ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Steven Pienaar

I would just like to ask a few questions about Steven Pinaar. What position does he play? I have been told centarlly by some and other sources such as the Echo claim he is a winger. He looks very central to me but I think Moyes might stick him out on the wing like Arteta. His situation looks very similar to Arteta's. Both seen as very talented youngsters who failed to fulfill their potential. Both very skillful creative players who where seen as too lightweight to succeed in Scotland/England. Hopefully Pienaar can follow in Arteta's footsteps and become our next creative force.
Connor Rohrer, Toxteth, Liverpool Posted 21/07/2007 at 19:03:29

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Nick Whitham
1 Posted 21/07/2007 at 21:23:43

He preffers rightwing, can also play down the centre he can also on the left (though he apparently dislikes that position somewhat.. He wants to play on the right according to Dortmund fans. Think Dortmund played him in the centre but while at Ajax at his best played on the right. I assume if all goes to plan Arteta will move back to the centre. If Steven plays anything like he did for Ajax I am excited at the prospect of Evertons midfield we should see a lot more in terms of the quality balls that cut defences and enable the likes of AJ to pounce on. Think it should mean more crossing. I know its a big If but if Shandy starts getting his act together and start useing his great football ability rather than his Babycream gettin pissed ability, and does the same on the left - next season will be interestin to say the least.

Fingers crossed.

Stuart Mitchell
2 Posted 21/07/2007 at 21:44:18

From what I have read about him him he is great on the ball, strong for his statue and known for pin point passing, will make a nice change from Osman given the ball away constantly

I have one concern, is that he has had some knee ligament and nerve damage a few years ago, hopefully this injury is nicely healed up now history.

Connor Rohrer
3 Posted 21/07/2007 at 22:11:36

To be honest I dont want Arteta playing centre mid. He plays all his best stuff on the left and right wing. He is far to lightweight to be playing in the middle. I do agree though we need a passer In the middle. Fernandes would have been perfect but it is obviously not going to happen. Maybe Vogel or De silva can step in.

I think if we give that Anderson De silva a chance to adapt he will become a good footballer. Judging by the Bournmouth, Preston and Northern Ireland games he has a very good range of passing, covers a lot of groud and is physically good. Its just the pace of the game he needs to get used to. Releasing the ball early instead of dwelling on the ball. I was suprised to see our tall brazilian had been linked with Arsensal in the past so he must not be that bad.

Tony Hawkins
4 Posted 21/07/2007 at 22:17:54

The idea of having to quality wingers next season is prospect I hadn’t considered possible at the close of the season BUT if AVDM pulls himself together and Pienaar gets his visa, Everton could have a midfield we’ve not seen in a LONG time - Pienaar, Arteta, Cahill, AVDM

Lots of "ifs" and "coulds"... lets hope eh!

George Pam
5 Posted 21/07/2007 at 23:48:53

I agree with Connor. I too had initial reservations about Arteta’s move to the wings but the game has changed so much recent years that to be an effective CM in a four man midfield you would have to be some type of human collosas-a cross between Patrick Viera and Mr T,and thats why i felt so disappointed on losing out on Sissoko. I feel Arteta’s talents, by his own admission, have been best utilised and furthered on the wings where he has alot more time on the ball, without the likes of Essien breathing down his neck (not like he couldn’t turn him inside out mind ;).

As for Pienaar I’ll reserve judgement until later. I whole heartedly hope he proves to be an astute purchase and earns himself a permanent contract. But I believe it’s to early to make any predictions (based, on my part, solely on a flattering montage of Youtube footage). He could turn out to be purchase in the same bracket as Arteta or conversely in the same bracket as AvdM. who knows? Only time will tell.

Anyway I think the days of the out and out winger are fast declining. In this prozone day and age managers/coaches are becoming tiresome of players who don’t put in their "shift and more" on the pitch (most notably wingers, case in point being Arjen Robben’s fall form grace at Stamford Bridge). Instead opting for less penetrative but harder working alternatives. Though destructive on their day, capable wingers are becoming an ever incresingly rare commodity and to secure the services of such said player requires the payment of top dollar.

Further, if we got Fernandes back on loan or otherwise I would personally butter Mr Wyness’ puddings for the resultant fortnight.

David Barks
6 Posted 22/07/2007 at 00:32:14

I don’t see Arteta moving back to the middle. He has done well on the wing and Moyes will use a holding midfielder. The more likely midfield will be: Arteta, Cahill, Vogel or Carsley, and Pienaar. Although he could actually use a 4-5-1 but this time we would actually have midfielders who could threaten the goal with AVM, Arteta, Cahill, Carsley or Vogel, and Pienaar, with Johnson up front. Arteta, Cahill, and Pienaar are all very capable of goals with Cahill and Pienaar playing just behind Johnson. I like our team if we do complete the signings of Vogel and Pienaar and I think that with the injury to Vaughan signing Alan Smith would be a great idea. The guy will be hungry to prove himself, and that can really spur a guy on with the work ethic that Smith has shown.

Amin
7 Posted 22/07/2007 at 01:06:04

To me the best thing about the signings of Pienaar, and soon to be signed Jogel, and the departure of Naysmith is that it’ll keep our captain where he best belong; as a DEFENDER!!!

Andrew Gaule
8 Posted 22/07/2007 at 01:36:29

I am intrigued by Moyes’ signing of Pienaar (and Vogel). The really weird thing is that EFC will have all the makings of a "flair midfield". This is an objective that most people would not automatically ascribe to Moyes’ and his "hard working ethic".

Smith as an additional forward/midfielder signing would make Everton a potent force in the Premier League next season.

Of course there is a need for everyone to "gel" as a team. Its a pity that everyone isn’t in place for the pre-season stuff.

All in all though I like EFC saving their money, reducing their debt while at the same time pressing for Europe with some astute signings. I think Moyes and the senior management at EFC are doing the right thing by being prudent with the cash.

Alan Humphreys
9 Posted 22/07/2007 at 13:03:07

Andrew makes a very valid point, we constantly hear of the team spirit amongst the team which was clearly benefited last year by the summer signings being made early and given the pre-season to bond.

My worry is that, unlike the 3 players last year (who had all plied their trade in this country), that Vogel and Pienaar have no Premiership/English experience.

However the flip side to that, as we go into Europe, may just prove the dealy in their capture was worthwile especially in that campaign.

I must admit, on paper at least, our midfield is looking exciting - but that’s the optimist in me, the pessemist reminds me that Pienaar is waiting on a Visa and Vogel is have contractual problems...

Ray Hughes
10 Posted 23/07/2007 at 08:44:00

I must admit what I have seen of Steven Pienaar so far excites me and without putting pressure on the guy I think he could be a key member for us next season..He certainly is a flair player..The fact Arsenal wanted him in December 2005 suggests his name has been talked about before..I saw him play for Ajax in the Champions League and he looks like a player who wants the ball at his feet and runs at players..His style is completly different to that of Osmans whose games relies on neat touches and popping up in the box now and again( although we never saw many goals last year from Ossie) Im thinking Pienaar will replace Osman to begin with but who knows for sure..I also hope that somehow we can capture Johann Vogel..He is an excellent passer of the ball and has vast experience playing international football for more than ten years..Alex Ferguson wanted him but couldnt get him, lets show him what he has missed..We also do need another striker for certain now after the sad news of Vaughan.Perhaps though we just have to accept that with Vaughans style of play he will always get knocks and injuries, just a shame its one that will keep him out so long..Alan Smith seems the choice but I would have had Viduka first..Only his wages to pay and his goals record last season...14 from 29 matches.. Smith will add competition nevertheless.. I just wonder all those people who clamour for Nugent..I wonder if they would have raved about a far from prolific Nugent should he have not been a fan of the club, or had he been a up and coming Scot or Welsh international?. Michael Chopra anyone?. Scored ten more goals than Nugent, nobody wanted him..Nugent could be class but he could be another Michael Branch..The next Fowler??? Doubt it

timefc07
11 Posted 23/07/2007 at 14:08:35

type his name in on you tube and some body has made a video about him - he looks good some of his passes are excellent