ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Small Squad A Good Thing?

Most of us have spent all summer complaining that having such a small squad will be Everton's undoing this season but is there an argument that the small squad may actually be a blessing in disguise?

Take Spurs for example, they have four arguably world class strikers, which on paper sounds great, but watching them play tells another story.

Berbatov was visibly annoyed being taken off in the first game, Bent is struggling to settle and when DaFoe came on against us he flashed a shot laughable wide because he was so desperate to make an impression in his short game time.

Many of the larger squads have a problem of not having a settled side and having disgruntled players upsetting things because they cannot get into the team.

Everton on the other hand have a small, high quality squad which thrives on the team spirit it has built.

Moyes has a very settled team and knows exactly what he can expect when he sends them out. AVDM aside there aren't any disgruntled characters causing problems.

It's always good to have quality on the bench, but isn't that what we have? Our bench this weekend could contain Pienaar, Jagielka, Baines and possibly Fernandes. And thats without Cahill and Vaughan. Sounds pretty good.

West Ham have spent millions this season but their dressing room contains characters like Bellamy, Neill, Bowyer and now Dyer. Compare that group of big-time charlies to model professionals like Stubbs and Neville and you can see why we are so much better then them.

Now I know the flaw in this argument is a injury crises. I accept that three or four more injuries will cause a problem.

But barring an injury crises, I really believe a small, high quality side with great character can go far.
Dutch Schaffaer, London Posted 16/08/2007 at 15:31:57

back Return to the Mail Bag

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

Toffee
1 Posted 16/08/2007 at 19:18:09

Dutch,

Have to agree totally fella!

Brace yaself for the Tony’s and Brians ready to shoot you down!!!

COYB!!

Dan Mckie
2 Posted 16/08/2007 at 19:24:39

I think 2 or 3 more players would be ideal and i think we may get them in before the window shuts! Even if we do get Manny and Yak or whoever else,I’ll still shit myself if Mikky gets injured tho but that is just how good he has become!I cant remember his last bad game!

RayRobinson
3 Posted 16/08/2007 at 20:07:25

I agree with the principle of what you’re saying. After all Crouch and Sissoko at Liverpool are already voicing their concerns over not being in their team.

I just think that the UEFA Thursday / Sunday routine would take too big a toll on a thin squad, especially if we progress in the other cups.

It’s a delicate balance but I think we’v already seen that we don’t have enough front men - even at this stage of the season.

Roy coyne
4 Posted 16/08/2007 at 21:15:34

Dutch mate the part where you say if we avoid injuries says it all .We don’t need a squad of Chelsea or man utd size but I think we need at least another three or four players at minimum

Roy Harvey
5 Posted 16/08/2007 at 23:16:12

Well it looks like that Mido is on his wasy to ’Boro so i wonder if that means he will be the replacement for Yakubu??

Andy Callan
6 Posted 17/08/2007 at 12:40:37

Totally agree mate.

Imagine how much bugle is gunna be snorted at West Ham this season. There stands a business opportunity I think...!!!!!! Ha.

Up the blues....

Mark Wynne
7 Posted 17/08/2007 at 13:04:20

Before you start eulogising too much Dutch, remember that assuming we sign Yakubu come January and the African Nations Cup we will be Yakubu, Pienaar, Yobo and Anichebe down for a month. Add a couple of winter injuries and our squad is still thinner than Kate Moss with a tapeworm. Bear in mind the FA cup 3rd round is about then with a rush of Premier League fixtures while the Champions League entrants have their couple of months off from from Euro competition and things could be very hairy round Goodison way.