Mirallas is hungry for the new season

, 15 July, 63comments  |  Jump to most recent
Kevin Mirallas says he is well-rested and can't wait to put the frustrations of last term behind him by getting the season underway.

2016-17 kicks off in a little over four weeks' time and it could offer the Belgian forward another fresh start after he appeared to lose his way and, consequently, his place in the team under former manager Roberto Martinez.

Now, with new boss Ronald Koeman in place, Mirallas says he is working hard in pre-season and that he and his team-mates are in optimistic mood about the coming campaign.

"The new manager is very determined and ambitious, the training sessions have been good and we're all looking forward to what is to come in the season," the 28-year-old told evertonfc.com.

“When a new manager comes in, everything is new so it's very exciting because you have new players, and young players in the group.

“We're all working as hard as we can in Austria. Every day I train hard for my family, for me, for the fans and I hope this season we will all be happy about what we are able to do on the pitch.” Regarding Koeman, Mirallas told the Liverpool Echo. "It's good, I know how good a footballer he is. All the time he likes to play football, good control, good position, good pass.

“For me it's good because I'm from Belgium, so it's very close, we speak the same. They have been very good sessions.”

Though Koeman has only brought in back-up goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg to date, the Dutchman is unlikely to be the last new face before the season starts and Everton are linked with new players every week.

As the only senior player for whom left midfield would be regarded as a natural role, Mirallas's position could be an area that the new managerial team looks to strengthen before the transfer window closes but the former Olympiakos man says he welcomes the competition.

“I know it could mean more players this season,” Mirallas continued. “All of the top teams buy new players and Everton is a big club, so it's normal to sign big players. “Some players like the transfer speculation and some players don't. For me, it's good because if you have big players in your team then your team is better.

“I like it too because when you have good players behind you when you play, you need to play well because after the game it's possible to change round. I think new players will come in and I hope this season we can do really well. We want to do well and we believe we can."

Much is expected of the Blues this season with Koeman at the helm after two seasons of what many feel was chronic under-performance under Martinez.

On a personal note, things could only get better for Mirallas who was himself frozen out of the side and then found it difficult regaining his place as his frustrations got the better of him with disciplinary problems on a couple of occasions when he was given an opportunity.

That meant he lost his place for Belgium, too, and missed out on the European Championships but while he was disappointed not to be selected, he is pragmatic enough to acknowledge that it means he will be fresh for the new Premier League season and he still has eyes on the 2018 World Cup Finals.

“Last season was frustrating for me and for the team, but we are upbeat about this coming season and that's what we are thinking about,” he explained. "I hoped to go to the Euros, but sometimes it's like that in football.

“But for me it's also better because I've had a good rest and now I am very hungry for the new season. [My] dream is to play a World Cup for my country and now we have the World Cup in Russia coming up so I hope to play in that.”

 

Reader Comments (63)

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Peter McCann
1 Posted 15/07/2016 at 06:56:16
Let's see! Less of the talking and deliver weekly on the pitch please, Kev. Great talent but this is his last season to deliver.
Phil Walling
2 Posted 15/07/2016 at 07:40:56
I have always suspected he is a far better player than he has shown us in anything other than occasional patches.

He is one who always looks he 'has a goal in him', but so often disappoints. He must hold the club record (under two managers) for the number of times he has been substituted.

Perhaps – just perhaps – Koeman 'can flick his switch'.

Anthony Hawkins
3 Posted 15/07/2016 at 07:42:33
Mirallas is a fantastic player and should have been in the team last season. He's got creativity and a good pass.
John Audsley
4 Posted 15/07/2016 at 07:55:16
Mirallas can be a fantastic player and a game changer. He seems to be the type of bloke who needs to be loved and, if Koeman can provide that along with working the fella into the ground, we could have a serious player.

Only time will tell.

Colin Glassar
5 Posted 15/07/2016 at 08:00:22
Great skill but so greedy in front of goal. After so many years, I'm still undecided whether I like him or dislike him.
Mark Tanton
6 Posted 15/07/2016 at 08:07:46
He could be like a new signing – and I say that without any irony or sarcasm.
Alan Bodell
7 Posted 15/07/2016 at 08:28:01
I like Mirallas. If only he'd have let Leighton take that pen, I think his whole time here would have seen him get loads more game time. I also like the way he never threw the toys out while being often left on the bench or not even there.
Sam Hoare
8 Posted 15/07/2016 at 08:33:59
He creates and scores goals. If he can get super fit and increase his work ethic a bit then no reason he can't be a starter this season.
Mike Allison
9 Posted 15/07/2016 at 08:36:22
Mark, with a manager prepared to work them hard and pick up on weaknesses in their game they could all be like new signings.

Obviously I hope we sign some high quality new players, but even if we didn't I'd still expect us to be a massive improvement on last season.

Dave Pritchard
10 Posted 15/07/2016 at 08:40:40
Not criticising him saying this insofar as what else could he say presuming he was asked (otherwise say nothing I suppose)? Do it on the pitch Kevin and we'll all be happy.
Les Green
11 Posted 15/07/2016 at 08:47:21
I like Mirallas. A direct player that knows where the goal is. He'll shine in an organised team that has a credible plan that they believe in.
Tony Abrahams
12 Posted 15/07/2016 at 09:06:02
Some good points here but Mirallas frustrates a lot of people because he his a footballer who could genuinely be as good as he wants to be.

He's got everything in his locker; it's great to hear that he's hungry and wants to take out the frustrations of the last two years out on the football pitch.

I expect him to start well, before injury or a sense of "I've done my bit" and a change of attitude takes over.

I hope I'm wrong, because a focused Mirallas, playing for the team, would be a major asset to Everton.

James Stewart
13 Posted 15/07/2016 at 09:22:32
A fit and focused Mirallas will get into double figures, how many of our other wingers or midfielders can do that? Barkley maybe and that's pretty much it. I really hope he is thrives under Koeman, I have a feeling he will.
Dave Abrahams
14 Posted 15/07/2016 at 09:33:40
Not much wrong with his ability, it's his attitude he has to change, he can be great and very poor in the same game, lacks consistency.

If Koeman can change his attitude, there is a very good player there. I hope he can but remain doubtful going on the four years he has been here.

Paul Mackie
15 Posted 15/07/2016 at 09:57:53
Colin (#5),

As usual, I'm in complete agreement with you. The amount of times I've been pissed off at him for taking a shot when there were obvious passes is 'phenomenal'.

Les Martin
16 Posted 15/07/2016 at 10:32:39
A real talent who we may not yet have seen the best off. Mainly due to injuries and a few bad on-pitch decisions regarding discipline. If he stays free of hamstring problems and we play to his strengths, he could be very special to the team.

With him on one flank and Deulofeu or Lennon on the other, we should be shredding teams on the break.

Raymond Fox
17 Posted 15/07/2016 at 10:33:09
He's making all the right noises, which you would expect.

Dangerous when he's the mood, but is not a team player, and you can bet your house that is the reason Roberto didn't want him involved in the end.

Nick Armitage
18 Posted 15/07/2016 at 10:44:49
Colin Glassar – greedy but then again all the best strikers are, there isn't a player at the club who is as good a finisher as him. I honestly think he's as good as Yakubu in terms of finishing.
William Cartwright
19 Posted 15/07/2016 at 10:46:17
14 consecutive posts saying essentially the same thing – He is a good, good player with goals in him. It must be true! I am a big fan, even though it is hard at times the way he shoots himself in the foot on the pitch.

Generally I get the impression he is a laid back family guy, would be good company socially, and he is probably the man most likely to be a turn-around success under the new managerial regime.

David Booth
20 Posted 15/07/2016 at 11:52:52
Love Mirallas and feel very sorry for him for being marginalised by Martinez. Scorer of great goals, very direct and capable of playing across the front line. Yet all he got from that divi Catalan was a cushion on the bench and an early substitution if selected.

Alongside Lukaku and Deulofeu, with Barkley pushing up behind, he forms a wonderfully marauding attacking foursome. Talk of him being 'arrogant' is fine by me too. Ronaldo is and he doesn't do too badly, does he? Time Everton had a bit more attitude on the pitch too.

And don't fool yourself that he doesn't track back and work hard (those so-called qualities so many Evertonians seem to espouse of late). In the derby game at Anfield last year, he did far more of that than his chief rival, the journeyman Lennon, including a fantastic Jagielka-like block on the edge of the box, when the rest of the team had hoisted the white flag.

Just look at his goals, most of which are never less than spectacular. This man is a winner – and we need 10 more like him if we seek to emulate that as a team.

ps: Time we stopped regarding him as a 'winger' too. Although he can play out wide, he is surely more a free-ranging forward/striker, who could well be played up front in a two with Lukaku.

David Morgan
21 Posted 15/07/2016 at 12:13:59
I am not a fan of Mirallas. He has had more than enough time to prove his worth. He wanted to leave at one point and is taking up a big position on the wing that could be a key position for us – if we go and sign a world class player, that is. His mentality is in question and he plays for himself.

I had a season ticket last year and can't remember hardly any impact he had on any games when he eventually did get on the pitch. It's time for him to go; however, there are 4 or 5 worse than him. So sell Oviedo, Kone and McGeady first and Cleverley and Niasse still have convincing to do.

If we want to be top 4 or higher, then we have to have top 4 players and those names including Mirallas wouldn't get in a top 4 side. So it's sell or the bench for Mirallas, in my opinion.

Anthony Dwyer
22 Posted 15/07/2016 at 12:39:54
Brilliant news, a fit and firing Miralas is a £20m player. If we can reignite his flames, he really will be like a new player.

He was wasted last season; he's one of only a few genuine goal threats at the club, and Koeman has to find a way to accommodate him within our team.

I genuinely believe that given the right roll, Kev would easily bag double figures and that's not easy to come by.

Also he's genuinely a hard working player; people never credit Kev with that but he works hard to cover his full back. 28 years old, in his prime, and hopefully rested and ready to take the Premier League by storm.

Jim Knightley
23 Posted 15/07/2016 at 13:05:00
I think Koeman will use Mirallas like Mane: as a second striker played in a wide position or behind the striker.

There are a fair few 'wide' players who function like this, and Mane was a perfect example last season. His average positioning was very high up the pitch, and he generally reneged on defensive duties to support the attack. Mahrez is not a bad example too, as he was given complete freedom to attack once Leicester changed their set-up to accommodate his attacking play/lack of defensive.

Mirallas is another one of those. He is a bit of a luxury. We could work to change that, or we could accept it and play to his strengths (as Martinez failed to do).

The issue for this squad will be the number of luxury players. We have Mirallas, Deulofeu and Barkley (and who knows what Niasse will become). We can't play all of these, and personally, despite the Barkley love on here, I'd prioritise Deulofeu (who I think can be better than Barkley) and Mirallas because they can function in wide areas, whereas Barkley is poor in wide areas. I don't think Mirallas will start every game this season (just as Tadic and Mane did not), but he will be a great impact sub off the bench and an attacking option from the start.

One of the most impressive facets of Koeman's management last season was his willingness to swap out under performing/out of form players (Mane, Tadic and Pelle in particular). This will be benefit our squad because Mirallas, Barkley and Deulofeu are all form players, and we need to chop and change them at the right times. If we achieve this, then we will have an excellent trio of attacking players capable of winning games.

I just think that we need to supplement them with a central playmaker (Mata) who can bring consistency, class and experience. A deep-lying linker behind is a necessity as well, as I don't think that anyone in the squad is capable of playing that role at present. (Certainly not Barkley, who takes too long on the ball and makes poor decisions in dangerous areas, or McCarthy, who is an excellent tackler, but is poor, and will always be poor, going forward.)

Jason Pullen
24 Posted 15/07/2016 at 13:15:55
I've said before how impressed I was with how he dealt with Martinez's treatment of him. I am a big fan, and I think we saw in the last game of last season what he's capable of under a different manager. I think we'll see him at his best this season if he gets the chance. And I think his best is very good.
Sandra Bowen
25 Posted 15/07/2016 at 13:36:41
He's a bit of a dickhead but he's still the best finisher at the club. I'd love to get a full consistent season out of him, there's 15 goals a season in him which would obviously make us far more potent.
Les Martin
26 Posted 15/07/2016 at 13:49:59
Jim (#23),

Excellent appraisal, and I agree 100%.

David Booth
27 Posted 15/07/2016 at 14:06:51
No other Everton player can do this sort of thing:

And not many other clubs have anyone like him.

Get him back in our team. Let him know he has a vital role to play. And hey presto: another 15-plus goals a season...

James McPherson
28 Posted 15/07/2016 at 14:22:29
Please, not another season of organised rotation of the playing staff promising "this is the week we will start to see the real Everton "...."we owe the fans" ...."such and such is raring to go"...,

I was hoping under Koeman that we'd see an end to this trite meaningless flim flam and players just doing it on the pitch.

Fran Mitchell
29 Posted 15/07/2016 at 14:48:06
It has been a long time since we saw the true Mirallas. Obviously he and Martinez did not get on. However, I do remember that Mirallas that scared the crap out of Liverpool that they resolved to crock him (Suarez if I'm not wrong).

That is exactly the type of player I want player for Everton. Fast, direct, exciting, skilful, and with an end product.

Yes, he is greedy at times, but his style of play fits the style I think most blues want. His style also suits the style of Barkley, Deulofeu, and Lukaku. With another striker added to that, that would give Mr Koeman 5 excellent forwards to pick from.

Brent Stephens
30 Posted 15/07/2016 at 15:07:16
David #27. Thanks for the link. Oh, Kevin, where have you been this last season or two? I want those skills and that directness on show again. RK – help him out, please.
William Cartwright
31 Posted 15/07/2016 at 15:11:03
Sorry, David (#21) – you seem outnumbered by the rest.

Kevin, if you're reading this, feel the love and give us some goals!

Jay Harris
32 Posted 15/07/2016 at 15:54:31
Mirallas at his best was one of the best players at the club in his position.

A confident, aggressive, fast, direct Kevin Mirallas will scare the shit out of opposing defences.

Let's hope Koeman can bring that out of him.

Michael Kenrick
33 Posted 15/07/2016 at 15:58:45
I know it's *only* YouTube but that's a fantastic compilation, David (#27). Anyone knocking him needs to watch and learn! Those free-kicks alone are absolutely top class.

James Morgan
34 Posted 15/07/2016 at 16:13:14
When you see his highlight reel it reminds you of how good he can be. A rejuvenated Mirallas could be a great asset this season.
Ray Roche
35 Posted 15/07/2016 at 16:20:14
David Morgan (#21),

Have you watched that compilation yet.....?

You say "including Mirallas wouldn't get in a top 4 side"

Have you had a look at the Leicester side? How many of those would get in a top 4 side? Three? Four? Think about it....

Terry White
36 Posted 15/07/2016 at 16:22:02
And while we are at it, IMO the white change strip looks a lot more attractive than the new one.
Tom Barton
37 Posted 15/07/2016 at 16:35:40
Ladies & Gents, it's all about opinions, fair enough... but make no mistake, Belgian Kev is a proper player: skillful, fast, nasty when he wants.

Lost his way almost totally because of Martinez; with a guiding hand and quiet advice he will be one of our top players. The 'guiding hand' bit is the difficulty... BUT now we have Big Ron and he will know exactly how to help Kev and save a shit load of cash in one go.

On a personal note, I came on TW today to cheer myself up a bit; my close friend Bob passed away today after battling the evil that is cancer. A true blue, I will miss him and think about him every game.

Life is too short; tell your families you love them and enjoy the coming season.

Darryl Ritchie
38 Posted 15/07/2016 at 17:29:51
When he's in a good mood, he can be the best player on the pitch. The problem is that he's not in a good mood very often. I think a lot of it could be because of Martinez and injuries.

Hopefully Koeman can get him smiling again.

Paul Andrews
39 Posted 15/07/2016 at 17:46:36
A player with fantastic ability on his day. Unfortunately his day is only one in four.

If he can turn that around to three in four, he would be some player.
Mark Ryan
40 Posted 15/07/2016 at 18:14:55
What Darryl said is spot-on. Has anyone heard any transfer news? Just thought I'd ask.
Raymond Fox
41 Posted 15/07/2016 at 18:39:19
Here we go again, blind optimism. He's been around long enough to prove his worth, has he not?

The guy's selfish and unreliable, I can't see him changing his spots now.

Denis Richardson
42 Posted 15/07/2016 at 18:46:56
Dave (#27) – great clip. Still amazed how Martinez refused to use him regularly. Easily one of the best players in the squad.
Dave Pritchard
43 Posted 15/07/2016 at 18:54:26
Watched video and didn't realise he'd scored so many great goals. However, there are so many repeats that not so many after all. Having said that, it confirms the theme of this thread – capable of great things.

A YouTube video of his frustrating moments should be shown for fairness though. Editing is a clever skill if used correctly.

Ernie Baywood
44 Posted 15/07/2016 at 22:49:03
He's an incredible talent that has just never kicked on. When people talk about Lukaku's scuffs, you look at Mirallas and see the opposite – he's a very natural footballer whereas Rom is a physically impressive guy being taught to play. Strikes the ball well every time and does things instinctively. He's a proper footballer.

A big part of his failure to progress is down to him. Fitness and discipline have been issues. But it's the manager's job to get the best out of him because the result will be well worth it.

Obviously Everton's bigger than any player but I'd love to see Kev succeed with us. I just like the guy.

Laurie Hartley
45 Posted 15/07/2016 at 23:37:06
I have criticised Mirallas for an on field incident in the past but never his ability. When he is running at a defence with the ball there is always the chance of a goal and as several above have said, he is a top class finisher.

As David Booth has suggested I have always felt that he has been played out of position at Everton – he is more of a second striker.

I am hoping he will see that working with Koeman as a chance to reignite his career. As for the perceived problem regarding his attitude, I have a feeling our new boss will be able to sort that out.

John Codling
46 Posted 16/07/2016 at 07:40:22
I am convinced that Kev had personal problems with Mr Phenomenal, and as we all know (Distin)... disagree at your peril.

Hopefully now Koeman can draw out his undoubted talent and we see the best of him; if so, it will be like a new signing. I still think fitness is our first priority and players must last more than 70 minutes.
Eddie Dunn
47 Posted 16/07/2016 at 08:12:57
Watched David's clip and boy does Mirallas have some ability! Let's hope Koeman can get him firing on all cylinders.
Mark Ryan
48 Posted 16/07/2016 at 12:23:06
Put simply, on his day, he is easily our most technically gifted player. Under Ronald Koeman, he could be world class, as could Gerard Deulofeu.
Jamie Crowley
49 Posted 16/07/2016 at 13:07:44
Someone above mentioned they think Kev is a "greedy player in front of goal" and I'm failing to see where that is a bad thing.

As an "outsider" to the game, the one thing through the years (decade or so) that has absolutely baffled me is the hesitancy to actually shoot the damn ball.

In the game of soccer there seems to be a prevailing cultural thought – almost of cardinal regard – to only shoot the ball from certain places on the pitch. Shots from "low angles" or shots from 25 yards seemingly are questioned often.

Having grown up playing hockey I've never, ever understood this and frankly never will. Shots on goal are how you actually score, ergo win. It's shots that cause chaos, shots that frighten keepers, shots that defensive players are intent on stopping... Shots are what we need more of if we're to actually win.

So if Kevin Mirallas wants to be a bit "greedy" that's fine by me.

And I'd argue he's not "greedy", but rather understands he has the capability to put the ball in the back of the net so he actually attempts to do that.

Opportunistic and aggressive yes. Greedy? No.

He does completely have an "effort issue" however that rears its ugly head now and again... but at least the kid will have a pop on net.

Damian Wilde
50 Posted 16/07/2016 at 13:58:24
Martinez was a DISGRACE not playing him. Great player, hope to see much more of him.
Tony Draper
51 Posted 16/07/2016 at 18:34:41
Jamie @49,

Congratulations for having the stainless steel nuts to walk against the brainwashing. I entirely agree that adventurous, speculative or unpredictable play unsettles the opposition defence.

Here in UK presentations (and often in the US versions which I catch), there is a completely tiresome and predictable catechism of narrowness. Brainwashed utter bullshit that there is one way and only one successful way to play "the beautiful game".

Well there isn't. There never ever was. If ever there was a single club who have repeatedly demonstrated that interpretation, innovation and imagination can improve and entertain, then it most certainly is Everton FC!

Being bland, moribund and relying upon strangling the life out of entertaining football was the stock in trade of our adorable neighbours. Interestingly, their capacity to finish atop of the English Leagues seems to have ceased when the freedom to pass the ball back to the 'keeper was eliminated.

Luke Berry
52 Posted 16/07/2016 at 20:30:10
Absolute gem of a footballer. He terrifies opposition defences when he gets his tail up. He most certainly is the best finisher at the club (Lukaku not even close, slate me) and if given the license to roam and cause havoc, he will.

Bollocks to the attitude issues, he seems inspired by Koeman and I think an inspired Kev is one of the first names on the team-sheet.

I hope Barkley can be transformed into the box-to-box player he should be, Kev the floater and Gerry our deadly wide-man supplying Lukaku. If a combination of those four doesn't get you salivating then you need to watch another sport.

James Flynn
53 Posted 16/07/2016 at 21:13:25
Jamie (49) - Yep.

My dad used to always say, "The goalie has to play."

And of course, as THE expert in this area. Wayne Gretzky said: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Read here a couple of times that Koeman likes two up front. Don't know if that's true, but wouldn't mind seeing Kevin and Lukaku give it a go.

Dave Abrahams
54 Posted 16/07/2016 at 21:32:32
Luke (52),

I agree with you, I would like Mirallas to be given a chance up front; he did well in Greece playing as an out-and-out striker.

His record is not outstanding as a goalscoring winger at Everton, scoring 26 goals in 111 league games; in all, he has scored 35 goals in 136 games.

You say "Bollocks to his attitude," well that is the sort of attitude he seems to have. He'd be a lot better if he changed it, and Everton would also benefit if he did.

Luke Berry
55 Posted 16/07/2016 at 22:01:54
Dave, I was referring to his recent upturn in outlook and saying 'bollocks' to what may have gone before.

He looks like he:

A) wants to be an asset to Everton (without the speculation he's only doing it to earn himself a move).

B) He genuinely wants to give the fans something to cheer about.

For a player whose attitude has been questioned in the past (myself included), he is making the right noises early on.

Let's face it though, not many are questioning our attacking potential, Niasse – God love him – aside, it's our defensive frailties that have caused concern.

Tony Draper
56 Posted 16/07/2016 at 22:48:25
Kev seems like that lad whose a mate of your mate, you have shedloads of laffs with and stuff, but then you hear that your sister fancies him! (Thank god, I don't have a sister).

Kev, mate, it was a proper laff when we were just being lads. But, get all of your shit together, in one extremely well organized package. One.

I like you, lad. But shit me not. I fuckin' love Everton!!! Get your best clogs on, lad, you can, you know that, and I for fuckin certain do (you can rack that up as a top compliment, laddo... really you can). I see you as a permanent, "Player of the Season" contender. So, step up, laddo.

See you, kicking corner flags 'n' pouting? Tick Fucking Tock! Score 15+ league goals, just score 15+ ... It's not like you're fuckin' shy where ability is concerned, is it, Kev? So fuckin' apply it!

Dave Abrahams
57 Posted 16/07/2016 at 22:49:44
Well, Luke, let's hope it is a complete change in Mirallas's way of thinking. He has been up and down in his four years at Everton so, if he can be more consistent, we will have a good player to look forward to.

Hopefully Niasse will not be as bad as most fans think he is. When he first came, he was derided by fans who had never seen him, the reports from Finch Farm were the start of these rumours, so these were coming from people who worked and trained at the training ground. Let's wait and see for ourselves, give him a run of games to see what he can do.

Dave Horne
58 Posted 16/07/2016 at 23:33:30
One of the few current players that on his day is worth the admission money, (and he is not that inconsistent in my opinion.)

He was treated abysmally by our previous manager. I bet the number of times he got 90 minutes under Martinz could easily be counted on the fingers of one hand. And he was going to destroy Liverpool in that derby game until Suarez put him out of the game just before half time.

And what attitude??? Just because he wanted to take a penalty really badly. Okay, he was wrong, but it is nice to see someone wanting to take one as far as I am concerned.

I sincerely hope Ronald Koeman is going to show some faith in him this season.

Tony Draper
59 Posted 17/07/2016 at 01:10:56
Dave, I agree, Kev most certainly does have stacks of ability.

But, I can't agree with much else other than him being culled by the fucking vampire in the derby.

He IS inconsistent. But perhaps he needs to be correctly managed (so he doesn't go off like a fuckin Catherine wheel or a damp squib).

As for "the penalty", since he intervened, Baines has had a stream of useless successors, hasn't he? Kev's pointless intervention cost us plenty of points subsequently.

Baines, like Rhino, just put them away. So no need to fiddle with the winning formula. None.

Hopefully Ron & Erwin will get him focussed on his true strengths and not on being a dickhead. If they do, then we have a terrific player fully equipped to rip the shit out of every defence in the EPL.

William Cartwright
61 Posted 17/07/2016 at 15:31:36
A bloody love fest now on this thread, and long overdue if I may say so. I watched the YouTube clips and honestly I had forgotten what a wonderful player he is. Just downright criminal that he was rated below Kone. Nice one, Roberto.

I think Kevin either feels he has a point to prove or has increased his self-respect and is doing all he can to catch up on lost time...

Jamie Crowley
62 Posted 17/07/2016 at 17:30:07
Tony @ 51 -

We're singing from the same hymn sheet.

I recently had a conversation with a couple of friends at the fields while one of my kids was playing - one Norwegian now living in America and two Englishmen living here as well. The point was brought up, as I explained my views on shooting the damn ball more often, that there are no boards behind the net in soccer. A solid point.

In hockey 90% of the time a wayward shot off the mark remains in play due to the boards / plexiglass keeping the puck inside the rink and play still "live" and ongoing. A wayward shot in soccer results (can result) in conceding possession and a subsequent goal kick to the opposition.

However...

In soccer, despite the possibility that you shank your attempted shot and lose possession, you also can have a multitude of positive things occur. Deflected shots that wrong-foot the keeper and end up in the back of the net, "rebounds", chaos in front of goal, deflected shots that provide a corner for your team, longer range shots that pull out the opponents back line as they have to "respect the shot" and don't want it going on net, etc.

As James Flynn quoted the "Great One" Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.”

I've no problem whatsoever with any player – Mirallas or otherwise – having a go / pop. I never will.

There is of course bad shot selection – in any sport. But teams and players willing to take more shots rarely "hurt" their teams.

Shoot away Super Kev, shoot away...

Tony Draper
63 Posted 17/07/2016 at 18:17:08
Seems that the general trend regarding Kev is that we like him, despite his failings.

Contrast this with Niasse, who we just can't seem to see past his (in my opinion, glaring) lack of quality.

Despite Kev's inconsistency, and Lukaku's misguided sense of self. It was Kev that was instrumental in Rom joining Everton.

Last season the talk was all about Jamie Vardy. Kev has all of Vardy's outstanding attributes and more. But. He needs to know that his manager believes in him.

I reckon that Ron & Erwin can have him banging 'em in next season. But then I believe that the whole squad will be like men reborn this coming season.

They haven't lost class or style, but they really had lost direction.

Jamie Sweet
64 Posted 17/07/2016 at 23:16:45
Away at Chelsea last season (3-3), I thought he was dynamite. Scored a cracker and would have had an even better one had their keeper not pulled off a world class stop. He was also chasing the ball down and looked like he had a bit of fire in his belly.

Then I think he got injured, then he came back and got sent off... and then he was mainly used as an 88th minute sub.That's how I remember it anyway.

If Koeman can get him playing consistently like he did at the Bridge, then he could still prove to be a huge asset for our team. He can be a genuine match winner.

Just give the pens to Baines though, hey Kev!


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