Column Do we need to buy? Dan Pedersen 07/01/2008 6comments | Jump to last The answer to above question is really quite simple, yes we do! The last time I wrote an article on ToffeeWeb was back in July. We had just signed Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Steven Pieenar on loan. I was quite optimistic at the time (some thought too optimistic) and asked Moyes for two things: To buy one world class player and add a free transfer ? a Johan Vogel alike at the time. We got Yakubu ? brilliant and Thomas Gravesen back on loan from Celtic. I was not to pleased about the later but then again overall I think our transfer campaign looked successful. I think today we can look back and say, yes it was successful. Leighton Baines is actually the only player who has disappointed me, but then again I had very high expectations. Phil Jagielka has done good and looks a solid squad player. Pieenar looks better than we could ever have expected, Yakubu is a top class striker that no one can argue against in my opinion ? a shrewd signing by Moyes I have to say. Unfortunately my fellow country man "mad dog" has proven that he is just not up for the task, sorry. I was very optimistic back then and I still am. Breaking into the top four was always going to be difficult, but what I hoped for then was a decent top 7 season and not least a trophy! I have been supporting Everton for a long time, but because of my relative young age I can only look back at one trophy ? The FA Cup 1995. Oldham made sure that great day wont repeat itself this season, but who really cares if we win another cup? Fellow toffees, we are in the League Cup semi finals, cheer up - a long with Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea ? not bad if I may say. We are two games away from a Wembley final and I for one believe we can achieve just that and who knows maybe even lift the trophy. I think we can all be really pleased with the season so far, but one major problem is starting to show and it could ruin a great season. I'm talking really great season..what about a cup win and a top four? The lack in numbers are showing now. It is not immense but there is no question about it, we need to add one or two players to make sure that we stay on course for major honours. A Central midfielder in the 6-10 million pound bracket is needed badly and I for one hope and think that Moyes has someone lined up. Manuel Fernandes would be welcome by me. I think the blue colour suits him and if Moyes takes him back on loan or sign then I think all evertonians should welcome a player with his abilities. I'm not saying his world class, but surely he is good enough to play an important role in the remaining games. I think this lad has something to prove and if given the chance could become a priced asset for years to come. Knowing Moyes we also have a guaranty that he is not going to pay silly money for him... Fernandes though is just one option, there are other players out there and I'm sure Moyes is looking around. One think that I like about Moyes is that he doesn't just look at the obvious reinforcements. He is surely not a spender but likes to do a good bargain. If a player is to expensive he walks away and move down the list. Over the years that list has proven to be a good one. I think Steven Pienaar was a class signing and hopefully Moyes will find something alike if Manny stays with Valencia. The press keeps naming players like Hunt, Downing...who knows maybe one of those will sign, but I think Moyes has something else in his mind. He is starting to look more into Europe and I for one expect him to sign a player from abroad â?? the Pienaar deal must have opened his eyes for all the talented players out there. That player could be Kim Kallström, Tranquillo Bernetta, Gaby Mundingayi, Pablo Aimar...just to mention a few from different leagues around Europe...All players we haven't been linked, but has potential....So many players could turn out great if coached and taught under the Moyes reign. That is one of our biggest assets right now - look at Arteta, The Yak, Lescott, Cahill, Osman... All we can do is wait and see. If Moyes brings in a top midfielder and maybe a squad player like Vogel or even better Van Buyten then I am sure evertonians will look back at this season with a smile on their faces. The reason is quite simple ? we have a very strong team/squad who is hungry for success. Good luck, Oldham! Now bring on Chelsea and get that special player signing before the end of the transfer window. Hopefully the money is still there...? Come on, Billy ? open the safe! Reader Comments Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer Stu Jonno 1 Posted 07/01/2008 at 19:56:58 Report abuse Whats the team gonna be tomorrw? We have no wide players. I think maybe Baines left mid but on the right? AJ? Matt Bone 2 Posted 07/01/2008 at 20:38:46 Report abuse The squad, in particular has been ripped apart for this game leaving moyes little or few options. The way I see it is he has 2 choices for the side he puts out (assume all are fit). He can either play 4-5-1 (which i think he will) consisting of. Howard, Hibert, Yobo, Jagielka and Lescott with james Mcfaden wide Right and Baines Wide left with Tim Cahill, Carsley and Neville in the middle with Yakubu up top. Not exactly a frightening line up is it. OR he goes with 4-4-2 with the same back five but a midfield 4 of Tommy Grav, Pip Neville and Lee Carsley all pretty much holding with Tim Cahil attacking with Yak and AJ up front. Pretty much bypass the midfield and just run em ragged and pressurise their defence. I would go with option 2, especially as we have the 2nd leg to come at home.On the subject of the ANC, although its shit timing for the premiership we did al know about it. I think had we not had the injuries and suspensions we might have been able to cope with the loss of 3 players albeit important players as it is only going to be for about 5 weeks (although we do play some very big games in that time). Pienaar should be back for the Reading game as I cant se South Africa getting past the group stages however, Nigeria coud go on and win it meaning we only get Yobo and Yak back for the 2nd leg of the UEFA cup game. Heres hoping (form a selfish EFC perspective) that Nigeria get no further than the Q finals, losing to probably Ghana who are favourites.And yes, if you were wondering, I have been off work today leaving me time to study the permiatations. Colin OKeeffe 3 Posted 07/01/2008 at 20:55:29 Report abuse I’m sure Moyes would like to go with 4-5-1 as its the away leg of a 2 leg tie and a draw is a good result. This formation has also produced our best performances and results so far this season (2 wins away to West Ham and the draw with Chelsea to mention 3). Chelsea also favour 5 in midfield albeit a more fluid system that becomes 4-3-3, so Moyes will hope to nullify that with the 5 in the middle and try for a draw or narrow victory. However the loss of Pienar, Arteta and Osman has robbed us of 3 of our best midfield performers this season and the personnel to play 4-5-1 is stretched to say the least. The team i think he’ll play is Howard, Lescott, Hibbert, Yobo, Jagielka, Carsley, Neville, McFadden, Gravesen, Cahill and Yakubu. However bearing in mind concerns about Gravesen’s ability to perform at the required level, he may go for Andy Johnson instead and opt reluctantly for 4-4-2. I’d go with the latter as Chelsea are even more depleted than we are and could be there for the taking. Jay Harris 4 Posted 07/01/2008 at 22:32:45 Report abuse Cant disagree with any of the suggestions.I guess Moyes will see who he thinks looks most capable but I would go for a front 2 of Yakubu and Anichebe to rough Chelsea up at the back.I dont know a better "nuisance"t han Anichebe and Chelsea are vulnerable without John Terry if you go after them at the back.Even Cech is showing erratic signs lately.We can only hope that their nerves get the better of them. John Charles 5 Posted 07/01/2008 at 23:15:12 Report abuse I think he might be tempted into Baines left midfield ala Naymsith so as to give the 5. That depends if Yobo is fit of course. Also I think AJ wide right on midfield with his running and pace could be really useful... but he hasnt really tried that before. I only wish we had a fit team for this game.Also, remember Bremen home and he tried the diamond 4 in the middle? I thught it was crap then and I think irts crap now sp hopefulyl he doesnt do that... Neville on the right of midfield good grief.Talking of Neville - very good right back, crap midfielder. If i was picking the team id goHoward, BACK 4: Nev-Joey-Jags-JoleonMID 5 : AJ-Cars-Cahill-Grav-Faddy1: Yak.Graveson is way past it, but either Graveson or Hibbert simply has too play. Of course, he wont play this team haha. David Moore 6 Posted 08/01/2008 at 11:33:49 Report abuse What about Shandy Andy? He is with Cahill on ou list of fit attacking midfielders. Let him play and see what he can do. © ToffeeWeb