VIEW FROM THE BLUE
Euro 2008 Armchair Scouting
Comments (46) : The group stages of Euro 2008 now consigned to the record books, it offers some pause for reflection on some of the talent that has been on show on what has been, by and large, an excellent tournament so far.
Perhaps one of the most pleasing aspects has been the emphasis on top-class attacking football ? quite a difference from the almost pedestrian pace and defensive midset that characterises so many of the Champions League group-phase encounters. If the Dutch and the Russians are anything to go by, speed of feet and the abiilty to move the ball just as quickly on the counter-attack are the keys to success.
Naturally, thoughts turn to Everton and which players could measurably improve our squad... or, I should say, which of those players we could realistically sign. Remove the likes of Villa, Deco, Sneijder and Podolski from the equation and, for me at least, it's not a lengthy list. And with so many clubs seemingly waiting until after the tournament before conducting the bulk of their business ? not to mention the fact that neither David Moyes's contract nor his transfer kitty have yet been finalised ? the Blues could end up being priced out of the best options anyway.
Nevertheless, it's always nice to dream, so at the risk of coming over all Football Manager let's embark on a little close-season flight of fancy...
Andrei Arshavin
We had to wait to get our first proper look at him since he graced the Goodison turf back in December with Zenit St Petersburg but it was well worth it. The speedy Russian stole the show in his country's final and decisive group game, scoring a terrific goal in a 2-0 win over Sweden that propeled Guus Hiddink's side into the quarter finals.
Though we were strongly linked with him in January after Zenit had won the Russian championship and the player himself said that of all the clubs interested in him, Everton would be his pick, since then Arshavin's stock has risen considerably. If he stays in St Petersburhg on his reported £50,000-a-week salary, he has Champions League football to look forward to next season.
If he opts to move on, he'll have his pick of a line of suitors after his star turn against the Swedes. If Everton had drifted to the back of the pack reportedly jostling for his services prior to Euro 2008 ? Newcastle and Manchester City are now the rumoured front-runners ? they're surely totally out of the running now. Not only will his value have shot up a few million beyond the £11m mooted in the press last week, but he'll have given his apparent dream to play for Barcelona a real boost.
A shame, really, because he has everything we need, except perhaps height. He's devilishly quick, delightfully clever with his use of the ball and appears to be a great finisher. More of reminiscent of Barmby than Kanchelskis, in more ways than just appearance, he would be an ace playing in the hole and a dream acquisition. Ho hum...
Yuri Zhirkov
Arshavin's teammate has played in all of Russia's games so far and has really stood out as a consistent performer with a superb array of qualities. Able to play at left back or on left wing, he is quick, skillful, a solid tackler, and is a sublime striker of the ball.
Combining the industry and versatility (and occasional lapse of concentration on the ball) of Kevin Kilbane and a sweet left foot that evokes memories of Kevin Sheedy, he has all the attributes to succeed in the English Premier League.
Still only 24, he plies his trade with CSKA Moscow and, at a guess, would command a fee in the region of £6m.
Rafael van der Vaart
This Dutch midfielder has seemingly been on the radar of the top four in England ever since he rose to prominence a few years ago but has yet to make the move to one of Europe's elite. It's for that reason that I include him here.
At the moment he's in the relatively modest surrounds of Hamburg SV in the German Bundesliga and while he hasn't been the standout player so far in what is an excellent Holland team, he has shown what a terrific midfield talent he is. More displays like that and the big clubs are sure to come knocking.
Orlando Engelaar
At 6' 6", Engelaar would be hard to miss in the Dutch side even if he hadn't been noticeable thus far for some commanding displays in the defensive midfield role. His performance against Italy in The Netherlands' opening group game had many Evertonians proclaiming him to be the answer to the Carsley conundrum, and the rumours in the media linking Engelaar with a £6m switch to Goodison after the tournament.
Currently with FC Twente, reports suggested that he had already agreed to join Schalke 04 in Germany but rumours since have it that nothing has been finalised as the Bundesliga side are balking at the fee. If those reports are to be believed, Everton have made contact with the player's representatives but who really knows.
His gigantic frame, tackling ability and and smooth passing would make him an excellent candidate to fill the vacancy left by "Super Lee" but, again, there will surely be lost of interest in him this summer.
Karim Benzema
Initial impressions of Benzema weren't all that favourable but against Italy in France's do-or-die clash with Italy, he pulled out all the stops in his country's ultimately futile attempt to escape from the "group of death".
He has a real box of tricks and displayed some real invention but didn't look convincing as an out-and-out striker. The 20 year-old Lyon forward looks a good candidate as a wide man, though.
Kim Kallstrom
He only played a bit part in the Swede's abortive Euro 2008 campaign but has been linked with Everton in the past year. It was hard to judge on just substitute's appearances but what he did demonstrate was excellent delivery into the box, from both set-pieces and open play.
Sydney Govou
Another player heavily linked with the Blues two summers ago. In truth, he must have been left frustrated at his inability to help keep the French in the competition but he looks to be a terrific striker who would do well in England. Agile, quick and skillful, the only thing we didn't really get to see was his ability as a goalscorer.
Ibrahim Afellay
Earned rave reviews for his appearance as a sub for Holland against Italy and played a more lengthy part against Rumania (a game I didn't see). Young, tricky winger... too much like Pienaar?
Passing mentions...
Roman Pavlyuchenko ? if he was younger, you'd say he was an uncut diamond but at 26 you'd hope that he would have eradicated some of the suspect choices he has made up front for the Russians so far. Still, you can't deny that he is a brilliant striker of the ball, a hard-worker and highly adept at finding spaces in the box in which to receive the killer pass.
Aleksander Anyukov ? He reminds me of a Tony Hibbert but with speed and crossing ability. Appeared to be a little jittery in Russia's first two games but was excellent against Sweden though I would still question his defensive abilities.
Klaas Jan Huntelaar ? Has been linked with the world and his dog in the last year or so and only got a run-out in the third group game against Rumania but scored the opening goal in that game. Tall and can clearly score goals.
Arda Turan ? Linked with Everton already this summer (although a rumoured £10m bid turned out not to be true), I haven't seen enough from him to get all that excited about so far. Clearly his teammate Nihat Kahveci has stolen the headlines thus far with those two goals in a thrilling comeback win over the Czech Republic.
Reader Comments
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Behraim (may be spelt wrong) but he pleyed right mid & right back, tackled well, energetic, comfortable on the ball, wasnt afraid of getting forward & is 6 footish.
I remember Yakin being linked to Liverpool when Basle shoulda knocked them out of Europe, he’s a class player in a poor side for the swiss. Another one off the radar but what do we know eh!!
I think Arshavin aside, I would much prefer us to do our shopping closer to home. Strong squads like Tottenhams, and Chelski are probably going to under go a few changes to accomodate their managers prefferred astyle of play (Ramos never really had an oppertunity to implement his players when he took over)
and if we go about things in the right way there are real bargains to be had as the managers will just want shut.
On the continent there are inevitably the movers and shakers, Barcelona being a good example, and with the Premiership being as appealing as ever we should stand a chane at getting some of the fringe players at these sides for the right money.
Add to the equation the odd rough diamond at the likes of the championship sides, along with Johnson from City and suddenly we do have quite a bit of choice to go at.
My top 3 targets?
1) Andrei Arshavin
2) Manny Fernandes
3) Van Der Vaart
As for all the others; the only one I think we have any realistic chance of signing is Engelaar, and even thats an outside bet.
Please God don’t let us sign Bentley though - overated (mostly by himself) and an absolute arse of a man; he riles me almost as much as Gerrard.
Huntelaar is very overated. His game is very easy for defenders to pick apart. He would be a perfect red shite signing. One season, 3 goals sent back to Eeredivise for half the price he was bought for. Engelaar is a much more consistent player. £6 million a bargain!
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_3344257,00.html
He is an out-an-out goalscorer. Feed him and he will score. He’s not the lively running he channels-type of striker. I don’t think we need him as we already have The Yak who is about his type of player. But to call him very easy to defend...
Could be an easy pick up from Lyon, but with their track record of selling to the Premier League we could be looking at £24 Million ;-)
Hahahaha, dream on, these players will never, in a million years, sign for Everton, no more than they would sign for Blackburn or Portsmouth.
They have been linked with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, Man Utd and Chelsea, why do some of you persist in coming out with this shite?
But if we’re being realistic you can take Benzema off the list.
In response to your armchair scouting I thought I should let you know that, from your armchair, you will not be watching any of the above in an Everton shirt next season.
I am not suggesting this is the purpose of your script but i am trying to find the point.
For my part, we can forget 90% of the names mentioned on this site. Arshavin? Maybe in a dream world!! We dont have the money to enter a bidding war, and as someone quite rightly pointed out. The russian league is making big money and he is playing champions league there next season, why would he leave?
Closer to home we should be looking at Wright-Phillips, Sidwell, Downing etc We should also be looking at an alternative link beween midfielf and attack. What about Gudjohnson? If he takes a pay cut he would be an ideal addition. Eurpoean experience, guile, and after 2 years on the sidelines he shuld be hungry to make an impact.
Engeelar though! Hope it happens.
He?s been left on the bench at Chelsea as Essien, Lampard, Cole are all in front of him. The fact is, with our budgets we need to be looking at this type of player. A top 3 player thats surplus to requirements.
It?s just a bit of fun to fill the time, Alan, but I do believe that if Moyes were given a serious transfer kitty this summer that some on that list would be possible.
Certainly, had we had more than two pennies to rub together in January after scrabbling down the back of Robert Earl's sofa to sign Gosling, Arshavin would have been a realistic option. Back then he was worth around £8m.
Naturally Arshavin has impressed me, but I feel he will go elsewhere now as do a lot of people. Zhirkov has looked good, and looked useful against England too a while back. Behrami the Swiss looked good, I liked Engelaar also.
Who knows who Moyes is keen on though? He could be looking at Romanians and Austrians for all we know.
£5 million can go a long way in the current climate and we souldn?t be setting our standards so low as Sidwell. I would pick Little Leon Osman over Sidwell anyday and that's saying something.
I would rather throw another million on and secure Fernandes.
To the doom mongers and negative blues who are saying that we cannot sign anyone who Lyndon has listed, I suggest you start looking at the glass half full for a change. If Middlesborogh can get players of the calibre that was Juninho and Fabrizio Ravanelli, then it is not totally out of the question for us to sign someone like Arshavin. Everyone is going on about the Sweden game, and yes he scored a goal and looked dangerous, but he hardly set the alarm bells ringing for Real Madrid and AC milan.
He IS achievable, as long as Everton have the balls and audacity to make the approach for him. He would be lucky to play for us, it?s not the other way around.
If you look up Cristiano Ronaldo you will see that he now plays for Real Madrid.
Orlando Engelaar for me has the tools to make it in England. He?s a big powerful box to box midfielder by the looks of it. Nigel De Jong seems to be playing the more defensive role whereas Engelaar does a bit of both. He was naturally an attacking player and has been converted into more of an all rounder.
I?d like to see more of Engelaar before I make my judgement. Thankfully Holland got through and we will see more of him. So far I?ve watched him four times he?d had two good games, one decent game and one poor game. He seems to cover the ground well but looks a little slow on the turn at times, saying that though at 6ft 6 he?s not going to be the most agile of players.
I?ve always liked Kallstrom. An Elegant midfielder and a superb engine. He?s a little on the slow side though and in Manuel Fernandes we have a better, younger a more talented play maker
Andrei Arshavin impresses me every time I see him. He?s got superb movement, two footed, quick, intelligent passer and good on the ball. Again like Van der Vaart I think he?d be moved to the wings but unlike VDV I think he?d revel there. I?d play him on the left hand side of a 4-5-1 where he?d be able to cut inside, roam the pitch and cause havoc. Quality player and one we should be having a serious look at.
He seems similar to Modric who Spurs have just bought. Drifts in and out of games but gives you alot of quality in the final third. I?d pay around 10 million for him. The Eastern European Leagues are bringing alot of quality players through at the moment. Players like Jo, Arshavin, Modric, Skirtel, Kranjar, Elano and Zhirkov are all quality players who all look Premier League bound.
Certainly, had we had more than two pennies to rub together in January after scrabbling down the back of Robert Earl?s sofa to sign Gosling, Arshavin would have been a realistic option. Back then he was worth around £8m.
Like I say - NON of those players will be playing for Everton next season so what is the point? Just don't get it - sorry mate. NON.
Looks like our new manager is in the "know" about who will be coming and going this season.
Dont think much about his ambition though
I agree about Barnetta or Behrami though. Either of them 2 would be good for us.
Refreshing to see your post and clearly from responses it’s generated much discussion during what is normally a quiet period on the forum. I found it interesting and thought provoking and wouldn’t be surprised if one or two of those mentioned did materialise. I know many have expressed interest in Engelaar I’d much prefer his team mate De Jong who would be an excellent replacement for Carsley but alas I doubt very much that a player of his ability might come our way. Arshavin would be a truly wonderful addition, this guy gets better every time I see him, have to agree we really should have pushed the boat out for him some months ago. Opportunity missed I suspect.
Since the 2002/03 campaign, Everton Football Club have achieved 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th placed finishes in the English Premier League - a league viewed by many as the best in Europe.
Why wouldn?t, on footballing merit, would half the players mentioned above not want to join us?
Money? maybe, but from my point of view Everton Football Club isn?t a bad prospect right now.
Watch out for this guy Olic (spelling ?) from Croatia.
Fantastic work-rate, skillful, Carsley-like in his tacking and actually also pops up to score goals.
I would be thrilled if DM makes a bid for this jem.
Look for him in the quarter-finals.....
Boruc
Boswinga
Lahm
Pepe
Pirlo
Arshavin
Toulalan
Engelaar
Sneijder (player of the tourney so far)
Xavi
Villa
I think he’d be a perfect replacement for carsley, and not too expensive at that, as he’s a player that seems to be keeping a low profile and moving under most peoples radar......
Bang on about de jong. the other thing about him is that he will show for the pass of a full back something that we havent had for a long time and IMO is the reason we play so many long balls
I?d definatly take him though as he?d be a good player to have around the team. He?d provide good competition and a bit of quality here and there. Plus he?s versatile and can play right back and at a push right midfield.
He?s also Steven Pienaar?s best mate. They where best friends at Ajax supposedly so maybe Steven could convince him.
I dont get it meself mate, but you can see how much others enjoy it
Chill out mate,let them have they?re fun
Or maybe I have been playing FM too long lol! Keep the faith.
My tuppence ;)
Yes, Engellar is tall and has a physical presence but De Jong is the much better player with a clear understanding of positional sense. We need good players first, then look for bonuses like size, not the other way around.
If you cry at that, then you’re sad. I’m happy to supply the tissues now!
Arshavin is a real player - I posted on TW that he was the real deal as soon as I got back after the Zenit match. But unfortunately we couldn’t generate funds to move fast enough. No criticism of either DM or the board, just a question of fact.
Point is we can’t:
- match is price,
- match his wages, -or more importantly
- match his ambition
now that everyone has become alerted to the quality that we saw back in early winter at Goodison, we are in the second division of suitors - not good enough for a real star!
It was nice to dream, but get back to the real world - we MUST accept that that we are no longer the draw that we, the fans, believe we are.
He has alot of qualities going for him. Good energy, tenacious, puts his foot in, decent on the ball and a tidy passer. He has always drops deep and looks for the ball which is what I like to see from players. He can also play right back so heâ??s versatile.
Iâ??d definatly think about bringing him to Everton. He looks far better than Engelaar and would fit in well here. Before yesterday I wasnâ??t sure about his but he really looks the part nowadays. Heâ??s at a good age (23), would be in our price range and is Pienaar best mate supposedly.
Iâ??d definatly take a look at him and I hope Moyes does. Only thing going against him is his lack of height. Moyes is obviously looking for a tall physically strong midfielder with presence.
In Summary my more realistic wish list is
1) Stuart Downing, 2) Darren Bent, 3) a holding midfielder better than Carsley. Has anybody got any suggestions.<
Harnik - only 21 a good pacy striker who I think has great potential.
Torsten Frings - yes he’s 31 but he is still one of the best defensive midfielders around.
A guy that wasn’t at Euro ’08, but as Lyon have been mentioned is Juininho ( spelling wrong I know) - he has been the main creative midfielder for the m for the last 3 or 4 seasons.
Despite all the doom and gloom at the moment - mainly cos it looks like we wont get Arashavin. I am quite confident thhat DM will do well this summer - given his past track record.2 examples: Jagielka and Pienaar were hardly seen as being exactly " mouthwatering" signings - they didn’t turn out too bad did they ?
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1 Posted 19/06/2008 at 07:52:56
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Van der Vaart has stated on numerous occasions that he wants to go to a Spanish, Italian or English club playing in the Champions League. That’s why he still plays for Hamburg, he’s holding out for a big transfer. Would be a brilliant signing.
Afellay played unimpressive against Romania, but I saw him play for PSV quite often this season and he’s better than Pienaar was at his age. Afellay seems to be slightly more attacking than Peanuts though. Afellay has a good shot from distance, something I think we could use as we don’t seem to shoot from distance as often as I would like. I don’t see him leaving PSV this summer though and even if he did he will be very expensive. I think he could make a stunning impact as the areas where he needs to improve are the strong points of our manager and he just has so much talent. Only thing I fear is that he will be injured all the time.
On the few occasions I saw Govou play in recent years he never impressed me. If he’s cheap let him come, but I don’t feel we really need him.