ToffeeWeb - Season 2006-07

The Mail Bag

The case for a striker

Vaughan, Anichebe, Johnson, Beattie(!) & McFadden; an attempt at another consistent season in the Premier League PLUS an assault on Europe's second tier competition. Have we got what it takes with regard to firepower?

Personally, I think not. Drawing a parallel with Spurs who did pretty well in the Uefa Cup without winning it, I am afraid that any combination of strikers we can offer just doesn't match up to Keane/Berbatov/Defoe. To my eyes, we are in need of a proven goalscorer on the European stage ? and that certainly ain't David Nugent. Added to this, I don't feel that AJ's style of play suits the European game which means the addition of a striker is essential if we are to take Europe seriously.

So... now that Spurs are about to snap up Darren Bent, why not speculate on the international striker who is likely to find himself out of favour at Spurs: one Jermaine Defoe? Would his trickery around the box not provide the ideal foil for Johnson's enthusiastic running?
John Ferguson, Stroud Posted 28/06/2007 at 13:15:24

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Bluenose
1 Posted 28/06/2007 at 14:41:38

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AJ’s game doesn’t suit Europe? have you watched much European football lately? He falls over just as well as any Spaniard or Italian!!

Nick Coyne
2 Posted 28/06/2007 at 15:20:43

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To be honest John I think you’re being a bit harsh on our existing strikers. Vaughan has got talent in abundance and the benefit of youthful exuberance, whilst Anichebe, although not technically the most gifted, is a right old handful who I think will scare the shite out of most Uefa Cup standard centre halves.

When it comes to Europe, particularly the away legs, I think Moyes will utilise a 4-5-1, cramp the midfield and make the most of Cahill’s elusive late runs. If I am right, and if we are working to a tight budget, then I really don’t think we need to be splashing cash on a striker. We need to play to our strengths.

Finally, in my opinion Defoe and Johnson are from the same mould. I don’t consider either of them to be particularly "tricky" around the edge of the box. So whilst signing him would indicate the Club’s ambition, I’m not entirely sure it would be money well spent.

Toffee Nutt
3 Posted 28/06/2007 at 16:12:53

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I agree with Nick here. We need to be strenghening other areas first.

If we did go in for a striker i wouldn’t go anywhere near Defoe, he’s shite plus he’s a poor mans johnson. If we are to play 2 up top we need someone to hold the ball up and play in johnson on the last defender; Alan Smith anyone?

Robbie Muldoon
4 Posted 28/06/2007 at 21:50:41

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I agree with you John 100%. In short, the failure to add a goalscorer to the ranks this season WILL prove our downfall.

It doesn’t look like it will happen though. I think there is a very strong case for buying a new striker.

Ray Robinson
5 Posted 28/06/2007 at 22:14:28

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I agree with John and Robbie. Despite getting a fair share of goals last season, I think we always have the capacity to revert back to the previous year’s measly total. Goals just don’t seem to flow naturally and relying on AJ and two (promising) youngsters seems a little risky.

Now of course another creative midfielder and a wide player would also help!