The Mail Bag
James McFadden
Comments (32)
James McFadden just scored another fantastic goal for Scotland against France and scored over the weekend for them as well, he has had two very good appearances for us, getting a goal in one of them, but seems to be 4th in the pecking order. Do you think it might be a good idea to give him a go with Yakubu against United and maybe give AJ a break, especially with the fixture crunch over the next few weeks? He seems to be in great form, why shouldn't we capitalize on it?
I also am not too worried about Yakubu and Victor leaving for the African Nations Cup later in the season. We'll have AJ, McFadden and Vaughan will be back by then, so we should have plenty of cover when that happens. We can also throw Cahill up to support the strikers, but I think it will be the loss of Yobo that will hurt us the most.
David Barks, Posted 12/09/2007 at 21:27:45
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Iain Thomson
2 Posted 12/09/2007 at 22:15:02
2 Posted 12/09/2007 at 22:15:02
Another day, another McFadden wondergoal... What is going on!! In the aftermath of what is a stunning result for Scotland who under Berti were minging.
Does McFadden do what he does for his country because the fans sing his name regardless of his head-down mistakes? And his manager embraces his unpredictability. Moyes! ? give the lad some games up front.
Nicko Favioli
3 Posted 12/09/2007 at 23:04:45
3 Posted 12/09/2007 at 23:04:45
After watching McFadden's goal against France, it made me start to wonder... off the top of my head he has scored some truly great goals: the one tonight, the one on Saturday, Charlton, Fulham, Middlesbrough, Villa etc. McFadden truly is an enigma, he is genuinely capable of the sublime, but as we know he is also capable of the sublimely shite. Considering he has no pace and he is not the strongest/tallest, he really does have a lot technically; however, the big question is: Just where does he fit into our team?
I really do feel an extended run in the starting eleven would reap the benefits for both himself and the blues but, then again, I would rather see Yakubu and Johnson named in the team lineup...
Scott Milne
4 Posted 13/09/2007 at 03:49:56
4 Posted 13/09/2007 at 03:49:56
Everton FC - Home to one of the most frustratingly enigmatic players I've ever seen...
McFadden once again proved how devastatingly brilliant his finishing (positioning, vision etc as well) can be with what must have been close to his only glimpse of goal the whole match...
I'm glad we've kept hold of him and I'm very glad at the moment that he's Scottish! Maybe he'll prove to be a hit in Europe, leave the EPL to Yak & AJ... Watch out Kharkiv!
chris keightley
5 Posted 13/09/2007 at 08:46:39
5 Posted 13/09/2007 at 08:46:39
I posted on here two weeks ago that mcfadden should start due to the injurys we have had to attacking options, i was laughed off, but hey the guys scored two superb goals against oposition that would hold its own on the european stage, whos laughing now the lads got a touch of class bring him in moyes.
patty blue
6 Posted 13/09/2007 at 08:55:12
6 Posted 13/09/2007 at 08:55:12
Perhaps Fadders is the Scottish Rooney after all!! Hopefully he can score some of these screamers for his Club as well as Scotland.
Chris Lawlor
7 Posted 13/09/2007 at 09:01:48
7 Posted 13/09/2007 at 09:01:48
Get him in there Moyesy. I’ve been thinking about this all the way to work on the train. AJ is running his socks off trying to find teh net and to his credit he’s helping others find it instead. McFads has to be given his chance now, He’ll be high on confidence and that should not be quashed by Moyes. What harm would it be to give him a start and bring a rested AJ into the fray later in the game? As others have stated Fads is capable of the sublime and the shite but I cannot see a player go from one end of the spectrum to the other in teh space of 3 days. Well done Faddy, I’ll be there on Saturday singing your praises!! COYB
Anthony Osullivan
8 Posted 13/09/2007 at 09:18:00
8 Posted 13/09/2007 at 09:18:00
Ive been backing Mcfadden since he arrived and ive been getting slatted because of it, I spotted something in him a long time ago but what i have allways thought is if he doesnt have time to think he is class ( like spinning on the ball and hitting it last night V France or his goal of the season last minute wonder strike last season) but as soon as he starts thinking the head goes down and he runs into trouble
Peter Singer
9 Posted 13/09/2007 at 09:29:16
9 Posted 13/09/2007 at 09:29:16
Scott Milne, that’s exactly what I think. In England, defenders stand on your feet as soon as you cross the halfway line and if you do manage to escape, they sweep you away without hesitation.
Europe, however, is different. Defending mostly tightens gradually as you approach the box. Midfielders tend to cover ground rather than man-mark every attacker. They make up for this weakness with numbers and that’s where flair comes in the picture.
Faddy doesn’t have the pace to beat his defender but if given a few yards of open space to speed up, he might be able to do for us what he does for his national team.
I’m pretty sure that against Metalist we’ll have more chance to shoot from the distance than in three PL games in a row. I hope we can capitalize on that and I know that Faddy can do it.
Europe, however, is different. Defending mostly tightens gradually as you approach the box. Midfielders tend to cover ground rather than man-mark every attacker. They make up for this weakness with numbers and that’s where flair comes in the picture.
Faddy doesn’t have the pace to beat his defender but if given a few yards of open space to speed up, he might be able to do for us what he does for his national team.
I’m pretty sure that against Metalist we’ll have more chance to shoot from the distance than in three PL games in a row. I hope we can capitalize on that and I know that Faddy can do it.
Rob F
10 Posted 13/09/2007 at 09:43:26
10 Posted 13/09/2007 at 09:43:26
it supports what Moyes says, about having ’options from the bench’, but also more than that we now have ’horses for courses’.
if macfadden can keep up this run of form we really do have a well balanced strike force - one quick u’n, one big ’un, one tricky ’un, and 2 young lads coming through ...
and yes, yobo will be missed - before next season we really need to find a new centre back to cover ANC duty and replace stubbs
if macfadden can keep up this run of form we really do have a well balanced strike force - one quick u’n, one big ’un, one tricky ’un, and 2 young lads coming through ...
and yes, yobo will be missed - before next season we really need to find a new centre back to cover ANC duty and replace stubbs
Peter Laing
11 Posted 13/09/2007 at 09:48:31
11 Posted 13/09/2007 at 09:48:31
Would it be concievable to start with the Yak and McFadden up front against Manure and play Andy Johnson out wide. Johnson always looks good coming inside with the ball from wide positions, I am less convinced that he is all that prolific in and around the box. Not exactly the type of game for experimental line-ups but something to think about all the same, McFadden it would be argued on his form should be included.
Brian Donnelly
12 Posted 13/09/2007 at 10:17:13
12 Posted 13/09/2007 at 10:17:13
We won away at Bolton and AJ & Yakubu played well together. Why would you change it? Don?t underestimate what the pace of AJ gives to Everton ? he is very important to our team.
We have all seen plenty of McFadden over the years. He has a lot of skill and occasionally hits superb goals, but too often he doesn?t know when to release the ball, he is easily brushed off the ball and his contribution is negligible.
More than likely he?ll get his chance from the bench on Saturday and for the moment that is where he should be. Incidentally, he didn?t start for Scotland in the first game and he is probably more effective coming on as a sub than playing for the full 90 minutes.
We have all seen plenty of McFadden over the years. He has a lot of skill and occasionally hits superb goals, but too often he doesn?t know when to release the ball, he is easily brushed off the ball and his contribution is negligible.
More than likely he?ll get his chance from the bench on Saturday and for the moment that is where he should be. Incidentally, he didn?t start for Scotland in the first game and he is probably more effective coming on as a sub than playing for the full 90 minutes.
Neil Pearse
13 Posted 13/09/2007 at 10:25:47
13 Posted 13/09/2007 at 10:25:47
Still think McFadden is best used as a great supersub. He creates things for himself, but does not create things for others. AJ on the other hand creates goals for others, and in general makes the team tick. And AJ I am sure will soon be on the goal trail again himself.
MARTIN BERRY
14 Posted 13/09/2007 at 10:30:55
14 Posted 13/09/2007 at 10:30:55
Maybe someone who watched the Scotland game last night can put me right on this one. McFadden was described as a midfielder in the papers today, where did he play, upfront or behind the front two ?. Could McFadden do a Gravesen role of making that telling pass from an attacking midfield role that Tommy plays so well.Additionally that is the territory which would allow him a crack at goal from distance which he appears to be doing so well with Scotland. If he can stop this tendency to frequently lose possesion, then we could have a player on our hands
MARTIN BERRY
15 Posted 13/09/2007 at 10:30:55
15 Posted 13/09/2007 at 10:30:55
Maybe someone who watched the Scotland game last night can put me right on this one. McFadden was described as a midfielder in the papers today, where did he play, upfront or behind the front two ?. Could McFadden do a Gravesen role of making that telling pass from an attacking midfield role that Tommy plays so well.Additionally that is the territory which would allow him a crack at goal from distance which he appears to be doing so well with Scotland. If he can stop this tendency to frequently lose possesion, then we could have a player on our hands
Nick Wall
16 Posted 13/09/2007 at 10:59:33
16 Posted 13/09/2007 at 10:59:33
Don’t know which papers you read - McFadden played as a lone striker.
Allan Hobbs
17 Posted 13/09/2007 at 11:07:11
17 Posted 13/09/2007 at 11:07:11
Why do people say things like, "get him in the team Moysey" Does David Moyes read toffeeweb?
I’ve been called pointless by a few people on here in recent days for posting about upcoming games and how I’m looking forward to them, but if ever there were a pointless post its the ones calling for DM to play certain players.
McFadden will only ever be an enigma. End of.
I’ve been called pointless by a few people on here in recent days for posting about upcoming games and how I’m looking forward to them, but if ever there were a pointless post its the ones calling for DM to play certain players.
McFadden will only ever be an enigma. End of.
James Elworthy
18 Posted 13/09/2007 at 11:21:39
18 Posted 13/09/2007 at 11:21:39
McFadden must be returning to Everton full of confidence after 2 magnificent goals, put him on the left wing let him destroy Wes Brown or O’Shea whoever plays there as he must have bundles of confidence this eek. Now is the time McFadden must show his true worth as an Everton player.
Andy Lea
19 Posted 13/09/2007 at 12:37:49
19 Posted 13/09/2007 at 12:37:49
I for one hope that Jamie does get a chance for us to show what he can do as part of a front two, with him being given licence to roam.
Think the main thing to consider is at International level the pace is nowhere near what it is in the Premiership - lot more patient approach from the other teams - in the SPL its even slower, hence Jamie is finding/has found more time on the ball with Scotland/Motherwell where he is still a legend. With lack of starts and bad luck with injuries he has never had that run of games for him to completely adapt.
When he first joined he was on fire but sadly we have only seen glimpses since.
Some great goals tell us there is definitely something there with the lad - the Charlton goal was awesome and the Blackburn goal was instinctive.
One of two outcomes I feel - he adapts and becomes a very useful player for us or we sell him back to SPL big two for decent money based on his Scotland performances. Both for the lad and EFC I hope its the first one
Think the main thing to consider is at International level the pace is nowhere near what it is in the Premiership - lot more patient approach from the other teams - in the SPL its even slower, hence Jamie is finding/has found more time on the ball with Scotland/Motherwell where he is still a legend. With lack of starts and bad luck with injuries he has never had that run of games for him to completely adapt.
When he first joined he was on fire but sadly we have only seen glimpses since.
Some great goals tell us there is definitely something there with the lad - the Charlton goal was awesome and the Blackburn goal was instinctive.
One of two outcomes I feel - he adapts and becomes a very useful player for us or we sell him back to SPL big two for decent money based on his Scotland performances. Both for the lad and EFC I hope its the first one
James Byrne
20 Posted 13/09/2007 at 12:56:12
20 Posted 13/09/2007 at 12:56:12
Lets build him up right up until January for the transfer window and offload him to Real Madrid or Chelsea for 25 Million; seriously he is absolute garbage with the odd knack of scoring sublime goals. If we could exchange his goals for a great first touch, the ability to pass a ball or get into a good position on a consistent basis we would be onto a winner. He’s crap, end of!
Mark Pendleton
21 Posted 13/09/2007 at 13:06:36
21 Posted 13/09/2007 at 13:06:36
As i’ve said in another thread, 4-3-3 with AJ, Yak and Faddy is the way to go. Plays to all their strengths i think as AJ and Faddy quite capable of running the channels and they can alternate a bit. As for dropping AJ, ok he isn’t scoring at the moment, but he’s creating, causing defenders problems and if he wasn’t there i think you’d maybe affect the space created of supply line for the ones who are scoring.
Anthony Newell
22 Posted 13/09/2007 at 13:19:48
22 Posted 13/09/2007 at 13:19:48
What utter nonsense. Cash in on him now. The odd screamer doesn’t compensate for a player who simply can’t do the basics. Terry Butcher said this morning that he reckons he should have sold him for 10 mill. I’d take that any day of the week
Chris Masey
23 Posted 13/09/2007 at 14:11:17
23 Posted 13/09/2007 at 14:11:17
McFadden is quite simply a one-strike wonder player. He is lightweight, frustratingly slow, and contrubutes very little to the game until........BANG...who is it, its McFadden, there is one of his three wonder goals this season. Has anyone ever seen him a score a tap-in??? Has he ever reached double figures for a season?? No! He is good cover, but not a starter, a great impact sub and nothing else. The only reason he does so well for Scotland is because they have no one else. He didn’t even start against Lichenstein, so McLeish must be confident in him!!
James Elworthy
24 Posted 13/09/2007 at 14:19:32
24 Posted 13/09/2007 at 14:19:32
I agree McFadden has never lived up to expectation and potential in an Everton shirt. However Saturday is an opportunity to give him a chance to build on the confidence he has this week which must be sky high. If he is flop on Saturday when he should be buzzing and full of adrenalin I agree sell him in January but this is his big chance to show he can be more than a bit part player with the odd spectacular goal.
Billy Deane
25 Posted 13/09/2007 at 14:53:31
25 Posted 13/09/2007 at 14:53:31
If McFadden scored a goal like the one against France against Utd on Saturdy to win 1-0 he would become an instant legend.
STAND UP AND DELIVER MCFADDEN SATURDAY COULD BE YOUR FINEST HOUR IN A ROYAL BLUE SHIRT.
STAND UP AND DELIVER MCFADDEN SATURDAY COULD BE YOUR FINEST HOUR IN A ROYAL BLUE SHIRT.
chris keightley
26 Posted 13/09/2007 at 15:34:08
26 Posted 13/09/2007 at 15:34:08
why dont all those that think mcfaddens shit do one go support someone else he plays for everton and has limited chance to impress its not that hes shit hes not had a decent run plus i cant remember anyone moaning when he scored what was probably one of the best goals scored in an everton shirt all those slagging off mcfadden should take a look at themselves and decide whether you really support everton it well and truely fucks me off slagging off one of our own how about we bring back beatie or jeffers would that cheer you tossers up.
Lee Mather
27 Posted 13/09/2007 at 15:56:15
27 Posted 13/09/2007 at 15:56:15
McFadden the Scottish Rooney? Don’t make me laugh, Rooney is the English McFadden - Faddy’s a couple of years older!
David Barks
28 Posted 13/09/2007 at 15:57:59
28 Posted 13/09/2007 at 15:57:59
Chris Masey,
McFadden didn’t start against Lichtenstein so you say the manager has no confidence in him. But the manager brought him on as a substitute and said he turned the game around, and he got a goal. Then the manager started him in their biggest game yet against France in France, he scores the winner, the manager has nothing but praise for him. So how does this show that the manager has no confidence in him???? He consistently starts for Scotland and consistently scores goals. I’m not saying he should be an automatic inclusion in our starting eleven, I’m just saying that he has scored 3 goals in the past 3 weeks, so why shouldn’t we try to capitalize on that good form?
McFadden didn’t start against Lichtenstein so you say the manager has no confidence in him. But the manager brought him on as a substitute and said he turned the game around, and he got a goal. Then the manager started him in their biggest game yet against France in France, he scores the winner, the manager has nothing but praise for him. So how does this show that the manager has no confidence in him???? He consistently starts for Scotland and consistently scores goals. I’m not saying he should be an automatic inclusion in our starting eleven, I’m just saying that he has scored 3 goals in the past 3 weeks, so why shouldn’t we try to capitalize on that good form?
Ajay Gopal
29 Posted 13/09/2007 at 17:32:55
29 Posted 13/09/2007 at 17:32:55
David Barks,
You took the words out of my mouth !
Exactly.. We should capitalise on his good form.
Do you think Sam Allardyce would dawdle over whether he should play Michael Owen or go with Viduka/Martins ? Of course, he will play Owen and encourage him to be his number 1 striker for some time to come.
Give McFAdden a break ! Otherwise, some other club will come and get him, and we could look very silly for letting another (Scottish) Rooney get away - this time for a lot cheaper !
My team for ManU - would be a 4 - 3 - 3.
If Howard & Gravesen are fit,
Howard, Baines, Lescott, Yobo, Neville, Osman, Gravesen, Arteta, McFadden, Johnson, Yakubu
Strongly feel that we can get 3 points from this one !
You took the words out of my mouth !
Exactly.. We should capitalise on his good form.
Do you think Sam Allardyce would dawdle over whether he should play Michael Owen or go with Viduka/Martins ? Of course, he will play Owen and encourage him to be his number 1 striker for some time to come.
Give McFAdden a break ! Otherwise, some other club will come and get him, and we could look very silly for letting another (Scottish) Rooney get away - this time for a lot cheaper !
My team for ManU - would be a 4 - 3 - 3.
If Howard & Gravesen are fit,
Howard, Baines, Lescott, Yobo, Neville, Osman, Gravesen, Arteta, McFadden, Johnson, Yakubu
Strongly feel that we can get 3 points from this one !
Roy coyne
30 Posted 14/09/2007 at 00:07:41
30 Posted 14/09/2007 at 00:07:41
Just maybe when Faddy plays for Scotland then fans actually believe in him where as I get the impression half the goodison crowd are waiting to moan at him
Mikael Landreau
31 Posted 14/09/2007 at 04:59:55
31 Posted 14/09/2007 at 04:59:55
McFadden will only be effective in the EPL if you use the same ball as the Euro 2008 qualifiers
Hesky
32 Posted 20/09/2007 at 23:40:04
32 Posted 20/09/2007 at 23:40:04
I watch everton at goodison week in and week out. Put him in instead of AJ? Thats insanity.. how fickle you become just because Johnson isnt scoring right now. He is creating goals which is one half of being a striker. McFadden however is a poor poor player in comparison. He is very often caught in possession or hustled off the ball. Scored a great goal for scotland I am certainly not getting excited. He is not worthy of wearing an everton jersey and while i am on the subject I think Hibbert should pack his bags and leave aswell. The pair of them are constantly making errors that are swinging the game the other way. They are not the only ones guilty of it but by god they stand out to my eyes. Give AJ a break..
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1 Posted 12/09/2007 at 22:04:49
Should he start? I think so!