and SG laaaa’s( God i hate that man ) insistance on playing in the middle.
I would actually go as far as to say (waits for the vitriol) . He is a better all round player than Arteta, and would complement him superbly in our team.
So M’Bia wants to join Everton but has come home from the Olympics with a knee injury, so he’s having a scan today - great. Rennes have also said nothing about us buying him other than they dont wanna sell him.
Tiago is close to signing, or if you believe the daily Tory, he isnt becase he doesnt want to come back to England. Great.
Moutinho is going to join us because we’ve sent a delegation out to Lisbon to get it sorted, but then if you read the above mentioned rag he isnt - because Sporting still want £20m and we want to pay them in magic beans. Probably.
Jimmy Bullard is coming to play for us as part of the AJ deal with Fulham, but then if you read the Echo, he isnt. Great.
Moyes still wants Alan Smith, and NUFC want him off their wage bill, or they dont, if you read the bits by Keegan about wanting to keep him. Great.
I feel dizzy.
Tiago is close to signing, or if you believe the daily Tory, he isnt becase he doesnt want to come back to England. Great.
Moutinho is going to join us because we’ve sent a delegation out to Lisbon to get it sorted, but then if you read the above mentioned rag he isnt - because Sporting still want £20m and we want to pay them in magic beans. Probably.
Jimmy Bullard is coming to play for us as part of the AJ deal with Fulham, but then if you read the Echo, he isnt. Great.
Moyes still wants Alan Smith, and NUFC want him off their wage bill, or they dont, if you read the bits by Keegan about wanting to keep him. Great.
I feel dizzy.
Although there are a few here thinking that Alonso would be a good get,and I concur but not at 13m,do you really honestly think Rafat Beneathus would sell him to us???? And if he ’ever’ considers it,he would surely bump up the price!!!! It would be typical of him,you know,his hatred towards our club and all : )
Alonso wont join Everton, he’ll go to Arsenal or back to Spain - it beggars belief why Evertonians on here get these ideas in their heads about players that are about as likely to sign for us as I am.
I’ll be astonished if we sign Tiago or Moutinho, let alone Alonso.
I’ll be astonished if we sign Tiago or Moutinho, let alone Alonso.
James Marshall
The way we’re going we couldn’t even land the flu!
The way we’re going we couldn’t even land the flu!
Dave Lynch,
SG laaaa?s( God i hate that man )
Classic line Dave and one that nearly made me piss myself.................
I would like to share with you that I also detest that twat - he is such a ponse!
SG laaaa?s( God i hate that man )
Classic line Dave and one that nearly made me piss myself.................
I would like to share with you that I also detest that twat - he is such a ponse!
Alonso is not a better player than Arteta, not by any strech. You compare there atrributes and Arteta is by far the more all round player and is alot more adaptable.
Alonso game is all about dropping deep, taking the ball off the back four and spraying passes about. In slow games he’s a top player to have but in fast paced high tempo games he struggles. If he can’t find his space he’s fucked, if he’s man marked he’s going to stuggle as we’ve proved many times when we play Cahill on him.
Arteta on the other hand can suit any game. He doesn’t need alot of time on the ball, he’s quick of thought and revels in the short passing game. He can run at people as he has far better technique and dribbling ability. He’s also alot more mobile than Alonso and despite his lack of size mixes it up more and is more tenacious.
If where looking for a deep lying play maker then I’d rather have Fernandes, he’s more mobile than Alonso, has more skill and can get out of tight situations and his passing’s not bad either. Just my opinion like.
I’ve seen Tiago act as a deep lying play maker before, maybe he could fulfill that role for us if we get him. He’s a good passer, comfortable on the ball and intelligent. Yes he flopped at Juve but the likes of Bergkamp, Henry and Ian Rush all flopped in Italy. I think he’d do well here, a typical Moyes signing really ala Pienaar and Arteta.
Moutinho I think is off, I hope I’m wrong but nothing is coming out of Portuguese or the English press. He’d be a cracking signing.
Alonso game is all about dropping deep, taking the ball off the back four and spraying passes about. In slow games he’s a top player to have but in fast paced high tempo games he struggles. If he can’t find his space he’s fucked, if he’s man marked he’s going to stuggle as we’ve proved many times when we play Cahill on him.
Arteta on the other hand can suit any game. He doesn’t need alot of time on the ball, he’s quick of thought and revels in the short passing game. He can run at people as he has far better technique and dribbling ability. He’s also alot more mobile than Alonso and despite his lack of size mixes it up more and is more tenacious.
If where looking for a deep lying play maker then I’d rather have Fernandes, he’s more mobile than Alonso, has more skill and can get out of tight situations and his passing’s not bad either. Just my opinion like.
I’ve seen Tiago act as a deep lying play maker before, maybe he could fulfill that role for us if we get him. He’s a good passer, comfortable on the ball and intelligent. Yes he flopped at Juve but the likes of Bergkamp, Henry and Ian Rush all flopped in Italy. I think he’d do well here, a typical Moyes signing really ala Pienaar and Arteta.
Moutinho I think is off, I hope I’m wrong but nothing is coming out of Portuguese or the English press. He’d be a cracking signing.
Dave,
"SG laaaa?s( God i hate that man )"
I nominate this as best line of the summer. It says it all ;)
Perfection
"SG laaaa?s( God i hate that man )"
I nominate this as best line of the summer. It says it all ;)
Perfection
Connor.
Take your point. But while i think Arteta has his attributes, he is to one footed to be a world class playmaker.
My point about Alonso is that i personally think that he has more to his game than Arteta when playing in the middle. Which is where we need strenghthening.
I feel he has been under-used in his proper position and would flourish along side the little fella.
Stand by what i said though mate. Think he is a better player.
Glad you liked the SG laaaaa quote lads.
Take your point. But while i think Arteta has his attributes, he is to one footed to be a world class playmaker.
My point about Alonso is that i personally think that he has more to his game than Arteta when playing in the middle. Which is where we need strenghthening.
I feel he has been under-used in his proper position and would flourish along side the little fella.
Stand by what i said though mate. Think he is a better player.
Glad you liked the SG laaaaa quote lads.
Dave Lynch, Arteta one footed? You must be watching a different player, Arteta is perfectly capable with both feet. He can both ways which is why he’s so tricky and versatile.
Lets compare there attributes then, what does Alonso have over Arteta bar long range passing? Arteta is quicker, more intelligent, has a better short passing game, has better dribbling ability and more skill. He’s more versatile and he works harder.
Arteta is as good in the middle as he is on the right or the left. The problem is Moyes has never given him a run of games in that position. When he does play there for spells in games he calms us down, gives us more composure and dictates the tempo.
Alonso is bigger but I wouldn’t call him physical. He’s not strong in the tackle or an agressive player. Arteta isn’t either but considering his size he’s excellent at shielding the ball keeping people away from it. Despite what alot of people say Arteta is not lightweight, he knows when to go down and he’s an expert at winning freekicks but when he’s got to mix it up he will. He’s quite a tenacious player in my opinion.
Consistently Arteta has bettered Alonso in this League. His performances have been of a higher quality, he gets more assists and he scores more goals. All this in a weaker team.
Arteta isn’t world class I agree but I have no doubts he’s better than Alonso. I like Alonso but he’s a very specific player, he’s only suited to certain games and in my opinion there are better central midfield options out there like Moutinho and Fernandes for example.
Lets compare there attributes then, what does Alonso have over Arteta bar long range passing? Arteta is quicker, more intelligent, has a better short passing game, has better dribbling ability and more skill. He’s more versatile and he works harder.
Arteta is as good in the middle as he is on the right or the left. The problem is Moyes has never given him a run of games in that position. When he does play there for spells in games he calms us down, gives us more composure and dictates the tempo.
Alonso is bigger but I wouldn’t call him physical. He’s not strong in the tackle or an agressive player. Arteta isn’t either but considering his size he’s excellent at shielding the ball keeping people away from it. Despite what alot of people say Arteta is not lightweight, he knows when to go down and he’s an expert at winning freekicks but when he’s got to mix it up he will. He’s quite a tenacious player in my opinion.
Consistently Arteta has bettered Alonso in this League. His performances have been of a higher quality, he gets more assists and he scores more goals. All this in a weaker team.
Arteta isn’t world class I agree but I have no doubts he’s better than Alonso. I like Alonso but he’s a very specific player, he’s only suited to certain games and in my opinion there are better central midfield options out there like Moutinho and Fernandes for example.
Connor.
We will have to disagree on this mate. But Alonso has never been given a decent run in the side.
What i like about him is he has a great engine and as you stated his long range passing. He is also a better tackler than Arteta.
Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t swap him for Mikky but as i stated he would make a perfect partnership and would give us another dimension, one which i personally think we lack at present.
NSNO
We will have to disagree on this mate. But Alonso has never been given a decent run in the side.
What i like about him is he has a great engine and as you stated his long range passing. He is also a better tackler than Arteta.
Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t swap him for Mikky but as i stated he would make a perfect partnership and would give us another dimension, one which i personally think we lack at present.
NSNO
If he had an engine I’d agree with you Dave, he doesn’t though. He’s not a box to box up and down midfielder. His games all about positioning, moving and finding space.
His tackling as about as good as Arteta’s again that’s not really his game. Agree to disagree.
His tackling as about as good as Arteta’s again that’s not really his game. Agree to disagree.
Does anybody other than me think the this Kid would be a good buy? I know (or at least we heard) that Everton were looking at him earlier this summer, but he is young has pace can play out wide, so we could move Arteta inside and has some flair to his game, watching him play for the Under 21s this evening he looked to be a player! and we have had good luck in picking up players from Wolves!
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1 Posted 18/08/2008 at 14:51:42
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