ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Playmaker

A couple of weeks ago a contributor sparked a lively discussion about Everton needing a 'son of a bitch' player who is able to command the game and dictate to others on the pitch around him. Names such as Joey Barton where subsequently offered, and to be honest I laughed a lot with this suggestion. With the signing of Phil Jagielka does his arrival answer some of those questions, he has undoubted leadership qualities, is young and pacy, versatile, obviously eager to develop on his England B career to date.

Jagielka fits the bill for David Moyes in posessing many of the attributes that the Manager aspires to and almost a clone of the model professional that Moyes always seems to hanker after. From what I have seen and heard of Jagielka I'm sure that he will show steadfast commitment, wont go missing in action and become a fans favourite if his productivity matches his desire and hunger.

However, what brings me to the gist of my contribution is does Jagielka have that mouth watering effect when it comes to the creativity that Everton's midfield so desperately needs ? The mere mention of Kieran Richardson and Jason Koumas sends shudders through my spine if they are seen as offering the necessary attacking punch to feed Johnson, Vaughan and possibly David Nugent. With Manuel Fernandes seemingly a cold prospect it would be an abheration if Moyes opts for Koumas / Richardson who in my eyes are no better than Leon Osman.

The news regarding Riquelme if not being embarrassing alone was a difficult pill to swallow in the week that the RS splash out £20m on Torres. Mikel Arteta the gem in our midfield cannot be expected to carry the burden alone of being the creative spark that ignites our attacking threat and options. Too many times last season when Arteta wasnt in the game our threat going forward was nulified.

We can go on all day about fitness, versatility, work ethic but as far as I'm concerned a playmaker is an absolute must as we run the risk this season coming as in others gone by of having a severe deficiency in an area of the team that becomes are archilles heel. If Riquelme is for the fantasist's then a player who can be the cataylst to broaden our attacking options is imperative, anyone have a suggestion?
Peter Laing, Liverpool Posted 05/07/2007 at 09:27:36

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Paul Gladwell
1 Posted 05/07/2007 at 19:24:55

Could not agree more. Where is the flair coming from? And I am sick of these idiots still believing the drunk can possibly do it, do these people have a brain?

Mick Mac
2 Posted 05/07/2007 at 21:28:04

This rumour about Riquelme was around at the end of last season coming on loan. wouldnt it be wonderful of BK pulled that onje out of the ha