The Mail Bag
Moyes / Fellaini
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I'm a big Moyes fan. I think he's worked miracles at our club given the money available to him, the injuries, the board, stadium move etc.
But, something that has really annoyed me is his use of Fellaini. We paid €15 million for a defensive midfielder, something we have desperately needed, only to stick him up front supporting our main striker. That then knocked Cahill back into a more defensive role and we lost his goals and attacking contribution that has pulled us through many a tough game.
Now I see stories of Moyes saying Felli is the best midfielder in the league after his recent performances... as a defensive midfielder. Yeah, and he would have been one of the best back in 2008 when we signed him if he was played in the right position.
James Elliott, Posted 11/01/2010 at 08:57:01
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Ben - absolutely spot on.
Will be very interesting once everyone's fit, if as you say Fellaini has nailed the holding midfield role...
Where will Neville play if Hibbert's fit? Where will Osman play if Arteta's fit? And what about Rodwell
This is assuming of course that Moyes sticks to type of playing Hibbert, Osman and Neville if all are fit.
Where will Neville play if Hibbert's fit? Where will Osman play if Arteta's fit? And what about Rodwell
This is assuming of course that Moyes sticks to type of playing Hibbert, Osman and Neville if all are fit.
A fully fit squad becoming available could be quite a mouth-watering prospect, but I fear that’ll probably be next season.
Totally agree with Ben also. Felli looked hopeless as a holding mid last year but was invaluable as an attacking mid given the injuries we had up front. Now he has got used to the pace of the game over here he is beginning to shine.
Re our best team as touched on by Neil is probably largely irrelevant as as soon as Arteta is fit Felli will probably get injured! However, for interest's sake I would say Saturday’s team with Jags for Neil and Arteta for Osman is probably our best team — the only other person I could see getting in is a fit Yak but Saha is equally world class on his day.
Back-up players of Hibbert, Neil, Distin, Yobo, Coleman, Osman, Rodwell, Billy, Vic, Vaughan, Yak tells us that the squad is actually pretty good.
Re our best team as touched on by Neil is probably largely irrelevant as as soon as Arteta is fit Felli will probably get injured! However, for interest's sake I would say Saturday’s team with Jags for Neil and Arteta for Osman is probably our best team — the only other person I could see getting in is a fit Yak but Saha is equally world class on his day.
Back-up players of Hibbert, Neil, Distin, Yobo, Coleman, Osman, Rodwell, Billy, Vic, Vaughan, Yak tells us that the squad is actually pretty good.
Sorry, James, but you are talking crap. As Ben says, Moyes played Fellaini in the holding role to begin with but he was terrible. He needed time to adapt to the English game and develop as a player but Moyes couldn't afford to play him at the expense of the team but also couldn’t afford to have a €15m player sat on the bench.
It was good management by Moyes to play him up-front when all the strikers were injured where it was less demanding but would give him the game time he needed. Fellaini ended the top goal scorer so it worked out quite well.
Moyes was the one who had the ability to spot the potential talent of Fellaini and nurture it, while other experts on this site slated them both week-in, week-out and yet Moyes is still getting criticised. If Fellaini continues his good form till the end of the season, I hope people from this site are big enough to come forward and admit they were wrong.
It was good management by Moyes to play him up-front when all the strikers were injured where it was less demanding but would give him the game time he needed. Fellaini ended the top goal scorer so it worked out quite well.
Moyes was the one who had the ability to spot the potential talent of Fellaini and nurture it, while other experts on this site slated them both week-in, week-out and yet Moyes is still getting criticised. If Fellaini continues his good form till the end of the season, I hope people from this site are big enough to come forward and admit they were wrong.
I don’t think Fellani cost €15 million, I think the cost was <£5m with the rest in add-ons. So to state he was a €15 million buy is not entirely accurate. Mike's right — last season he was invaluable as an attacking midfield. Fellani himself has always stated he sees himself as a defensive midfielder.
I think all this talk of whether he’s a defensive midfielder or attacking midfielder is pointless. As far as I can see, the guy is a good old fashioned box-to-box midfielder. He can win the ball, bring it forward and is a total pain in the arse in the opposition penalty box. Players like him and Rodwell are the future of EFC and we need to support and make him feel at home for as long as possible.
I don't know what all of the fuss is about with Fellani lately. Yes, he is playing well but he’s not playing spectacularly well and for Moyes to come out and say he is arguably the best midfielder in the Prem at the moment is absolutely ridiculous. As far as I'm concerned, he is not first choice in any of the 3 midfield positions.
As a holding midfielder, you need someone who can pass and who can tackle, get stuck in, commit himself and break up play (eg, Darren Fletcher). But Fellani can do neither.
He does not get stuck in or work hard. He spends half the game strolling round not breaking a sweat (remember Larson's goal at Goodison?) and then, when he does decide to get stuck in, he gives away silly fouls by kicking someone or elbowing them. In that department neville is a far better holding player.
In the passing department, Rodwell is a far better choice. Fellaini is not a bad passer of the ball but passing is not one of his attributes you would list either.
As a holding midfielder, you need someone who can pass and who can tackle, get stuck in, commit himself and break up play (eg, Darren Fletcher). But Fellani can do neither.
He does not get stuck in or work hard. He spends half the game strolling round not breaking a sweat (remember Larson's goal at Goodison?) and then, when he does decide to get stuck in, he gives away silly fouls by kicking someone or elbowing them. In that department neville is a far better holding player.
In the passing department, Rodwell is a far better choice. Fellaini is not a bad passer of the ball but passing is not one of his attributes you would list either.
In the playmaker role, you want someone who is comfortable on the ball and can create attacks and control games; Arteta is miles ahead of him in this department. Osman is even more creative than him. Fellaini just isn't a creative player.
Attacking midfield he has his plus points because he causes mayhem, wins every header, and scores goals... but again he is second-best in this position cos Cahill sores just as many goals, wins as many headers, and casues as much mayhem as him. But Cahill goes one better by actually working hard and committing himself.
Fellaini is just an average player who is having a good run of form: he cant tackle, he doesn't work hard or get involved, he costs us so many goals by not tracking his runner cos he can't be arsed... (Do you think Larson would have scored that goal if Neville was playing? No chance... Neville would have got tight and then crunched him.)
All Fellaini is is a good goalscorer, a good threat in the air, decent with the ball and decent at passing — nothing more, nothing less. For moyes to put him in the same bracket as Gerrard, Lampard, Fabregas etc.... is just utterly ridiculous.
When Fellaini was in defensive midfield last season he picked up a yellow card practically every game; he has since got used to the pace and learnt to tackle a bit better, so he is no longer the liability he was last season playing there. (I was always a fan of his though, and thought he did an excellent job as attacking midfielder / extra striker when required.)
In a way he is similar to Arteta, as when Arteta came we played him in CM and he was too lightweight, so got moved out to the wing. He has since become more used to the Premier League game and is excellent at CM. Sometimes players need to learn their game out of the spotlight and hustle and bustle of midfield, particularly when they come from overseas.
In a way he is similar to Arteta, as when Arteta came we played him in CM and he was too lightweight, so got moved out to the wing. He has since become more used to the Premier League game and is excellent at CM. Sometimes players need to learn their game out of the spotlight and hustle and bustle of midfield, particularly when they come from overseas.
I have posted on this subject quite recently. I am also a big Moyes fan and no I am not looking to discuss why that makes me an idiot according to the merry band of Moyes haters who regularly post on this site, I am instead wanting to point out
Jags - Defensive Mid -shit - Centre Back - Brilliant
Arteta - wide positions average - Central Mid - world class
Coleman - left back - shit - Right back - great prospect
Felli - Second Striker / Attacking Mid - scored goals but struggled - Defensive Mid - getting better every week.
Big Vic - wide man - shit - up top / impact sub - fantastic
What about Bily??? He is a creative central midfielder always has been for every other club and country - currently being played wide left - looks weak! - Right position - Who knows but lets hope we find out soon!
I am sure there are more but i have made my point. Let’s buy players who play in the positions we require. Let’s not buy Kaka and ask him to play play in goal and then wonder why he is shit...
Jags - Defensive Mid -shit - Centre Back - Brilliant
Arteta - wide positions average - Central Mid - world class
Coleman - left back - shit - Right back - great prospect
Felli - Second Striker / Attacking Mid - scored goals but struggled - Defensive Mid - getting better every week.
Big Vic - wide man - shit - up top / impact sub - fantastic
What about Bily??? He is a creative central midfielder always has been for every other club and country - currently being played wide left - looks weak! - Right position - Who knows but lets hope we find out soon!
I am sure there are more but i have made my point. Let’s buy players who play in the positions we require. Let’s not buy Kaka and ask him to play play in goal and then wonder why he is shit...
He’s playing well now but I’ve been one of his biggest critics because for a defensive midfield he doesn’t track opponents well enough and they too often run past him without him breaking a sweat to get back. He’s starting to improve this part of his game though and I’ll happily be proven wrong about him.
Maybe it’s something to do with the illness he had over the summer when he lost weight, because he looks more energetic now and up for the challenge.
Maybe it’s something to do with the illness he had over the summer when he lost weight, because he looks more energetic now and up for the challenge.
David
I know its all about opinions but surely you can see how Fellaini has bossed and dominated the midfield for weeks now no matter who we have been up against. So in that respect Moyes is probably right in saying hes been the best midfielder in the prem.
Yes he has lapses in concentration ie the Larson goal, but i believe the positives far out weigh the negatives. He may not be the greatest in a defensive midfield role like Neville or as good attacking wise as Cahill or as creative as Arteta but hes the 2nd best in all those positions and those players have all got at least 5 years on him which makes him a very good replacement for each one of those players if they are injured.
I dissagree about Osmen and Rodwell being better than him in terms of passing or creativity. You only have to see how the team has improved since Rodwell has been injured. Rodwell keeps the ball well as most of his passes are sideways and backwards and he has been as guilty as Fellaini for not tracking back.
If Fellaini continues to improve at the rate he has over the last 6 months for the next 6 years i see no reason why he cant be better than Cahill Neville and Arteta in their best positions and become the complete box to box midfielder.
I know its all about opinions but surely you can see how Fellaini has bossed and dominated the midfield for weeks now no matter who we have been up against. So in that respect Moyes is probably right in saying hes been the best midfielder in the prem.
Yes he has lapses in concentration ie the Larson goal, but i believe the positives far out weigh the negatives. He may not be the greatest in a defensive midfield role like Neville or as good attacking wise as Cahill or as creative as Arteta but hes the 2nd best in all those positions and those players have all got at least 5 years on him which makes him a very good replacement for each one of those players if they are injured.
I dissagree about Osmen and Rodwell being better than him in terms of passing or creativity. You only have to see how the team has improved since Rodwell has been injured. Rodwell keeps the ball well as most of his passes are sideways and backwards and he has been as guilty as Fellaini for not tracking back.
If Fellaini continues to improve at the rate he has over the last 6 months for the next 6 years i see no reason why he cant be better than Cahill Neville and Arteta in their best positions and become the complete box to box midfielder.
So you're complaining that Fellaini was played out of position last season? Here’s five reasons why I disagree with you.
1. Everton finished 5th (Best of The Rest).
2. Everton reached the FA Cup final.
3. Fellaini was Everton’s Young Player of the season.
4. I think Fellaini finished the season as Everton’s Top Goalscorer.
5. Fellaini himself never complained about his advanced role.
Why can’t we just give credit to Moyes. He used Fellaini in one position last season and it worked and now he’s altered that position and seems to be getting the best out of the player.
1. Everton finished 5th (Best of The Rest).
2. Everton reached the FA Cup final.
3. Fellaini was Everton’s Young Player of the season.
4. I think Fellaini finished the season as Everton’s Top Goalscorer.
5. Fellaini himself never complained about his advanced role.
Why can’t we just give credit to Moyes. He used Fellaini in one position last season and it worked and now he’s altered that position and seems to be getting the best out of the player.
Hmm im not sure I agree with people saying Neville is a better defensive mid than Fellaini. Just think about it... we played Osman and Fellaini in centre mid against Arsenal... last season I would have been shit scared of that prospect.. but now they were tenacious, they closes the Arsenal midfield down at all times, and we only limited them to 2 fluky goals. Would have that been different if Neville was in holding mid? I don’t think it would.
Neville is very good defensively, but he is so limited. Fellaini is a lot better passer, so provides a platform from when we want to attack. Think of all the best defensive midfielders now? They can all pass as well as tackle.
Neville is very good defensively, but he is so limited. Fellaini is a lot better passer, so provides a platform from when we want to attack. Think of all the best defensive midfielders now? They can all pass as well as tackle.
He may have been played out of position last season ... but we finished 5th and made the FA Cup Final - that was pretty good wasn’t it? Injuries have dictated all of Moyes’s selections this season and only now is he able to put a preferred line up out on the pitch. Unsurprisingly Moyes used Rodwell in the defensive midfield role. Fellaini is now mopping up brilliantly while Osman, Pienaar and Cahill dart about. As many people will moan about Rodwell not getting a game soon ... even though he’s a kid and Fellaini is playing well ... but that’s the moaning nature of most Toffeewebbers huh?
In Moyes I trust ...
COYB
In Moyes I trust ...
COYB
Acute observations James. I posted as such last season when he was getting ridiculous stick from certain quarters. To me it was a no brainer to play him where he now is. It’s where he made his name & caught the eye.
Fellaini is playing superbly well now. Those of us who get the game expected it. He has all the attributes, he is more settled at the club and the city, and he is injury free and over a debilitating virus.
Fellaini will be an Everton great. No doubt. Without buying anybdy else yet, we face the prospect of Fellaini teamed with Arteta, Pienaar, Rodwell, even Osman (raved about in all the quality daily’s today) and Neville.
David McKenna - lord knows where your critique comes from. Not just wrong, but ridiculous.
Hail Fellaini!
Fellaini is playing superbly well now. Those of us who get the game expected it. He has all the attributes, he is more settled at the club and the city, and he is injury free and over a debilitating virus.
Fellaini will be an Everton great. No doubt. Without buying anybdy else yet, we face the prospect of Fellaini teamed with Arteta, Pienaar, Rodwell, even Osman (raved about in all the quality daily’s today) and Neville.
David McKenna - lord knows where your critique comes from. Not just wrong, but ridiculous.
Hail Fellaini!
Blimey James how did you get a pro Moyes post past the TW Censor, maybe because it contained a hint of criticism.
I’ve always thought Fellaini had great potential. The guy came in as a very young player, no PL experience and into a team that was quickly disrupted by losing it’s strikers so he was played out of position up front. Never settled anywhere but still delivered vital goals. Now we’re seeing the best of hime and hopefully it can only get better.
In Moyes defence, his makeshift strike force of Cahill and Fellaini did a great job through a very difficult time.
I’ve always thought Fellaini had great potential. The guy came in as a very young player, no PL experience and into a team that was quickly disrupted by losing it’s strikers so he was played out of position up front. Never settled anywhere but still delivered vital goals. Now we’re seeing the best of hime and hopefully it can only get better.
In Moyes defence, his makeshift strike force of Cahill and Fellaini did a great job through a very difficult time.
Fellaii’s position is doing whatever he is doing now along with all the other MF’s...If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Translation: You don’t need a dedicated Carsley Position.
Which means...
You don’t need, ever, Neville in MF ever again.
Translation: You don’t need a dedicated Carsley Position.
Which means...
You don’t need, ever, Neville in MF ever again.
Fellaini? Defensive midfield?
When?
When?
Ian Tunstead, I'm sorry but Fellaini has never ’’bossed and dominated’’ an Everton game in his life.
Someone with his lazy attitude can never boss or dominate a football match. He does not commit himself and he doesn't get involved, he spends half the time strolling round like a headless chicken, doesn't stick his foot in at times and doesn't track runners.
To boss any game, you have to be fully committed for 90 mins and concentrate on the game 100%, but he drifts in and out of games and half the time looks like he is thinking about what he is gonna have for tea that night instead of thinking about the actual game he is involved in.
He might have bossed spells of games for about 20 mins but that's it.
I thought he played well against Birmingham but even so, he still managed to cost us a goal and 2 points because his head was elsewhere instead of being on his marker, it's schoolboy stuff.
I only saw the first half of the Arsenal game and, unless he was exceptional in the second half, I don't know what all the fuss is about cos, first half, I agree he played well... but nothing special and he definitely didn't boss the game in the first half.
Ben Jones, I'm sorry but Neville is a far better defensive mid than Fellaini, not just for his playing ability but for his character and the effect he has on the team; it's no coincidence he is our captain. Neville is fully committed for 90 mins, gets stuck in, wins tackles, breaks up play.
Fellaini gives half-arsed effort for 90 mins, hardly ever commits to the tackle cos he either can't be arsed or cos he is miles away from the opponent cos he never tracked the run. And he is not the best at breaking up play cos, every time he attempts to, he kicks or elbows someone.
I would love to know how much ground Fellaini makes up over 90 mins cos he just does not show any commitment or work ethic... Howard probably covers more ground than him.
And the amount of goals he has cost us, cos he couldn't be bothered tracking someone or marking someone, is unreal. (In fact, I might make a YouTube video of all the silly goals he has cost us; Neville would've prevented 90% of them.)
Someone with his lazy attitude can never boss or dominate a football match. He does not commit himself and he doesn't get involved, he spends half the time strolling round like a headless chicken, doesn't stick his foot in at times and doesn't track runners.
To boss any game, you have to be fully committed for 90 mins and concentrate on the game 100%, but he drifts in and out of games and half the time looks like he is thinking about what he is gonna have for tea that night instead of thinking about the actual game he is involved in.
He might have bossed spells of games for about 20 mins but that's it.
I thought he played well against Birmingham but even so, he still managed to cost us a goal and 2 points because his head was elsewhere instead of being on his marker, it's schoolboy stuff.
I only saw the first half of the Arsenal game and, unless he was exceptional in the second half, I don't know what all the fuss is about cos, first half, I agree he played well... but nothing special and he definitely didn't boss the game in the first half.
Ben Jones, I'm sorry but Neville is a far better defensive mid than Fellaini, not just for his playing ability but for his character and the effect he has on the team; it's no coincidence he is our captain. Neville is fully committed for 90 mins, gets stuck in, wins tackles, breaks up play.
Fellaini gives half-arsed effort for 90 mins, hardly ever commits to the tackle cos he either can't be arsed or cos he is miles away from the opponent cos he never tracked the run. And he is not the best at breaking up play cos, every time he attempts to, he kicks or elbows someone.
I would love to know how much ground Fellaini makes up over 90 mins cos he just does not show any commitment or work ethic... Howard probably covers more ground than him.
And the amount of goals he has cost us, cos he couldn't be bothered tracking someone or marking someone, is unreal. (In fact, I might make a YouTube video of all the silly goals he has cost us; Neville would've prevented 90% of them.)
Jesus could put on the Royal jersey and some would still say, "He’s go talent, but he’s too damn nice. He needs to get stuck in."
The kid’s played great. What does he have to do?
See Kirwin’s comments and get a grip.
Hail the big white man’s afro!
The kid’s played great. What does he have to do?
See Kirwin’s comments and get a grip.
Hail the big white man’s afro!
Sorry, David McKenna, I just want to clarify this, are you suggesting that you would prefer to see Neville over Fellaini in the defensive midfielder role?
Quick aside: Heitinga is also getting better and better. I am well impressed with him so far.
Quick aside: Heitinga is also getting better and better. I am well impressed with him so far.
David, it seems as though you have missed the last 6 games or so. Fellaini has been by far our best player during this undefeated run of ours. He has shown good intensity, bite in the tackle, broken up play effectively, composed on the ball and distributed it accurately, hence, all things a good defensive midfielder should do.
Neville is a leader but was never a midfielder. He has no vision and his distribution is awful. He is though, arguably, our best right-back.
Neville is a leader but was never a midfielder. He has no vision and his distribution is awful. He is though, arguably, our best right-back.
One thing I have noticed in the last few games is that as Fellaini is playing deeper, he is challenging for all the opposition’s goal kicks – he is winning a hell of a lot of headers. He is getting rave reviews in all the papers – but here’s the downside... some interview with his old feller:-
"He’s been voted man of the match three times in his last five games," Fellaini Snr is quoted by the News of the World as saying.
"It makes no difference to him as he has got his feet on the ground.
"The big clubs see that he is doing well. So he is very closely followed by Chelsea.
"But he has a contract for three seasons."
He added: "I hope that I will see him work at a big club.
"Marouane belongs at a really top club and he will only get better."
So there we have it – his old feller has stated that he hopes to see him at a big club – duped by the Sky 4 propaganda as per usual.
Off topic – should we sign Saha up for a couple of years – he’s allegedly asking for 60k a week.
"He’s been voted man of the match three times in his last five games," Fellaini Snr is quoted by the News of the World as saying.
"It makes no difference to him as he has got his feet on the ground.
"The big clubs see that he is doing well. So he is very closely followed by Chelsea.
"But he has a contract for three seasons."
He added: "I hope that I will see him work at a big club.
"Marouane belongs at a really top club and he will only get better."
So there we have it – his old feller has stated that he hopes to see him at a big club – duped by the Sky 4 propaganda as per usual.
Off topic – should we sign Saha up for a couple of years – he’s allegedly asking for 60k a week.
David McKenna - you are of course entitled to your opinion, though you do seem a little isolated on this thread, but I urge you to re-watch the goal you refer to. Whilst Fellaini is partly responsible, watch Osman. He goes with a player (Benitez I think) who he should have left to the defenders, had he done this, he would have been in the hole that Larsson crops up in.
To be fair though Jamie, that Jesus fella was crap with crosses... Barum, tish!
I think we will just have to agree to dissagree then, David. Hopefully, one day you will learn to appreciate what Fellaini does for the team. In my opinion, Fellaini will prove himself to be one of the best players in Europe in the next 5 years and we will be lucky to keep hold of him.
Some great comments and some absolutely incredible ones.
Ian Tunstead’s first post summed up Moyes's use of Fellaini since he’s arrived perfectly. People don’t just arrive in a new country with a new language and start bossing Premier League games from the off… time and patience is what’s needed and I believe we are now being rewarded. Saying that, Fellaini’s first season in a less favoured forward role wasn’t too bad was it with ten (or so) odd goals.
As for saying Fellaini can’t pass or doesn’t get stuck in… I’ve been watching the fella with big hair… that’s right isn’t it? Because he can definitely pass and he definitely doesn’t shit out — at times a little clumsy but so what.
Ian Tunstead’s first post summed up Moyes's use of Fellaini since he’s arrived perfectly. People don’t just arrive in a new country with a new language and start bossing Premier League games from the off… time and patience is what’s needed and I believe we are now being rewarded. Saying that, Fellaini’s first season in a less favoured forward role wasn’t too bad was it with ten (or so) odd goals.
As for saying Fellaini can’t pass or doesn’t get stuck in… I’ve been watching the fella with big hair… that’s right isn’t it? Because he can definitely pass and he definitely doesn’t shit out — at times a little clumsy but so what.
David McKenna - I’m sorry I have to ask this but do you go the game? If the answer is "yes" then have you got a vendetta against Fellaini or something? Because it has become blatantly obvious that over the past month and a half Fellaini has been nothing short of immense in terms of every aspect of his play.
To me, never mind him looking good as a defensive midfielder — he looks the part as an all round midfielder, the type of player we haver been missing for years.
No offence David but your assertions are fucking daft. How you can slag Fellaini off is beyond me.
COYB
To me, never mind him looking good as a defensive midfielder — he looks the part as an all round midfielder, the type of player we haver been missing for years.
No offence David but your assertions are fucking daft. How you can slag Fellaini off is beyond me.
COYB
Just look at what Fellaini is doing in the lead-up to Arsenal’s second goal and you will see he is not a natural defensive midfielder. He has at least two chances to put a tackle in but doesn’t know how to and worse doesn’t seem interested.
The only thing he has to his game is a decent pass when not under pressure and nuisance value in the air. He is nothing like a €15M player. Better players should have been signed with this money.
“…to put a tackle in but doesn’t know how to and worse doesn’t seem interested.” — yeap that’s why he has won 7 balls — more than the entire Arsenal midfield put together, had a completion pass ratio of 84% and won 5 more headers.
Two probable reasons why he wasn’t first choice defensive midfield last season.
1. Moyes wouldn’t trust anyone that young and untested in the Premier League that soon after buying him, and probably had no inention of playing him there for at least six months.
2. After the start of the season and he began to get up to speed, he was more desperately needed up front and didn’t do to bad.
My point I guess is that, however unlikely, is it possible that our manager buys in these players that others are overlooking, seeing something a little bit different in them and willing to give them a little time... eg, Jags, Arteta, Fellaini?
Then again, as my older brother always told me, I know sweet FA about football — and he's bound to be right because he's a red.
1. Moyes wouldn’t trust anyone that young and untested in the Premier League that soon after buying him, and probably had no inention of playing him there for at least six months.
2. After the start of the season and he began to get up to speed, he was more desperately needed up front and didn’t do to bad.
My point I guess is that, however unlikely, is it possible that our manager buys in these players that others are overlooking, seeing something a little bit different in them and willing to give them a little time... eg, Jags, Arteta, Fellaini?
Then again, as my older brother always told me, I know sweet FA about football — and he's bound to be right because he's a red.
What's happened to midfielders these days? Why can they just be a ’central midfielder’ who put in equally important contributions to defending and attacking. This ’defensive midfielder’ bollocks is just that.
Fellaini has the makings of an excellent central midfielder, someone who can instigate attacks as well as break them up... some of the nonsense on here by the likes of Dave McKenna beggars belief. He is not by any means the finished article (he is 21) but he has the ability to become so. If you can't see that, I wonder if some people have ever kicked a a ball, let alone watched a match.
We should be ensuring we hold on to him, Pienaar, Rodwell and Arteta and build a formidable midfield around their core.
Ged Dwyer, absolutely spot on, lad — you are talking sense!
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1 Posted 11/01/2010 at 14:38:46
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We tried a number of times playing holding midfield, and he was crap at times. Do you remember how he played against Liverpool in the first derby of the season whilst playing there? He was awful!! He was effective at that attacking midfield role, because he could flick things on and score goals,
I gotta admit I was scared into seeing if Fellaini had a future? Now, I have no doubt he’s the future holding mid. I can't wait to see him and Arteta in the middle of midfield this season!