The Mail Bag
Yakubu's 'work rate'
Comments (26)
At £11.25M I'd like to have thought that the scouting network may have pointed out that Yakubu isn't going to run himself into the ground for anyone so I admit I am mystified as to why after a couple of games this seems to have come as a shock to Everton?
Maybe, maybe, during transfer negotiations he was told he'd need to up his workrate but personally I don't want him to. Cantona never did, Viduka never has. We can afford one lazy sod as long as he puts the ball in the net. What's the point in AJ pulling defenders one way, Yak dragging another off and nobody else in the box?
The other thing I've never understood is when you watch the likes of Man U, Arsenal, Chelsea etc all their players seem to be in the right position to receive the ball. Ours aren't. Ever. Now the devil's advocate in me wants to point the finger at coaching and tactics but it's not just Everton fans who can see their own teams frailties here so why does it happen? Surely it's not difficult to say 'keep shape but show for the ball'? and surely footballers can't be that stupid not to see these things for themselves?
Ben Houghton, Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:27:35
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John Holmes
2 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:56:10
2 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:56:10
That’s why they’re playing for United and not Everton. Although, I have noticed an irritating tendency for certain players in the Everton team to persistently play passes a yard or so behind or to the side of teammates thus stopping all momentum in the attack as they retrieve the ball.
Wayne Smyth
3 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:47:09
3 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:47:09
One problem would appear to be a lack of belief/trust between the manager and the players.
Moyes seems to spend an enternity on the sidelines screaming basic instructions at the players and it must remove any belief the players have in their own ability.
It probably lowers their self-confidence and makes them afraid to make any kind of mistake or take any kind of risk. Hence the percentage stuff we appear to play.
The fact that the manager has to do this indicates that either he is not doing his job properly before the match, or the instructions he is giving are too complicated for our players to follow.
Moyes seems to spend an enternity on the sidelines screaming basic instructions at the players and it must remove any belief the players have in their own ability.
It probably lowers their self-confidence and makes them afraid to make any kind of mistake or take any kind of risk. Hence the percentage stuff we appear to play.
The fact that the manager has to do this indicates that either he is not doing his job properly before the match, or the instructions he is giving are too complicated for our players to follow.
Brian Noble
4 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:12:10
4 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:12:10
I have often wondered if our team’s performance would not improve if Moyes retired to the stand and just let them get on with it.His manic approach to coaching is at odds with most of the top-notchers who only ’get involved’when changes need to be made and officials harrangued.But perhaps his ’hands on ’ style is the reason why his team plays such attractive football!!!!
patty blue
5 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:32:00
5 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:32:00
Like the team that lost last night to Coventry!!!
patty blue
6 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:32:00
6 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:32:00
Like the team that lost last night to Coventry!!!
You lot would moan about anything!!
You lot would moan about anything!!
Peter Singer
7 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:28:04
7 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:28:04
After the shock success of "Gravesen runs like a headless chicken", "Why is that knob Neville our captain" and "AJ is crap", The Mailbaggers decided to record a new album. It’s title is "Moyes always shouts instructions from the touchline".
I can’t wait to see what the next hit will be.
Now, back to the subject. It’s not all black and white. I don’t want Yakubu to chase down hopeless balls, one forward is enough for that task. But I really expect him to at least attack the opposition keeper when we’re two down, he’s just come on as a sub and the ball is at the goalie’s feet.
I can’t wait to see what the next hit will be.
Now, back to the subject. It’s not all black and white. I don’t want Yakubu to chase down hopeless balls, one forward is enough for that task. But I really expect him to at least attack the opposition keeper when we’re two down, he’s just come on as a sub and the ball is at the goalie’s feet.
Dean
8 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:37:11
8 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:37:11
I think that AJ’s work rate is ruining him as a player.
If you’ve used all your energy chasing lost causes, then what have you got left to stick the pill in the sprout bag? nowt.
I don’t want Yak to leg it around all game, maybe this is why all forwards who come to Everton, strangely end up being shit, but hard working.
Get better players in the midfield and defence who can pass and the forwards wouldn’t have to work so hard.
If you’ve used all your energy chasing lost causes, then what have you got left to stick the pill in the sprout bag? nowt.
I don’t want Yak to leg it around all game, maybe this is why all forwards who come to Everton, strangely end up being shit, but hard working.
Get better players in the midfield and defence who can pass and the forwards wouldn’t have to work so hard.
Richard Dodd
9 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:34:42
9 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:34:42
Brian Noble knows full well that David Moyes is not only one of the most respected coaches in the game but also has the badges to prove it!He is a regular lecturer on the Scottish FA’s senior managerial courses and has written a number of manuals on the subject on their behalf.To my mind his ’kick every ball’approach is the reason for our success over the past five years and I hope he will continue in this vein for the next decade ,at least!
Zac Watkins
10 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:41:38
10 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:41:38
FFS Doddy,we all know your his love-child.Give it a fucking rest wiil you?
Dave Roberts
11 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:36:13
11 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:36:13
Well, Patty, not anything!
But read John Holmes’ post again. He is so right. It happens all the time with this team....a failure to do the basic things right. That second or two wasted while the receiving player has to divert or even retrace his steps to pick up the ball makes ALL the difference. It often means OUR players are turning and not the opposition defence/midfield. It really pisses me off. We really have to do better than this!
But read John Holmes’ post again. He is so right. It happens all the time with this team....a failure to do the basic things right. That second or two wasted while the receiving player has to divert or even retrace his steps to pick up the ball makes ALL the difference. It often means OUR players are turning and not the opposition defence/midfield. It really pisses me off. We really have to do better than this!
Newt Ashton
12 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:45:05
12 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:45:05
Don’t you realise,Moysey insists that they understand his instructions on what to do next before they pick up the ball!Haven’t you seen them looking at the bench before controlling it?
Tony Ateman
13 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:42:46
13 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:42:46
Dean,
I agree with you about Yak. I have not seen him play live until last night and I don’t think his work committment was too bad in the second half. But he does have quality touches and should be perservered with. If the whole team performs well then he will.
His second half improvement coincided with the insertion of two good full backs to provide proper cohesion and width. Pienaar also seemed to put more into it in the second half also. How frustrating it must be for a colleague to get the ball and you’re probably thinking "O God this move will break down here!"
I have recently been tending to agree with the theory about a Moyes team being a graveyard for strikers because they are expected to do so much, but if the rest of the team could string together a few passes they wouldn’t have to chase lost causes and defend from the front most of the time. It all comes down to the quality throughout the line up. O for a creative central midfielder with a deadly pass for Yak, AJ and Fad to take advantage of.
I agree with you about Yak. I have not seen him play live until last night and I don’t think his work committment was too bad in the second half. But he does have quality touches and should be perservered with. If the whole team performs well then he will.
His second half improvement coincided with the insertion of two good full backs to provide proper cohesion and width. Pienaar also seemed to put more into it in the second half also. How frustrating it must be for a colleague to get the ball and you’re probably thinking "O God this move will break down here!"
I have recently been tending to agree with the theory about a Moyes team being a graveyard for strikers because they are expected to do so much, but if the rest of the team could string together a few passes they wouldn’t have to chase lost causes and defend from the front most of the time. It all comes down to the quality throughout the line up. O for a creative central midfielder with a deadly pass for Yak, AJ and Fad to take advantage of.
Peter Singer
14 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:10:56
14 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:10:56
It just goes to show: all our problems stem from our midfield being static. Defenders either run themselves or hoof it up because there’s rarely anyone available and strikers have to run around with no real support from midfield. When we play crap, that is. When Arteta’s on the pitch and he’s on form as well, everything goes much more smoothly.
terry
15 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:40:08
15 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:40:08
HEY RICHARD WHAT SUCCESS I AINT SEEN NO SILVER WARE HAVI I MISSED SUMTHING THEN ?????
Paul gladwell
16 Posted 27/09/2007 at 19:13:52
16 Posted 27/09/2007 at 19:13:52
oh yes sorry Doddy he has broke a few Everton all time records in those five years, fancy naming them ?
Paul gladwell
17 Posted 27/09/2007 at 19:21:25
17 Posted 27/09/2007 at 19:21:25
He has done a good job to get us back on course and hats off to him but if you think he has it tactically to take us to another level then dream on.
I would love to here his answers to the scottish FA if they asked him what do you do in a european tie when you get your away goal.
1. shut up shop and do a liverpool
wait for the home return.
2. Go gung ho and get twatted .
Or playing a bunch of no marks at home.
Do you
1.play your usual game and stretch their packed defence.
2.Play a formation you have never played before making sure we dont have wide players therefore we have no width so we play it long and high to a midget.
I would love to here his answers to the scottish FA if they asked him what do you do in a european tie when you get your away goal.
1. shut up shop and do a liverpool
wait for the home return.
2. Go gung ho and get twatted .
Or playing a bunch of no marks at home.
Do you
1.play your usual game and stretch their packed defence.
2.Play a formation you have never played before making sure we dont have wide players therefore we have no width so we play it long and high to a midget.
Mick Mac
18 Posted 27/09/2007 at 19:56:47
18 Posted 27/09/2007 at 19:56:47
I was just looking at the officail web site and in the injured players bit it dosen?t give a date when Arteta will be fit and also nothing about Tommy Graveson?s injury. Anyone know the extent of their injuries.
Harry Everhard
19 Posted 27/09/2007 at 20:07:00
19 Posted 27/09/2007 at 20:07:00
Oh its so exciting big Yak scoring a goal and the wee man getting two oh its so good, Yakaty yak take it in the back oooh
Gavin Harris
20 Posted 27/09/2007 at 20:33:32
20 Posted 27/09/2007 at 20:33:32
Could agree more Ben. I wouldn’t care if yak sat on a sofa for 90 mins as long as he puts the ball in the net.
Ray Robinson
21 Posted 27/09/2007 at 20:35:15
21 Posted 27/09/2007 at 20:35:15
One of the "laziest" players ever to play for Everton was Bob Latchford but the crowd loved him because he did what it says on the tin - he scored goals. I don’t want Yak running like a blue-arsed fly all over the pitch. I want him sticking them in the onion bag!
Ben Brown
22 Posted 27/09/2007 at 20:46:54
22 Posted 27/09/2007 at 20:46:54
I’ll have a tin of goalscorer, please.
Dave Lynch
23 Posted 27/09/2007 at 21:36:22
23 Posted 27/09/2007 at 21:36:22
Doddy
Moyes has written the coaching manuals for the scottish Fa on defending.
If you don’t believe me, ask him when your in bed with him next.
He knows jack shit about attacking flowing football and has never achieved anything in football.
Achievement is about winning things as far as football is concerned and he has been a manager now for a long time, with fuck all to show for his efforts.
Stability is not a mark of success and never will be in footballing terms.
God help us if he gets another contract.
Patty. Why can’t people moan ? We spend a lot of our hard earned following this club up and down the country.
For 80 mins last night we where abysmal and i dare say if they had got the first goal we would probably have gone out.
mediocraty is nothing to be happy about. Face facts we are not a very good football team under Moyes.
I honestly think we can be under a different manager, but that will never happen in the near future.
NSNO.
Moyes has written the coaching manuals for the scottish Fa on defending.
If you don’t believe me, ask him when your in bed with him next.
He knows jack shit about attacking flowing football and has never achieved anything in football.
Achievement is about winning things as far as football is concerned and he has been a manager now for a long time, with fuck all to show for his efforts.
Stability is not a mark of success and never will be in footballing terms.
God help us if he gets another contract.
Patty. Why can’t people moan ? We spend a lot of our hard earned following this club up and down the country.
For 80 mins last night we where abysmal and i dare say if they had got the first goal we would probably have gone out.
mediocraty is nothing to be happy about. Face facts we are not a very good football team under Moyes.
I honestly think we can be under a different manager, but that will never happen in the near future.
NSNO.
Kevin Bennett
24 Posted 28/09/2007 at 10:07:12
24 Posted 28/09/2007 at 10:07:12
Cracking post Ben, I have always thought that good players don’t go running around like headless chickens.
Some players in the team are meant to run and and win the ball, then their job is completed by passing it to a more skillfull colleague to create and score.
Aj’s workrate is probably the best I have ever witnessed and I wouldn’t swap him for that, however because of that he is never in the right place at the right time. It wouldnt bother me if the Yak never went out of the penalty box, that is his job.
I also think that Moyes should sit in the stand, his constant shouting and barraging of players from the touch line makes him look like the village idiot on speed, surely this is not good for the players they must be frightened to death of making a mistake, no wonder we never see any excitement.
Some players in the team are meant to run and and win the ball, then their job is completed by passing it to a more skillfull colleague to create and score.
Aj’s workrate is probably the best I have ever witnessed and I wouldn’t swap him for that, however because of that he is never in the right place at the right time. It wouldnt bother me if the Yak never went out of the penalty box, that is his job.
I also think that Moyes should sit in the stand, his constant shouting and barraging of players from the touch line makes him look like the village idiot on speed, surely this is not good for the players they must be frightened to death of making a mistake, no wonder we never see any excitement.
Lee Spargo
25 Posted 28/09/2007 at 13:15:59
25 Posted 28/09/2007 at 13:15:59
What’s this I hear?
Managers shouting instructtions from the sidelines?
Ha! Whatever next?
Managers shouting instructtions from the sidelines?
Ha! Whatever next?
dave t
26 Posted 28/09/2007 at 13:27:29
26 Posted 28/09/2007 at 13:27:29
i don’t usually like american sports, but they do certain things very very well adn are years ahead of us.
for example in american football they have defensive coaches and offensive coaches
we do not seem to have that
fair enough, we have a fitness coach which is a good start but we need to have a coach that JUST focus’s on the attacking aspect of the game
moyes was a defender as a player so his natural inclination is gonna be to defend and if we are honest he has bought some fantastic defenders since being at the club.
for example in american football they have defensive coaches and offensive coaches
we do not seem to have that
fair enough, we have a fitness coach which is a good start but we need to have a coach that JUST focus’s on the attacking aspect of the game
moyes was a defender as a player so his natural inclination is gonna be to defend and if we are honest he has bought some fantastic defenders since being at the club.
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1 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:45:40