ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Osman is vital!

After reading a number of articles on here I keep getting confused as to why the majority are leaving Leon Osman out of our new look midfield after the inclusion of Manuel Fernandes? Don?t get me wrong, I?ll be sad to see any of Cahill, Arteta, Fernandes, Pienaar, Carsley and Osman sitting on the bench, but in a 5 man midfield (or maybe 4) this is inevitable.

Osman has been one of our best players this season and has shown 100% to the club. It wasn?t too long ago we were sending him out on loan but he has proven to be a top class talent who will surely impress the new England boss once he?s fit. Personally, as much as I don?t want to say it, I feel our best five would have to see Carsley make way to be replaced by Fernandes. I know he?s been a massive player for us but I just feel technically, Fernandes can offer more. But back to my first point, I think Osman needs to be recognised as one of our most valuable assets.
Ben Jackson, Manchester Posted 16/01/2008 at 09:10:05

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Eric Myles
1 Posted 17/01/2008 at 00:57:13

I’ll agree with you seeing as nobody else has. Osman in his games this season has been a completely new player compared to previous seasons and I hope he’ll continue that for the rest of the season.

But it’s his previous seasons form that everyone will remember and point out (although he did have SOME good performances).

I think with his commitment and energy he’ll make a good ’supersub’ coming off the bench for us in the way Hunt did for Reading in their Championship promotion season, and a useful back up for injuries suspensions etc.

I think he’s still got a way to go before he becomes the first name on the teamsheet though but would be happy to see him make it.

Connor Rohrer
2 Posted 17/01/2008 at 06:33:52

Osman’s had a brilliant season and always will be pat of this team/squad because of his quality, work rate and versatility. But if where going to pick a best eleven I’d pick Fernandes and Pienaar over him. Not because I like them any more just because I feel they are better players.

Pienaar is the better wide player and its been proven this season. Osman doesn’t have the pace and is more suited to a central role. I’d have to pick Fernandes over him also. Fernandes is quicker, stronger, more skillful and has more vision. He’s a better all round player and we could also play him in a 4 man midfield whereas Osman needs to be protected in a 5 man midfield. People saying Fernandes can replace Carsley just need to get real. His attacking qualities far outweigh his defensive. He likes to get forward like he showed last season and doesn’t have the defensive midfield mindset to defend the back for like Carsley does.

Osman’s going to be playing games anyway. With Pienaar in the African nations he will move out wide and Fernandes will move into the centre of midfield. He’s also usually better on the wing when we have 5 in midfield as he has a extra battler alongside him aswell as a extra man to pass to.

Its a squad game anyway. The likes of Arteta, Pienaar, Osman and Fernandes can all play left, right and centre so we have lots of different options. Hopefully we’ll keep them all fit.