The Mail Bag
Hibberts not good enough
Comments (20)
I just hope now after our defeat at Reading, Moyes replaces Hibbert for either Jags or Neville. Although the defence froze slightly (for their goal), and Stubbs should have done better, Hibbert's half hearted challenge could have changed the outcome of the game. I know he's good in the tackle, but every other part of his game is woeful - especially his distribution. I think Mr Moyes should use the Reading game as an excuse to replace both full backs, as Valente had a shocker to. Hopefully against Blackburn the back four will be Jags Yobo Lescott Baines, happy days, come on the Blues.
Mark Culbert, Posted 20/08/2007 at 10:20:44
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Colm
I think for the second week in a row, we've seen Hibbert having to come racing across the box, a last ditch attempt to prevent ourselves conceding a goal. Personally, I don't blame Hibbert solely for the goal conceded on Saturday. Where was Lescott? In the split second it took for Reading to take that throw in, he was shouting at Valente to pick up another Reading attacker. We ended up with Lescott and Valente out of the equation, with only Stubbs and Hibbert in the box - and Stubbs easily outmuscled by Doyle, the advancing Hunt first to sense the oportunity to score. And that, sadly, he did!
Ray Robinson
1 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:14:19
1 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:14:19
Been saying this for years now but he still gets selected. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a PL player with worse distribution.
Shame really as he’s obviously a committed blue and never moans.
Shame really as he’s obviously a committed blue and never moans.
Steve Smith
2 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:15:46
2 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:15:46
I believe Hibbert has been exposed on a couple of occassions this season for ball watching and losing his man at the back post (Wigan and Werder Bremen spring to mind immediately for when he has been caught out as a result). However, having seen Jagielka at right back at the Palace game I have to say I thought their winger made a mug of him a he looked more comfortable in centre midfield. I think Neville is the good short term solution to the right back problem, but at this moment in time Hibbert and Jags look a bit short. It is early days in the season though.
Danny Mullally
3 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:21:26
3 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:21:26
I think that we are being a little harsh on Hibbert. It is obvious he is not the most cultured of players, but he does get some decent blocks and challenges in that no one seems to notice. I do agree that I think there should be more competition for him though, but he should not be made the scapegoat for what was a weak goal to give away as a team. I thought Stubbs should have defended better, and was more at fault than Hibbert. I also believe that Nuno Valente had a much worse game, so pointing fingers at hibbo is a bit harsh really.
Peter Singer
4 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:20:54
4 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:20:54
Did you actually watch the match or are you just repeating the same "Hibbert’s distribution is poor" bullshit over and over?
Hibbert put in around four dangerous crosses which is actually four more than Arteta and Osman put together.
Yes, he’s to blame with the goal but is he to blame for the ball bouncing over our complete left side, for Stubbs not being able to get to the ball?
He didn’t get much help from the midfield either, even though it was for all to see that Hunt was the only dangerous player in this Reading outfit.
Hibbert put in around four dangerous crosses which is actually four more than Arteta and Osman put together.
Yes, he’s to blame with the goal but is he to blame for the ball bouncing over our complete left side, for Stubbs not being able to get to the ball?
He didn’t get much help from the midfield either, even though it was for all to see that Hunt was the only dangerous player in this Reading outfit.
Shaun Ashton
5 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:27:33
5 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:27:33
How could anyone even back up Hibbert, hes shocking. Ive never known a full back that only passes backwards or sideways, cant run, cant overlap, can hardly cross, cant pass, is clueless, panics when he gets the ball, cant head, loses his man regulary. The only decent, and thats if he times it correctly and gets lucky, is his tackle. NOTHING else, Hibbert is a load of crap, why do you think no-one has ever come in for him? I’d personally rather have 10men because hes a huge liability in our defence, or at least give Jagielka, or at the very least give someone in the youth team a shot.
Peter Laing
6 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:38:46
6 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:38:46
After defeat the easiest thing to do is to start pointing fingers. Moyes I’m sure is well aware of his strongest 11, to compete in Europe and the domestic game it is clear that we need more than 11 and with a squad the likes of Hibbert will figure throughout the season. My preference would be to see Neville at right back with Baines on the left, Yobo and Lescott in the centre. My midfield would comprise of Manny, Jagielka, Cahill and Arteta, up front Johnson and Yakubu.
Chris
7 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:46:31
7 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:46:31
I totally agree, i cannot believe Moyes still perseveres with Hibbert. His passing is awful and to be honest, wouldn’t look out of place in a Sunday League Pub team! Against Man Utd last season at Goodison he was appalling, I was watching the game with a Utd fan who couldn’t believe Hibbert was a professional footballer. I think the solution is for Neville to play right back with Jags in c.midfield until Manny eventually signs! NSNO
Danny Mullally
8 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:48:40
8 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:48:40
Shaun Ashton,
What a splendid analysis on Hibbert, I am sure fans like you provide him with endless reems of confidence. I remember having a debate with a red mate of mine a few years back, saying that a particular player in the RS back four was infuriating, cos he "cant pass forwards, indecisive, negative, wont carry the ball forward" who was he on about? Jaime Carragher.
I am not saying Hibbert is a carragher by any stretch of the imagination, but dickheads who spout off about how shit he is do nothing for themselves, the player or Everton. Bite your tongue and come up with some constructive criticism, then some people might actually listen to what you have to say.
What a splendid analysis on Hibbert, I am sure fans like you provide him with endless reems of confidence. I remember having a debate with a red mate of mine a few years back, saying that a particular player in the RS back four was infuriating, cos he "cant pass forwards, indecisive, negative, wont carry the ball forward" who was he on about? Jaime Carragher.
I am not saying Hibbert is a carragher by any stretch of the imagination, but dickheads who spout off about how shit he is do nothing for themselves, the player or Everton. Bite your tongue and come up with some constructive criticism, then some people might actually listen to what you have to say.
Chris
9 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:56:56
9 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:56:56
The proof is in the pudding Danny. Let’s not all fall out about this but game after game the same is said, no one doubts Hibbert’s commitment and energy but to succeed in the PL now you need to be technically gifted and confident. Children when going thru Youth systems are harshly told their downfalls and why they wont make it as a pro so I think Hibbert would be able to take the criticism. I think u need to grow up and realise that sometimes for a club to move forwards you have to be harsh.
Peter Singer
10 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:59:51
10 Posted 20/08/2007 at 11:59:51
Shaun Ashton, please take a look at the facts:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml;jsessionid=T1WMKA3YKR5RVQFIQMGCFF4AVCBQUIV0?view=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/sport/2007/08/19/sfgrea119.xml
Yes, Hibbo’s overall passing success is not very good, which is no surprise as he received little or no support in his struggle with Hunt.
But what is clearly to be seen is that his passes are directed forward, not backwards or sideways as you suggest.
And blaming our defense fot a defeat when our only real chance came from a spectacular McFadden solo effort is dodgy at best.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml;jsessionid=T1WMKA3YKR5RVQFIQMGCFF4AVCBQUIV0?view=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/sport/2007/08/19/sfgrea119.xml
Yes, Hibbo’s overall passing success is not very good, which is no surprise as he received little or no support in his struggle with Hunt.
But what is clearly to be seen is that his passes are directed forward, not backwards or sideways as you suggest.
And blaming our defense fot a defeat when our only real chance came from a spectacular McFadden solo effort is dodgy at best.
Brian Donnelly
11 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:46:30
11 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:46:30
To my mind, Lescott was mainly at fault for their goal. He was in the wrong position and he was too busy trying to sort something out with Valente instead of concentrating on what was going on.
I really like Lescott but he has been mainly responsible for all the goals that we have conceded, so far. For the Watford game he was too far forward and for the Spurs game he was marking Gardner who scored.
Admittedly Hibbert should have done better, but the ball shouldn?t have reached that far in the first place.
I really like Lescott but he has been mainly responsible for all the goals that we have conceded, so far. For the Watford game he was too far forward and for the Spurs game he was marking Gardner who scored.
Admittedly Hibbert should have done better, but the ball shouldn?t have reached that far in the first place.
Shaun Ashton
12 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:47:02
12 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:47:02
Hibbert is not a premiership player, just probably make it as a championship player. Hibbert has not changed the way he has played, ever since he got into the first team. Surely Jagielka is a lot better?
Ray
13 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:46:21
13 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:46:21
In defence of those who criticise Hibbert, myself included, his failings are obvious not just last Saturday but over many seasons. I didn’t see the Reading game, therefore cannot criticise this particular goal or his play in this match.
I’m perplexed to understand how someone who graduated through the Academy where the "pass and move" mantra is so ingrained, ever got as far as the first team.
Having said that I’m never actually going to barrack the guy as long as he remains as committed as he is. It’s just that the higher the quality of the opposition, the more vital it is to be comfortable in possession - esecially in Europe.
I’m perplexed to understand how someone who graduated through the Academy where the "pass and move" mantra is so ingrained, ever got as far as the first team.
Having said that I’m never actually going to barrack the guy as long as he remains as committed as he is. It’s just that the higher the quality of the opposition, the more vital it is to be comfortable in possession - esecially in Europe.
Ste B
14 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:47:34
14 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:47:34
I’d go along with the Neville to right back argument. Hibbert’s not as awful as people say (competent positionally and in tackle) but Neville has similar qualities and gives a little more going forward....just a little, mind!
That would create more places in midfield where we need to see more invention and better passing (Nev’s always seems shaky when playing here) to create more opportunities....hopefully from Pienaar or Manny if he comes. Carsley still gives the defensive aspect, we don’t need both him and Nev covering there.
That would create more places in midfield where we need to see more invention and better passing (Nev’s always seems shaky when playing here) to create more opportunities....hopefully from Pienaar or Manny if he comes. Carsley still gives the defensive aspect, we don’t need both him and Nev covering there.
Mark Stone
15 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:55:04
15 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:55:04
I though Hibbo did well on Sat. He’s a cracking defender, week in week out. You lot must have been watching a different game
Allan
16 Posted 20/08/2007 at 13:03:17
16 Posted 20/08/2007 at 13:03:17
Totally agree with Colm on this one, I was directly behind Lescott on Saturday, about 20 feet behind him in fact and as the throw came in, he wasn’t even looking at de la Cruz as he threw it, he was shouting at Valente so had no chance of getting to it. I had more chance of clearing it than he did - I was bellowing at him to watch what he was doing, but these footballers never pay any attention to anything I say to them (as me missus always points out!)
We didnt deserve to win on Saturday, they beat us at our own game - score one and sit on it. Oh yeah and one other thing, when the opposition plays with 2 out & out wingers, lets push on them a bit and not sit back with Hibbo and Valente utterly exposed - schoolboy tactical errors and no mistake.
We didnt deserve to win on Saturday, they beat us at our own game - score one and sit on it. Oh yeah and one other thing, when the opposition plays with 2 out & out wingers, lets push on them a bit and not sit back with Hibbo and Valente utterly exposed - schoolboy tactical errors and no mistake.
Peter Singer
17 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:56:55
17 Posted 20/08/2007 at 12:56:55
During pre-season you could see Jagielka easily beaten by his winger not once. He’s better in the air but his passing from right-back didn’t seem as an improvement over Hibbo. He’s obviously quicker though.
With Neville also being capable to play right-back we have many different defensive options, some more suitable against teams with quick wingers, some for teams that try to break through the middle and even for handling cross-field long ball tactics. Our setup was good for this occasion but for one aspect: our defense against set-pieces, particularly throw-ins is absolutely miserable. We conceded two out of three from set-pieces and you can’t say they involved very cunning combinations, they were fairly basic ones.
With Neville also being capable to play right-back we have many different defensive options, some more suitable against teams with quick wingers, some for teams that try to break through the middle and even for handling cross-field long ball tactics. Our setup was good for this occasion but for one aspect: our defense against set-pieces, particularly throw-ins is absolutely miserable. We conceded two out of three from set-pieces and you can’t say they involved very cunning combinations, they were fairly basic ones.
Brian Noble
18 Posted 20/08/2007 at 13:32:45
18 Posted 20/08/2007 at 13:32:45
Colm;How dare you criticise Lescott!He’s sacred to most Evertonians-just like Johnson whereas Hibbert is the man they love to hate.Next we know, you’ll be saying that Arteta was off his game when it’s Neville you should be criticising.Please learn the drill before you post again!
jayharris
19 Posted 20/08/2007 at 14:02:39
19 Posted 20/08/2007 at 14:02:39
Lets stop treating Tony Hibbert as the latest whipping boy when things go wrong.
There were a number of things that were obvious.Yobo is rightside biased whereas Lescott and Stubbs are left side bias.We also had Leon pushed up in support of Vic and AJ.Reading play a very wide game with Hunt constantly having a one on one with Hibbo who I thought handled him quite well apart from the goal.In terms of passing/distribution I dont think Neville is any better in fact I think he’s one of the poorest passers of the ball I have seen in a blue shirt.THE GOAL the only criticism I have of Hibbo in this game came as a result of eveybody going to sleep.Lescott,Valente,Stubbs and lets not ignore our hero, Tater, who had the worst game ever (Maybe he heard there was a doubt about Manny signing too.Lescott has been involved in all the errors so far this season so lets also stop putting stubbsy out to graze at the expense of a Yobo/Lescott pairing.I would also like to know why the fuck we payed 10 mill for 2 players to put them on the bench.
There were a number of things that were obvious.Yobo is rightside biased whereas Lescott and Stubbs are left side bias.We also had Leon pushed up in support of Vic and AJ.Reading play a very wide game with Hunt constantly having a one on one with Hibbo who I thought handled him quite well apart from the goal.In terms of passing/distribution I dont think Neville is any better in fact I think he’s one of the poorest passers of the ball I have seen in a blue shirt.THE GOAL the only criticism I have of Hibbo in this game came as a result of eveybody going to sleep.Lescott,Valente,Stubbs and lets not ignore our hero, Tater, who had the worst game ever (Maybe he heard there was a doubt about Manny signing too.Lescott has been involved in all the errors so far this season so lets also stop putting stubbsy out to graze at the expense of a Yobo/Lescott pairing.I would also like to know why the fuck we payed 10 mill for 2 players to put them on the bench.
Joe McMahon
20 Posted 20/08/2007 at 16:00:35
20 Posted 20/08/2007 at 16:00:35
Two things... well three: First - Tony Hibbert is just not up to the job, and never has been.
And I have always said on several occasions on here AJ, is just not going to score the goals, he is not a goal scorer. Christ why didn't we sign Benni McCarthy, before Blackburn for 2.5 mill.
Thirs - errr wherer are are the 2 new faces???. Bloody hell - I hope we get them in before Sat, as Rovers will fuck the same line up that played Reading.
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