Muhamed Besic: the cultured scrapper who could turn out to be an Everton gem

Loved so much of what he did last night; yawning in the tunnel, telling Toure to shush, landing said player on the grass at least a couple of times with accurate tackles. Double-drag back against Silva. Giving Barkley an encouraging shoulder-rub in the final few minutes.

His tackling is so accurate. His attitude an example.

I remember watching him on the bench during his early career and loved how his attention was rapt on the game, getting emotionally involved. Deulofeu is similar. Both could and should be gems.

John, Colin Harvey's tackles were indeed amazing(as were those of Howard Kendall). More sophisticated theft of the ball rather than just tackles. I was lucky to see him in his prime through the 60's until his pinnacle in the 70 title side, what a magnificent player.

That said, Mo is his own man and hopefully now ready to be a major force within our team.

His tackling is superb and he is always looking forward with his passing which shows he’s a brave and ambitious player.

Some people have had a thing or two to say about his bookings but I’d take them all day, his fouls in the first few minutes showed City’s players he’s not taking any prisoners, and that is exactly what Everton need.

Look at some of the Premier League's better midfielders, most of them set out a stall early, showing opponents that they will do whatever is needed to take the points.

Vierra took on Ruddock, Roy Keane, big Dunc and anyone else who cared to try to shackle him. Gerrard done the same, as did Keane, all these players got red cards early on in there career, this is what made lesser midfielders take note of the fact that any 60-40 ball in there favour (let alone a 50-50), they best back out of as there opponents won’t.

Mo is spot on setting his stall out, he may pick up a few red cards along the way, but if we get a monster of a centre mid for the next 5-10 years out of it, then I’m all for it.

Keep up the good work, Mo, you had big Yaya terrified and had Delph and Fernandinho very aware of you. The rest of the league will sit up and pay attention.

If we think about Lukaku's improvement, Geri since he came back, Barkley this year, and now Besic, perhaps we shouldn’t be so quick to write off what goes on behind the scenes at the club?

Just need to get a natural left-sider in now and another striker, although I can’t see it happening.

Great ending to the piece.

Besic even makes the right noises off the pitch, saying he is always ready 'if the gaffer calls' but the most important thing is getting the result. God willing no further injuries with lessen his impact on the opposition this season.

But good things to come from Mo.

I an remember Alan Ball no matter how much energy he’d expelled you never saw him blowing for tugs.

Besic reminds me of Bally in that respect. Besides his coolness, great passing and tackling on Sunday I noticed when I watched the game again on TV that he never seemed to be out of puff. He went from a forward position to a defensive position quicker than anyone else without any obvious signs of distress.

He could well turn out to be the key player in our attempt to turn ’performances’ in to wins for the remainder of this season providing he keeps on the right side of referees! Incidentally he also seems to have learned how to ’work’ a referee after a harsh tackle.

Liking him more and more!

He and Barry easily did beat a midfield that cost about 100 times more. It’s a funny old game, anything could happen.

I do think we’re a bit quick putting him above McCarthy’s level. McCarthy is a proven consistent performer at Premier League level. Finding a way to get him fit is very important for us.

Besic may yet get there, but we haven’t seen much of him yet. Hopefully he gets and takes his chance.

I hope RM sees what a difference in the way we play when he is on the field and that he retains his place as he has well and truly earned it. He has been patient and waited for his chance... so come on, RM, give him decent run.

Besic actually tries to get Everton on the front foot and clearly offers a lot more. He misplaces a pass now and then but from what I see it’s the attempted killer ball in the final 3rd most the time. I’m still not sure what RM believes McCarthy offers more than Besic and why Besic can’t even get 20 or 25 minutes when McCarthy is injured... Coz it’s clear as flipping day he should be given a run!

Last thing.. Worried about rash fouls? Try Phil Neville anywhere near our penalty area. I lost count how many he gave away but maybe that really is ancient history!

I would like to see Besic play more often; opposition midfielders won't.

It’s early days, but Besic clearly has leadership potential and the ability to get the team going by his own example, commodities in scarce supply at Goodison in recent years.

I know Barry is slowish, but his brain is very quick – a great signing for us; many Citeh fans wish he was still there.

It's much easier to be consistent when all you do is tackle and pass sideways.

Mecca has his place in the team and is very good at what does. However, if we accept that Barry is always going to play then I'd take Besic to partner him every single time.

Much more drive and inventiveness. Future captain material.