ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Da Silva or Jags?

After reading the many posts on this site concerning our general on-field antics this season, one thing has become patently obvious to all. On too many occasions the centre of our midfield seem to be unable to pass the ball to anybody in a blue shirt. As the season (though young) has worn on, the main culprits seem to be Neville and Jagielka.

Now while Neville does by his effort ? tough tackling, experience and leadership qualities ? deserve a place in the team, Jagielka does not. Bar one ball played to Steven Pienar at Bolton, I can't recall him managing to find a blue shirt from further than 3 yards. And especially during the Metalist game. he had no idea of how a holding midfielder should play; his positional sense was totally non-existent.

I think we should bring back Da Silva from his loan deal; he has (on the few occasions I've seen him play) seemed able to do the job he is paid for: win the ball and pass it to somebody else in a blue shirt, generally further upfield than himself. No fuss, no mess. He can break play up and has vision and confidence in his abilty to pass the ball (on the floor).

Jagielka just can't seem to do this; he would be far better employed at right back or centre back ? that's where he played most of his games for Sheffield Utd. Why try and turn a centre back into a midfielder when you have one available that took 18 months to sign?

I probably fall into the "pro-Moyes" catergory and generally try to have a positive look at things, if possible! But the continued use of Jagielka as a central midfielder mystifies me, as the guy clearly is unsuited to and uncomfortable in this role.
Terry Maddock, Liverpool Posted 14/10/2007 at 09:57:44

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Terry Smith
1 Posted 14/10/2007 at 19:26:05

What i dont understand is that we have badly missed midfielders with the injuries we have had.So why are we playing defenders in the starting 11 & sending a out & out midfielder on loan!.I didnt know too much about Silva but when i went the Preston Pre-Season game i saw a lad who ran box to box for 90 mins got stuck in & showed he can and has got ability.We all know he has not been playing full 90mins for a couple of years but you could see when he polishes the rough edges of his game he can be a very important squad player.I know Bransley are a million miles from Evertons status but he has been doing great for them.Hopefully this is just to get games under his belt.But with our Fixtures getting bigger and more games i think its time we brought him back.As my own opinion is we need to try and succeed is all competitions and to do that we need to use the most of our squad.

Gavin Ramejkis
2 Posted 14/10/2007 at 19:32:05

Terry I posted some time ago about why Everton didn’t recall Da Silva when we have been screaming out for midfielders not make do defenders out of position, fair play to the responses I got about why and have I seen him play to which I responded lets all see him given a chance before deciding, I’d like to see him given a shot, he isn’t going to be a Viera but then again who is? He must be worth a shot at least?

Michael Newton
3 Posted 14/10/2007 at 19:40:37

I think Da Silva gets stuck in as I believe he has a suspension coming up for his bookings. I would like to see him brought back and Vidarsson play v Luton.

Gavin Harris
4 Posted 14/10/2007 at 19:49:29

"I think we should bring back Da Silva from his loan deal; he has (on the few occasions I’ve seen him play) seemed able to do the job he is paid for: win the ball and pass it to somebody else in a blue shirt, generally further upfield than himself. No fuss, no mess. He can break play up and has vision and confidence in his abilty to pass the ball (on the floor)."

Two questions for you:

What league is jags playing in?
What league is Da silva playing in?

The two leagues are worlds apart and I think jags is a much better player.

AT
5 Posted 14/10/2007 at 20:22:38

I agree, surely he deserves a carling cup game, although now with Grav and Cahill due back will we need him? Also what about Shandy Andy? Worthy of a carling cup spot? This is what an extended squad is for surely? Absorbing the pressure of a campaign on three or four fronts?

Peter Singer
6 Posted 14/10/2007 at 21:03:47

We don’t know anything about Andy’s actual match fitness. We’ve all heard stories but nothing’s certain.

What we do know is that De Silva looked good in pre-season but it was also obvious that he’s not quite up to it in a physical game.

So a loan spell at a Championship side is the best way for him to improve. There’s absolutely no sense in recalling him just to warm the bench and play a single CC game when all he needs is playing matches in a tough tackling division.

His loan deal should be extended and when he comes back, we might see how far he’s got.

Tony Marsh
7 Posted 14/10/2007 at 22:51:26

To me this Da Silva situation is one of those typical lets scratch our heads and figure out what Moyes has done with this player.It took nearly 18 months to get clearance for Da Silva and as soon as we secure his services he is off loaded WTF is going on.You cant tell me that Da Silva would not have a bigger impact than Osman or Pienarr just on size alone.Get the lad back for fuck sake.Its not as if we are over loaded with quality midfield players is it.Moyes a good manager not the way he is carrying on at present

Gavin Ramejkis
8 Posted 14/10/2007 at 23:05:52

Gavin Harris I’ve two questions in answer to yours

(i) What league did Jags end up in before we bought him?

(ii) How can you compare a midfielder to a defender asked to play as a midfielder?

Come on some sensible views please.

Tony Marsh
9 Posted 14/10/2007 at 23:27:57

Gavin you are right by the way.When it took an Ice age to sign Jagewotsit I couldnt belive Moyes had gone for yet another utility player.IJagy is an ordinary player signed from a relegated club.the thing is Moyes loves this type of player.Hard working,Limited ability and not likely to question his methods.Knocks me sick that so many of our fans can not see through the pathetic way in which we conduct transfers and the shht we ebd up signing.

George Nothcott
10 Posted 15/10/2007 at 09:40:48

My family are from Barnsley and all tell me da Silva has been a revelation.Moves are in place to make his transfer from Everton permanent and the only question is how near to £500K Barnsley can offer.So far they see half that as all they can afford!

Steve Lyth
11 Posted 15/10/2007 at 10:28:18

George, £500,000, tell me your joking mate ? That would not cover the lads salary since he has been with us.