The Mail Bag
Midfield...what midfield?
Comments (32)
Have just realised that with the departure of Vidarsson, Carsley yet to tie-up a new deal and the loans of Fernandes and Gravesen coming to an end, we are down to having 5 recognised midfielders on the books for next year. And that includes Andy van der Meyde!!!
Sure, Neville is an option, Rodwell, Baines and Gosling may be deployed, but in my opinion it is the absolute prioirty to sign at least 3 QUALITY midfielders to improve the team (as well Carsley as a squad player). Otherwise the late season malaise that struck our chances of 4th and endangered 5th could strike again with more disappointing, or even catasthrophic results. Come on Bill, Sign sign sign!
Andrew Humphrey, Posted 14/05/2008 at 18:47:22
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Glen Strachan
2 Posted 14/05/2008 at 23:37:19
2 Posted 14/05/2008 at 23:37:19
Tell us Andrew...............why did you include Van Der Meyde - our invisible man ?
Do you believe we will ever see him in an Everton jersey again ?
We have been running Arteta and Cahill into the ground and they might be turning up to play next season on Zimmer frames.
Just a thought.
Could DM be considering playing a new formation next season - one favoured by Capello in the past ?
If Lescott is fit to play in the early part of next season could we see ?three at the back? with Jo Yo , Jags and the big J while Neville and Valente or Baines play as wide defenders ?
That would leave Carsley (if we can persuade him to come back for another year) in the centre of midfield with Arteta and Pienaar wide.
If we don?t put Cahill up front to play off the Yak , we will just end up losing him to injury from the midfield.
It might be a great move anyway as he is such a brilliant finisher as our results show when he is not on one of his now common long injury breaks.
Sure DM needs to buy but we have no idea (as he says he doesn?t either) if there is any money allocated to team building this year.
Let these moths out of the wallet , Bill !
Do you believe we will ever see him in an Everton jersey again ?
We have been running Arteta and Cahill into the ground and they might be turning up to play next season on Zimmer frames.
Just a thought.
Could DM be considering playing a new formation next season - one favoured by Capello in the past ?
If Lescott is fit to play in the early part of next season could we see ?three at the back? with Jo Yo , Jags and the big J while Neville and Valente or Baines play as wide defenders ?
That would leave Carsley (if we can persuade him to come back for another year) in the centre of midfield with Arteta and Pienaar wide.
If we don?t put Cahill up front to play off the Yak , we will just end up losing him to injury from the midfield.
It might be a great move anyway as he is such a brilliant finisher as our results show when he is not on one of his now common long injury breaks.
Sure DM needs to buy but we have no idea (as he says he doesn?t either) if there is any money allocated to team building this year.
Let these moths out of the wallet , Bill !
Davey Militwitch
3 Posted 14/05/2008 at 23:49:51
3 Posted 14/05/2008 at 23:49:51
Moyes had the best seat in the house for tonights UEFA cup final, and one of the stars of the show was inevitably Arshavin.
Unless Arsene Wenger gazumps us I cant see him going anywhere else.
Unless Arsene Wenger gazumps us I cant see him going anywhere else.
Steve Green
4 Posted 15/05/2008 at 01:38:54
4 Posted 15/05/2008 at 01:38:54
Andrew, it?s May 14th FFS. Season only finished 3 DAYS AGO. Are you a frustrated journalist by any chance! Wouldn?t go as far as Roy and wait til July, but at least let next season?s fixtures get out before you start panicking, although one thing I do think is that it would be nice to sign someone - a decent name signing (position immaterial ) - before Euro 08 after which their price will escalate and the competition is alerted to the talent.
David Moore
5 Posted 15/05/2008 at 05:30:00
5 Posted 15/05/2008 at 05:30:00
Re Davey Mill: How do you expect Arshavin to go to anywhere else but Arsenal or us? I hope that he does come here but what known facts have you got that we are going to table him an offer?
Dave Wilson
6 Posted 15/05/2008 at 05:35:24
6 Posted 15/05/2008 at 05:35:24
Although Arshavin was known by the students of the game, When we played Zenith, he wasnt quite the instantly recognisable face he is now. DM was waxing lyrical about him before the game last night, so he was obviously very impressed by his performance against us
A couple of points, if we could have afforded him DM would have gone for him at the time, lets face it, dispite a quiet first half, Arshavins performance last night in a major Europian final would have put another couple of million on his price tag.
Zenith are being closely monitored at the moment, there are unconfirmed alligations of racism within the club and it’s fan base, but they are major force in Europe now, they are owned by the worlds third largest company and would have very little trouble doubling/trebling any wages offered to tempt away their stars, if the racist allegations prove to be unfounded, why on earth would anyone want to leave them
DM will be faced with a straight choice, One, maybe Two, big signings, or several gambles. Andrew is right were are disturbingly short of quality midfielders, I fear DM may be forced to role the dice again this summer
A couple of points, if we could have afforded him DM would have gone for him at the time, lets face it, dispite a quiet first half, Arshavins performance last night in a major Europian final would have put another couple of million on his price tag.
Zenith are being closely monitored at the moment, there are unconfirmed alligations of racism within the club and it’s fan base, but they are major force in Europe now, they are owned by the worlds third largest company and would have very little trouble doubling/trebling any wages offered to tempt away their stars, if the racist allegations prove to be unfounded, why on earth would anyone want to leave them
DM will be faced with a straight choice, One, maybe Two, big signings, or several gambles. Andrew is right were are disturbingly short of quality midfielders, I fear DM may be forced to role the dice again this summer
Connor Rohrer
7 Posted 15/05/2008 at 06:22:00
7 Posted 15/05/2008 at 06:22:00
I think Moyes is looking at three centre midfielders. Fernandes, Bradley and Sidwell. Sidwell for around 3/4 million, Bradley for 4.5 million and Fernandes on loan. All three would improve us in my opinion and gives us three different options.
As much as I’d like to say where going to get Lucho Gonzalez, Lorik Cana, Dudu Andrei Arshavin etc we have to be realisctic and in my opinion there not realistic options.
Sidwell is a step up from Carsley. Can put his foot in and mix it up but can also get up and down and is a tidy footballer. Bradley also have the tenacity and agression to make and a good English style midfielder. Technically he’s able and can play as a holding midfielder and a box to box midfielder. Fernandes is a continental midfielder who would give us that little bit of quality centrally. He’s a match winner aswell whether its from a set piece, a pass or a long range shot.
Some good options in my opinion and I could see them all joining us or atleast two. Moyes is obviously interested in all three. Added to three centre midfielders I can see us getting in a winger aswell as a fullback.
As much as I’d like to say where going to get Lucho Gonzalez, Lorik Cana, Dudu Andrei Arshavin etc we have to be realisctic and in my opinion there not realistic options.
Sidwell is a step up from Carsley. Can put his foot in and mix it up but can also get up and down and is a tidy footballer. Bradley also have the tenacity and agression to make and a good English style midfielder. Technically he’s able and can play as a holding midfielder and a box to box midfielder. Fernandes is a continental midfielder who would give us that little bit of quality centrally. He’s a match winner aswell whether its from a set piece, a pass or a long range shot.
Some good options in my opinion and I could see them all joining us or atleast two. Moyes is obviously interested in all three. Added to three centre midfielders I can see us getting in a winger aswell as a fullback.
Declan McCarthy
8 Posted 15/05/2008 at 07:48:45
8 Posted 15/05/2008 at 07:48:45
Good post Connor, yes Arshavin did play well last night, let’s look at the opposition, Ranger’s, can anyone see that ammount of space available in the premiership? I’m not saying he wouldn’t be good enough, he also has very talented players with him as well, Fernandes and himself would be something together, Zenit play great one touch football, it’s not really us unless our defenders learn how to pass to midfield, and our pace improves, I agree with Sidwell comming in for Carsley and Bradley comming as well, again we lower the age of the team and I think some needed backbone added to it as well, especially Bradley who looks to become a good player.Let’s hope it’s us next year.
Robbie Shields
9 Posted 15/05/2008 at 09:26:20
9 Posted 15/05/2008 at 09:26:20
Declan, I think you have missed the point by stating
.......unless our defenders learn how to pass to midfield....
The reason this happens is because the midfield don’t make themselves available for the defence to pass to. Carsley and Neville immediately turn their back on the defence and force the defenders to hoof the ball up field. Manny and Osman do come looking for the ball but normally only one at a time, making it easier for the opposition to close them down and get the ball off them. You need at least 2 or 3 midfielders coming back to receive the ball or making themselves available to give the defender options, just watch how Arsenal do it.
.......unless our defenders learn how to pass to midfield....
The reason this happens is because the midfield don’t make themselves available for the defence to pass to. Carsley and Neville immediately turn their back on the defence and force the defenders to hoof the ball up field. Manny and Osman do come looking for the ball but normally only one at a time, making it easier for the opposition to close them down and get the ball off them. You need at least 2 or 3 midfielders coming back to receive the ball or making themselves available to give the defender options, just watch how Arsenal do it.
Steve Williams
10 Posted 15/05/2008 at 09:53:21
10 Posted 15/05/2008 at 09:53:21
Can?t believe those who doubt Arshavin - only half a game, only against Rangers!
He was the best player on the park against us and tore Munich apart almost single-handedly. Does it away not just at home. The guy is a diamond. But diamonds cost big money and are covetted by rich clubs, so I fear that, whilst its a nice little dream, we won?t be able to compete.
He was the best player on the park against us and tore Munich apart almost single-handedly. Does it away not just at home. The guy is a diamond. But diamonds cost big money and are covetted by rich clubs, so I fear that, whilst its a nice little dream, we won?t be able to compete.
Mark Griffiths
11 Posted 15/05/2008 at 10:14:33
11 Posted 15/05/2008 at 10:14:33
With regards to Sidwell, it was on Radio City earlier that Barry looks set to go to Liverpool but Villa are closing in on Sidwell, we might have a fight on our hands with even the likes of Sidwell!
Stefan Tosev
12 Posted 15/05/2008 at 09:19:00
12 Posted 15/05/2008 at 09:19:00
Declan,
Where have you seen "that ammount of space available" - Rangers were playing 11 men behind the ball and if thats not tight, I dont know what is.
Zenit opened Rangers because of their style of play - pass and move and Arshavin has been instrumental in it, unfortunately I cant see him joining us after last night display.
Where have you seen "that ammount of space available" - Rangers were playing 11 men behind the ball and if thats not tight, I dont know what is.
Zenit opened Rangers because of their style of play - pass and move and Arshavin has been instrumental in it, unfortunately I cant see him joining us after last night display.
Jason Lam
13 Posted 15/05/2008 at 10:30:33
13 Posted 15/05/2008 at 10:30:33
I think we’re safe in the knowledge that new midfielders are a priority and will be coming in this summer. I’m still in this daze and suffering hallucinations of one Arshavin in our #10 jersey running havok at Goodison. But please don’t wake me up with the reality of defensive multipurpose journeymen players of the calibre of Sidwell just yet, I’m in bliss right now.
Jason Broome
14 Posted 15/05/2008 at 11:18:44
14 Posted 15/05/2008 at 11:18:44
Moyes doesn’t want to be top 4. He wants to be top 1!
First Priority: Take out the trash!
Second Priority: Secure Manny’s loan!
Third Priority: Buy worldclass winger: Arshavin, Joaquin (or Diego Capal).
Fourth Priority: Sign w/c CDM enforcer.
Fifth Priority: Sell AJ? We don’t need him... but boy do we need the cash!
This is the perfect opportunity for Moyes to adjust the wage structure by releasing players we don’t need, whilst raising the the standard of play of players we do need.
You should be celebrating not moaning!
First Priority: Take out the trash!
Second Priority: Secure Manny’s loan!
Third Priority: Buy worldclass winger: Arshavin, Joaquin (or Diego Capal).
Fourth Priority: Sign w/c CDM enforcer.
Fifth Priority: Sell AJ? We don’t need him... but boy do we need the cash!
This is the perfect opportunity for Moyes to adjust the wage structure by releasing players we don’t need, whilst raising the the standard of play of players we do need.
You should be celebrating not moaning!
Paul Mousley
15 Posted 15/05/2008 at 12:37:48
15 Posted 15/05/2008 at 12:37:48
Jason. I dont think we should sell AJ we already need another striker to replace the scotch Rooney(we could have done with him over the last games this season!) and we cant rely on the kids. If we sell AJ we really lose pace and AJ never really gets the ball where he is dangerous which as we all agree is why we need to beef up our midfield. Good luck to Moyes with money bags Kenwright!
David Moore
16 Posted 15/05/2008 at 12:56:44
16 Posted 15/05/2008 at 12:56:44
How much do you think Arshavin will sell for. I wouldn’t be surprised if Zenit were asking for 20 milion. I think that if he sells at 12 or less whoever bought him would have done themselves a great piece of business.
Jay Harris
17 Posted 15/05/2008 at 13:07:59
17 Posted 15/05/2008 at 13:07:59
Can I just make a point here.
We did BEAT Zenit with Arshavin and co so lets not dismantle the whole EFC side just yet.
IMO:
We need a Carsley type replacement Sidwell maybe)
We need Manny back(hopefully signed but loan?s OK)
We need a better quality RB but finding one will be hard (Chelski just payed £18 million for an average one)
And then the icing on the cake if we can do it would be to get Arshavin or a top quality winger (preferably trading VDM for him).
That would then add quality and quantity to the squad
We did BEAT Zenit with Arshavin and co so lets not dismantle the whole EFC side just yet.
IMO:
We need a Carsley type replacement Sidwell maybe)
We need Manny back(hopefully signed but loan?s OK)
We need a better quality RB but finding one will be hard (Chelski just payed £18 million for an average one)
And then the icing on the cake if we can do it would be to get Arshavin or a top quality winger (preferably trading VDM for him).
That would then add quality and quantity to the squad
Jason Broome
18 Posted 15/05/2008 at 14:37:08
18 Posted 15/05/2008 at 14:37:08
Jay, agreed we shouldn’t dismantle the side however the likes of Graveson, Gardener, VD Meyde are nowhere near the level we should be pushing for, therefore... take out the trash!
As for AJ, sell for £8M... the guy couldn’t score in a brothel!
There are cheaper and better options out there and he ain’t one of them!
As for AJ, sell for £8M... the guy couldn’t score in a brothel!
There are cheaper and better options out there and he ain’t one of them!
Jay Harris
19 Posted 15/05/2008 at 15:16:49
19 Posted 15/05/2008 at 15:16:49
Jason, I totally agree with you but I didn't consider Gardner, Gravesen or VDM part of the squad for last season so have no problem with them all going.
Agree with your point on AJ seems to have lost his way and we?ve outgrown him if we want to stay top 6 level.
We should cash in while the value?s still high.
I wouldn't mind part ex for Dean Ashton.
Agree with your point on AJ seems to have lost his way and we?ve outgrown him if we want to stay top 6 level.
We should cash in while the value?s still high.
I wouldn't mind part ex for Dean Ashton.
Mark Hill
20 Posted 15/05/2008 at 15:41:55
20 Posted 15/05/2008 at 15:41:55
I can’t believe people slag Johnson off, i think he is excellent for us.....under Moyes has any of the strikers he’s had really bagged loads of goals...??
Lets not forget Yak has had his critics this season, and only scored something like 13-15 in the prem this season.....i think the lack of goals is more down to the protection Moyes likes to give the defence...Neville, Carlsey in midfield....come on......
Lets not forget Yak has had his critics this season, and only scored something like 13-15 in the prem this season.....i think the lack of goals is more down to the protection Moyes likes to give the defence...Neville, Carlsey in midfield....come on......
Ben Jones
21 Posted 15/05/2008 at 16:07:31
21 Posted 15/05/2008 at 16:07:31
To be honest.. I can only see Moyes selling AJ if he has a replacement lined up. But to be honest... we’ve been linked with Owen recently... I’d rather Owen over Johnson, just by the fact he can score goals, and recently, AJ’s been having trouble.
But I’d still like AJ to stay at the club.
But I’d still like AJ to stay at the club.
Andy Hudson
22 Posted 15/05/2008 at 16:11:54
22 Posted 15/05/2008 at 16:11:54
Johnson has suffered since he joined us for the following reasons:
1) Wenger really fucked his head up with his ’diver’ jibes. It seemed to knock the wind out of him and he’s never really recovered
2) It seems Johnson can’t go anywhere near the box now cause if he does he’ll be fouled and get nothing. Its actually pretty much a safe bet that if your a defender and johnson is bearing down on goal you can just bring him down and nothing will be given.
3) Our players hoof it up to him. He’s never going to win it in the air against any premier league defender. The only time he can ever get the ball is if we whack it down the channels and he manages to just get there before it runs out of play.
4) Due to the above point he spends very little time in the box to score goals
5) All of the above have pretty much destroyed his confidence in front of goal when he does actaully get a chance.
To solve this we need midfielders who keep the ball, wait for an opening, allow Johnson to run in to space and play him in... he will score more then he misses.
I remember they used to say Andy Cole needed 3 chances to score one goal. How often does AJ get 3 chances in one match? He’s still a good player, and I for one would be very happy having him as a squad player and backup for Yak. he’s a model professional and if we had better service would have a much better scoring record.
1) Wenger really fucked his head up with his ’diver’ jibes. It seemed to knock the wind out of him and he’s never really recovered
2) It seems Johnson can’t go anywhere near the box now cause if he does he’ll be fouled and get nothing. Its actually pretty much a safe bet that if your a defender and johnson is bearing down on goal you can just bring him down and nothing will be given.
3) Our players hoof it up to him. He’s never going to win it in the air against any premier league defender. The only time he can ever get the ball is if we whack it down the channels and he manages to just get there before it runs out of play.
4) Due to the above point he spends very little time in the box to score goals
5) All of the above have pretty much destroyed his confidence in front of goal when he does actaully get a chance.
To solve this we need midfielders who keep the ball, wait for an opening, allow Johnson to run in to space and play him in... he will score more then he misses.
I remember they used to say Andy Cole needed 3 chances to score one goal. How often does AJ get 3 chances in one match? He’s still a good player, and I for one would be very happy having him as a squad player and backup for Yak. he’s a model professional and if we had better service would have a much better scoring record.
Connor Rohrer
23 Posted 15/05/2008 at 17:38:19
23 Posted 15/05/2008 at 17:38:19
I’m losing faith on Johnson. I’ve given him alot if time to convince me and he fails time and time again. When he was in his purple patch at the start of last season and bagged six in six I really thought we had a good striker on our hands but since then he’s been very very hit and miss.
Even when we’ve played well he’s been poor and he seems to have a losing mentality and is a confidence player.
Saying this though where trying to build a squad and he’s a useful player to have.
Even when we’ve played well he’s been poor and he seems to have a losing mentality and is a confidence player.
Saying this though where trying to build a squad and he’s a useful player to have.
Jason Broome
24 Posted 15/05/2008 at 17:12:53
24 Posted 15/05/2008 at 17:12:53
Jay good spot on Ashton. wouldn’t mind having him or Podolski (The German Torres).
As for Johnson I am tired of the same old excuses. STOP! Either he scores or he doesn’t. Does he? NO - get rid!
As for Johnson I am tired of the same old excuses. STOP! Either he scores or he doesn’t. Does he? NO - get rid!
Andy Crooks
25 Posted 15/05/2008 at 18:23:57
25 Posted 15/05/2008 at 18:23:57
Andy Hudson, spot on with every point. AJ and the Yak need games together; they have the potential to be a combination to hurt any defence.
Gene Hunt
26 Posted 15/05/2008 at 21:51:48
26 Posted 15/05/2008 at 21:51:48
Arshavin will be a blue. Fee agreed £8 million. Announced 1st June
Paul Whitehouse
27 Posted 15/05/2008 at 21:57:09
27 Posted 15/05/2008 at 21:57:09
Gene Hunt, ... no way are we going to sign him. Moyes missed the boat when lots of us on ToffeeWeb were crying out to sign him.
Ean Palese
28 Posted 15/05/2008 at 22:10:27
28 Posted 15/05/2008 at 22:10:27
Does anyone know if VDM is still part of the plans for next season? He has not been mentioned in any of the ?released players? lists. Could Moyes be giving him a second chance? Maybe since he has hit rock bottom the only way for him to go is up? I know many of you have no time for him (let alone anyone post or mention his name - fair play to ye) but what if he has truly turned a new leaf? Would there be any takers...
Jay Harris
29 Posted 15/05/2008 at 22:38:56
29 Posted 15/05/2008 at 22:38:56
The way the game is going we need a goalscoring mid not AJ. Who did we miss more Cahill or AJ when they were respectively injured? AJ does not fit our pattern of play, poor first touch and not enough killer instinct in front of goal.
Jay Harris
30 Posted 15/05/2008 at 22:43:56
30 Posted 15/05/2008 at 22:43:56
Ean
I believe VDM has 1 year left on his contract which EFC seem happy for him to see out rather than pay him off now.
I believe VDM has 1 year left on his contract which EFC seem happy for him to see out rather than pay him off now.
Andrew Humphrey
31 Posted 15/05/2008 at 22:41:42
31 Posted 15/05/2008 at 22:41:42
I expect VDM to be released as well, Moyes will have lost patience by now surely, and he must be on decent wages. Which leaves us with four. I know its early and useless to worry, but I wonder how we are in a situation with so few players who can even cover as part of the squad. Oh well, plenty of business to look forward to over the summer I guess! (Either that or Moyes has done it again and pulled out some gems in Rodwell and Gosling who will have to step up to the mark even if we sign 2-3 midfielders!)
Nick Xenos
32 Posted 16/05/2008 at 04:49:19
32 Posted 16/05/2008 at 04:49:19
Andy Hudson, I?m afraid you?re just making excuses for Johnson?s inept ability to put the ball in the back of the net. How many times this season has he easily been dispossesed, lost control of the ball, and back passed the ball to the opposing keeper? You have a point that maybe he doesn?t get the best service, but Yak gets the same service too and he?s scored over 20 goals this season! If he has lost confidence because of Wenger?s jibes, then he is basicly weak and shouldn?t be playing in this division.
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1 Posted 14/05/2008 at 23:35:28