The Mail Bag
The chance that Leighton has been waiting for!
Comments (21)
With Joseph Yobo likely to be out for 2 weeks, Leighton Baines will have at least 3 games to prove his worth. If he plays like he did when he came on last night then he surely be number 1 left back.
And Joleon, you want to play centre back, prove you are too good there to be moved back to the left.
Craig Taylor, Posted 23/12/2008 at 10:29:22
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Brian Waring
2 Posted 23/12/2008 at 15:26:06
2 Posted 23/12/2008 at 15:26:06
Look lads, knowing Moyes, he will probably play Neville centre-half, with Lescott still on the left, and keep Hibbert (who had a good game last night) out on the right.
Peter Webster
3 Posted 23/12/2008 at 15:23:17
3 Posted 23/12/2008 at 15:23:17
David Moyes has had his hand forced regarding the Baines conundrum. I thought he played well last night when he came on and that nice ball he put in for Screech?s backheel... With Lescott in his preferred position, it could be difficult for Yobo to get back in the team.
Ian Barker
4 Posted 23/12/2008 at 15:37:46
4 Posted 23/12/2008 at 15:37:46
Could really help us; without forwards or wingers. being effectively forced to play Baines gives us more width against teams who may be happy to sit deeper against us.
However, it is a big chance for Baines as his undoubted quality going forward is often countered by a lapse ? but then Lescott has been at fault more than once this season.
Whilst we did not want another injury, it is about the only place we can afford one as we have 3 class center halves. However, we are now down to 11 Prem quality players (assuming Castillo, Saha and Vic don't recover)... that is not good, also could be 10 without Leon.
However, it is a big chance for Baines as his undoubted quality going forward is often countered by a lapse ? but then Lescott has been at fault more than once this season.
Whilst we did not want another injury, it is about the only place we can afford one as we have 3 class center halves. However, we are now down to 11 Prem quality players (assuming Castillo, Saha and Vic don't recover)... that is not good, also could be 10 without Leon.
Jay Harris
5 Posted 23/12/2008 at 16:02:01
5 Posted 23/12/2008 at 16:02:01
Does the "January" transfer window start on Jan 1st?If so could we expect a few loan signings at least? I would like a good defensive MF player who is comfortable on the ball to take pressure off the full backs and there is no doubt we need 1 or 2 forwards to help with Basil?s waiting room list.
Guy Rogers
6 Posted 23/12/2008 at 16:11:42
6 Posted 23/12/2008 at 16:11:42
No doubt Baines gives us the balance we need at left back and is comfortable on the ball, which will instill confidence through the team. We need to keep working on our passing and keeping possession and Baines would help!
Gavin Roberts
7 Posted 23/12/2008 at 16:41:16
7 Posted 23/12/2008 at 16:41:16
No. The Jan window starts on March 2nd.
Gareth Lewis
8 Posted 23/12/2008 at 16:41:39
8 Posted 23/12/2008 at 16:41:39
Last night Baines played well when he came on.
But the game was suited for him as we had almost all of the ball so his attacking talents could be used to full effect.
The main problem has been his ability to defend.
However I hope he does well in the coming weeks because a) we need to do well ourselves and b) I think there is a very good player in there, he just needs to produce it on the pitch.
But the game was suited for him as we had almost all of the ball so his attacking talents could be used to full effect.
The main problem has been his ability to defend.
However I hope he does well in the coming weeks because a) we need to do well ourselves and b) I think there is a very good player in there, he just needs to produce it on the pitch.
Jay Harris
9 Posted 23/12/2008 at 17:06:45
9 Posted 23/12/2008 at 17:06:45
You sure it isnt April 1st Gavin?
Brendan O'Neill
10 Posted 23/12/2008 at 22:49:47
10 Posted 23/12/2008 at 22:49:47
Great comments, lads, with regard to the date of the transfer window.
One serious comment with regard to Baines who is a player that I do like. However, one of the other issues with him that I believe DM is concerned about is his height with regard to set pieces.
Now this isn?t his fault but if you have Hibbert at RB, Baines at LB, and you have Arteta, Osman, Pienaar also in the team there could be a problem with regard to defending set plays particularly against ?monster? teams like Chelsea.
I would like to see him become a regular if he can ?cut it? defensively as he is a genuine ?outlet? offensively which we haven?t really got from that position.
One serious comment with regard to Baines who is a player that I do like. However, one of the other issues with him that I believe DM is concerned about is his height with regard to set pieces.
Now this isn?t his fault but if you have Hibbert at RB, Baines at LB, and you have Arteta, Osman, Pienaar also in the team there could be a problem with regard to defending set plays particularly against ?monster? teams like Chelsea.
I would like to see him become a regular if he can ?cut it? defensively as he is a genuine ?outlet? offensively which we haven?t really got from that position.
Jamie Barlow
11 Posted 23/12/2008 at 22:56:57
11 Posted 23/12/2008 at 22:56:57
I thought Baines played well last night and he will now get his chance. Lescott likewise will get his chance in the middle where he prefers to play. I wouldn’t see this as a problem for Moyes and i don’t think he will either. Brian, I don’t think he will play Neville in the centre it’ll just be a straight swap. Why would you even suggest such a thing.
Dan Brierley
12 Posted 24/12/2008 at 02:47:06
12 Posted 24/12/2008 at 02:47:06
Baines really is a conudrum as someone quite rightly pointed out. Would moving Lescott to the centre mean he cannot move forward as freely as before? I think Lescott is needed where he is, those goals are too valuable. I dont think Baines has the height to be as effective as Lescott in an advanced position. But on the other hand would his wing play provide more goals than Lescott scores? Its so hard to call.
It pains me to say it, but I think Baines is a luxury we can’t afford right now. I think we could do with the 4-6 million in January for a striker. It is sad though, as I do believe Baines is a good player. Just cant see him as a regular starter for Everton for a few years yet.
It pains me to say it, but I think Baines is a luxury we can’t afford right now. I think we could do with the 4-6 million in January for a striker. It is sad though, as I do believe Baines is a good player. Just cant see him as a regular starter for Everton for a few years yet.
Nick Xenos
13 Posted 24/12/2008 at 09:02:39
13 Posted 24/12/2008 at 09:02:39
Dan, if memory serves me correct, Lescott has scored the majority of his goals from set pieces. I don?t understand how playing at centre back will hinder his goal scoring form. I think Baines knows that this is a golden opportunity to make his mark and I am confident that he will give a good account of himself, in Yobo?s absence. Whether that is good enough to make the left back position his own, we will just have to wait and see. Personally, I hope he does because Joleon is not a natural left back.
Dan Brierley
14 Posted 24/12/2008 at 09:37:20
14 Posted 24/12/2008 at 09:37:20
Fair point Nick, I cant remember him scoring many from open play. If any!
So if he does make the left birth, who gives way to become the rarely used sub? And would they accept it? As let's face it, centre-halves normally only get brought on in the event of injury. Can't see Joey or Lescott warming the bench for too long before becoming disillusioned. Ah well, what the fuck do I know? Time for another brandy...
So if he does make the left birth, who gives way to become the rarely used sub? And would they accept it? As let's face it, centre-halves normally only get brought on in the event of injury. Can't see Joey or Lescott warming the bench for too long before becoming disillusioned. Ah well, what the fuck do I know? Time for another brandy...
Danny Lizars
15 Posted 24/12/2008 at 10:05:51
15 Posted 24/12/2008 at 10:05:51
Another brandy at this time Dan!!??
I do hope Baines takes his chance now (assuming he is given it by Moyes) because, if he doesn't do it now, I think he will be off in the summer. But also, like has been commented before, what if he does at lb and so does lescott at cb, would Moyes really leave Joey out? Keeping all of them happy is going to be hard job.
I do hope Baines takes his chance now (assuming he is given it by Moyes) because, if he doesn't do it now, I think he will be off in the summer. But also, like has been commented before, what if he does at lb and so does lescott at cb, would Moyes really leave Joey out? Keeping all of them happy is going to be hard job.
Bert Murray
16 Posted 24/12/2008 at 10:09:34
16 Posted 24/12/2008 at 10:09:34
....and Phil Neville will have the chance to establish himself in his favoured midfield position. The fates are conspiring to provide us with our very best team!
Irman Khusaini
17 Posted 24/12/2008 at 11:02:57
17 Posted 24/12/2008 at 11:02:57
Will love to see Leighton Baines play at left back as it gives us that added dimension on the left wing which has been our most problematic position. However, he must learn to track back and not forget his defensive duties. Don?t think there will be any outgoing players given our horrific injury list now.
I dont understand why Bert, that you mention that defensive midfield is Phil Neville?s favourite position though. Maybe you have just switched clubs, a former disillusioned Gooner perhaps?
Just cannot wait for the transfer window to re-open. And yes, Jay, it does start on the 1st of January although practically, most would start work on the 2nd of January, given that 1st Jan is a public holiday (in case you forgotten)...
I dont understand why Bert, that you mention that defensive midfield is Phil Neville?s favourite position though. Maybe you have just switched clubs, a former disillusioned Gooner perhaps?
Just cannot wait for the transfer window to re-open. And yes, Jay, it does start on the 1st of January although practically, most would start work on the 2nd of January, given that 1st Jan is a public holiday (in case you forgotten)...
Mark Atkinson
18 Posted 24/12/2008 at 11:27:04
18 Posted 24/12/2008 at 11:27:04
Baines is a class left back and one of the best crossers of the ball in our squad. Personally I would have him starting before Lescott in the LB birth but obviously it is a big decision to leave Lescott out of an Everton team. I think Baines has been unlucky not to start more but now he?ll show his worth and Lescott can play in his preffered role in the centre.
It?s a nice feeling to know that when we lose a player of Yobo?s status that it isn?t a big issue, I even think it will show us produce some even better football as I think we play our best when he?s overlapping on the left and whipping crosses in ? I think that Peanuts and Arteta like playing with him there too. Baines is class and now it?s his time to show any doubters out there what we see him do from the stands. Good luck lad.
Jay Harris
19 Posted 24/12/2008 at 11:48:08
19 Posted 24/12/2008 at 11:48:08
Citeeh are apparently lining up a £10 million bid for Lescott so it looks like Baines will be staying?
Let?s hope "potless" Bill and Joleon can resist their advances and we look to build this squad rather than dismantle it.
Let?s hope "potless" Bill and Joleon can resist their advances and we look to build this squad rather than dismantle it.
Danny Lizars
20 Posted 24/12/2008 at 12:48:11
20 Posted 24/12/2008 at 12:48:11
You got a link to that story, Jay?
Nick Xenos
21 Posted 25/12/2008 at 00:48:15
21 Posted 25/12/2008 at 00:48:15
Guys, it?s not about pleasing every single individual in the team because that is not possible... Everton FC comes first! If you look at all the top clubs, they have quality cover for every position. If Yobo is out for a while due to Baines's top performances at left back (because I think he will be the one keeping him out and not Joleon or Jags), then so be it. But, I have a feeling that Moyes will drop Baines in a heartbeat and slot Joleon back there rather than leaving Yobo out.
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1 Posted 23/12/2008 at 14:54:23