ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Midfield General?

Watching the Bolton game yesterday I came to the conclusion that playing Neville and Carsley together in the centre just doesn't work. When Gravesen came on late in the game, we took control of the ball a lot more and dictated the pace of the game. This killed off Bolton's charge and allowed us to slow the game back down.

Although he made a difference in the game, does Moyes really see the Gravedigger as our midfield general? He'll be a really decent backup for sure but I've read many comments about how we should have signed a midfield general before the deadline...

But here's a radical thought: WE ALREADY HAVE OUR MIDFIELD GENERAL!

Remember the days when a certain little Mikel Arteta played in the centre of the park and dictated the pace and tempo of each game? I say put him back there and play Osman and Pienaar on the wings. With the added space in central midfield, Arteta will have a lot more freedom and be able to dictate the game a lot more from that position.

He's being shut down by opposition defenders a lot more nowadays as they know he's our key creative influence. Out on the flanks, he has a lot less space to play around with. Play Jagielka with him and move Neville to right back. Osman and Pienaar on the wings and we should see lots of nice inter-play between our midfielders.
Gerald Foo, Singapore Posted 02/09/2007 at 06:53:44

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Comments

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Dominic Fitzpatrick
1 Posted 02/09/2007 at 16:31:05

I think you will see Mikel play numerous positions this season.

I am still undecided on where his best position is. Is he a winger, putting to use that excellent crossing ability of his, or is he a centralm midfielder, dictating play with his quick feet and good passing?

The truth is, without Mikel on the left or right, we have NO width in the midfield whatsoever. Do we really want to be sacrificing this by pushing him in-field?

I totally agree with the Carsley-Neville comment, especially after Blackburn.

For me, Neville is and will always be a fullback, not a midfield general. Jagielka is better suited to this position simply because when he receives the ball, he looks up the pitch and not sideways or backwards.

Jimmy Last
2 Posted 02/09/2007 at 17:19:40

how oh how will mikky have MORE space in the congested middle of the park than out on the wing??

Dom Eaton
3 Posted 02/09/2007 at 17:11:53

Agree totally with Nevile at right back, never like our style when he is in midfield. Also think that Jags looks very comfortable on the ball so stick him in that holding central midfield role.I think when Tiny’s back in six weeks Mikel should be used wide and swith flanks a number of times during the game to confuse the defenders, he has a sweet right foot as we know but has has the skill from the left to turn a player and still find the likes of AJ. I’m still not 100% convinced by Ossie (sorry Ossie) and Piennar still needs time.
Ive also got a sneeky feeling that Mad Dog will prove to be a hit again, what odds on the mercurail one signing him on a permanant deal for a couple of seasons at the end of this campaign? Best squad we have had for years.

Chris Dawson
4 Posted 02/09/2007 at 17:41:57

We could opt to use a diamond formation with one of Piennar, Osman or Cahill (when he is back) at the tip, one of Carsley, Neville or Jagielka at the base with Mikky & Graveson taking up the other two positions.

We used it in pre-season to good effect, why not now?

Connor Rohrer
5 Posted 02/09/2007 at 19:54:54

Arteta is not a midfield general. He is not an Alonso or a Gravesen. Limiting him to just dictating the game would take alot from his game. His is a ball player and an excellent dribbler. He is far to talented and to lightweight to be playing that sort of role.

Jason Libby
6 Posted 02/09/2007 at 21:33:52

Arteta has never been a midfield general and never will, but he is the class we need to move forward. I want all EVERTONIANS to get behind our current squad and stop thinking bad and look to the bright future. We will win a cup SOON. COYBB