The Mail Bag
Rodwell
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Talking of things no one seems to have picked up on, has anyone spared a thought for Jack Rodwell? He was replaced by King Louis but the first half preformance wasn't his fault. The guy hasn't put a foot wrong since he's been used latterly but he must have felt terrible about the change in fortunes in the second half.
I hope a senior pro (Neville) or a member of the coaching have staff put an arm around his shoulder & explained things. Without Arteta the team just might need someone on other occasions this season to put their foot on the ball in midfield. Hope his confidence has not been affected. COYB
Phil Rowe, Posted 10/03/2009 at 14:24:47
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With Rodwell and Neville in centre midfield it’s back to the hoofball days. Unfortunately Neville has been playing really well in midfield and Rodwell has been exceptional when given his chance. Therefore, it’s difficult to leave either player out, but our style of play is suffering again.
Playing a creative central midfielder such as Arteta has made our style better, but we need to replace Arteta now with another creative player. Osman is similar just not up to the same quality standard. Pienaar possibly could do it but needs to be tried there. The only other player is Cahill who did an excellent job 2nd half against Boro. He was composed and controlled the game and didn’t give the ball away. Unfortunately we also need Cahill as a striker!
Playing a creative central midfielder such as Arteta has made our style better, but we need to replace Arteta now with another creative player. Osman is similar just not up to the same quality standard. Pienaar possibly could do it but needs to be tried there. The only other player is Cahill who did an excellent job 2nd half against Boro. He was composed and controlled the game and didn’t give the ball away. Unfortunately we also need Cahill as a striker!
I think the main reason that Rodwell would be subbed is that due to his (in)experience, he would be less likely to turn things round than the more experienced players.
Games like Sunday and the Blackburn one will all form part of his learning experience. He will know how players do alter the pattern of games.
Him watching how Neville and Cahill transformed the central midfield area will benefit him more than plodding along with the game passing him by.
People shouldn’t think any less of his potential abilities after a couple of quiet games.
At his age he is bound to have those, especially playing in the CM position where it is much harder to play than, say upfront, where quiet games can be masked by a goal etc.
He’s experienced good games and now bad. He seems to be, from what I’ve read, the type of lad that will take these lessons on board and will be much the better for them.
Games like Sunday and the Blackburn one will all form part of his learning experience. He will know how players do alter the pattern of games.
Him watching how Neville and Cahill transformed the central midfield area will benefit him more than plodding along with the game passing him by.
People shouldn’t think any less of his potential abilities after a couple of quiet games.
At his age he is bound to have those, especially playing in the CM position where it is much harder to play than, say upfront, where quiet games can be masked by a goal etc.
He’s experienced good games and now bad. He seems to be, from what I’ve read, the type of lad that will take these lessons on board and will be much the better for them.
For me he hasn't really played that well since the cup game vs. Villa but I suppose a young lad like him won't come into the side and be as consistent as an experienced pro just yet. He will have dips in form along the way but it's all part of the learning process. I remember Rooney didn?t play consistently brilliant all the time at Rodwell?s age either but he doesn?t do too bad now, does he? And I'm sure when Rodwell gets a few years experience behind him he?ll be a top player for us because he?s got the attributes to make it!!!!!!!!
I reckon he will just be enjoying the minutes on the pitch whilst he can. He knows that if not for the injuries we have had he would still be a sub making the odd few minutes here and there.
I am not having a go here, as he is a great prospect but he wouldn’t have been playing as much as he has.
He was a passenger on Sunday but again no complaints, as any defensive midfielder along side Pip would have been.
He is one for the future no doubt but I don’t think he can play along side Pip and stand out
I am not having a go here, as he is a great prospect but he wouldn’t have been playing as much as he has.
He was a passenger on Sunday but again no complaints, as any defensive midfielder along side Pip would have been.
He is one for the future no doubt but I don’t think he can play along side Pip and stand out
I have to say that Arteta made everyone look very good on the ball. He demanded that they play on the floor, he passes it to feet and expects it to return to feet as well, he shows for the ball and demands others to pass to him, the reason why there was less hoofball whilst Arteta was in the team is because he showed for the ball every time, this gave others around him the opportunity to make passes to him, rather than lumpping it forward.
Now that he's injured, there is no-one of his quality to take his place, therefore the other players don't have an outlet, hence hoofball. Some of the players look scared of the ball, maybe it's the fear of fucking up! The defenders have no-one to pass to because the midfield don't show for the ball, so they just lump it forward, it's the same case in midfield as well.
To me Cahill and Saha transformed the game on Sunday. Cahill much to my surprise virtually played the Arteta game in the 2nd half and played it well. He kept demanding the ball, played it on the deck and actually brought Pienaar into the game. Neville backed him up well ? let's give them a go again against Stoke and leave Fellaini and Jo (until Saha is fully available) up front.
Rodwell is a pretty professional young chap. He?ll understand.
It was picked up on. It was stated that it was no reflection on his own performance and that it was merely tactical.
You related to Jack Rodwell by any chance Phil?
Very strange post I have to say. The idea that we now have to take players? feelings into account is interesting. Perhaps we should have counsellors on the coaching staff just in case tears are shed.
The kid is 17. He will have bad days. So what? Doesn?t make him a bad player and, excuse me for stating the bleeding obvious, but I think David Moyes knows a little more about managing players in general, and Jack Rodwell in particular, to deal with it in the appropriate way.
Don?t think you need to worry Phil. I think young Jack is in good hands, don?t you?
We are having to make the best of things, whatever that takes. Part of what it takes is players stepping up to the plate. No surprise that Messrs Neville and Cahill are to the fore in this regard. Both are magnificent and, despite fabulous performances from Jags & Lescott for months now, if Phil Neville doesn?t get player of the season then it?s a travesty. He has captained this team in the true sense of the word and when it most needed its captain.
Now, if Messrs Pienaar, Osman and Fellaini (if over his injury) can equally step up and be counted, then we have got more than a fair chance on two fronts. All 3 of these guys are only just post-injury, or in Felli?s case possibly still with injury. I see them getting better between now & May.
And one final upbeat note. It has possibly escaped much attention that a certain James Vaughan is due back mid March. This kid had it all before him and has had the shittiest luck imaginable with injuries. If anybody deserves a break it?s this kid.
I?ve watched JV since he burst on the scene. He has just about everything. Power, pace, instinct, skill & bravery. I remember the game at Villa 2 seasons ago when he (with AJ) ripped Villa to pieces at the back. How beautiful it would be to get one of our own boys back before end of season and for him to help us achieve something. The idea of James Vaughan playing in the cup final, after what he?s been through, is something to relish.
After such an extraordinary season of misfortune for us, could there be a silver lining somewhere down the line?
Very strange post I have to say. The idea that we now have to take players? feelings into account is interesting. Perhaps we should have counsellors on the coaching staff just in case tears are shed.
The kid is 17. He will have bad days. So what? Doesn?t make him a bad player and, excuse me for stating the bleeding obvious, but I think David Moyes knows a little more about managing players in general, and Jack Rodwell in particular, to deal with it in the appropriate way.
Don?t think you need to worry Phil. I think young Jack is in good hands, don?t you?
We are having to make the best of things, whatever that takes. Part of what it takes is players stepping up to the plate. No surprise that Messrs Neville and Cahill are to the fore in this regard. Both are magnificent and, despite fabulous performances from Jags & Lescott for months now, if Phil Neville doesn?t get player of the season then it?s a travesty. He has captained this team in the true sense of the word and when it most needed its captain.
Now, if Messrs Pienaar, Osman and Fellaini (if over his injury) can equally step up and be counted, then we have got more than a fair chance on two fronts. All 3 of these guys are only just post-injury, or in Felli?s case possibly still with injury. I see them getting better between now & May.
And one final upbeat note. It has possibly escaped much attention that a certain James Vaughan is due back mid March. This kid had it all before him and has had the shittiest luck imaginable with injuries. If anybody deserves a break it?s this kid.
I?ve watched JV since he burst on the scene. He has just about everything. Power, pace, instinct, skill & bravery. I remember the game at Villa 2 seasons ago when he (with AJ) ripped Villa to pieces at the back. How beautiful it would be to get one of our own boys back before end of season and for him to help us achieve something. The idea of James Vaughan playing in the cup final, after what he?s been through, is something to relish.
After such an extraordinary season of misfortune for us, could there be a silver lining somewhere down the line?
One of DM?s post match comments said that it wasn?t the change of personnel that made the difference ? almost as good as saying nothing was Rodwell?s fault.
He?s signed a five year contract with his eyes wide open. Those same eyes watched a senior, senior pro take over Arteta?s midfield role to steer the side towards victory. Jack is an intelligent young man, learning from some of the best.
And you can also bet that the coaches will make sure he knows how valued he is, and the he same will apply to Dan Gosling.
He?s signed a five year contract with his eyes wide open. Those same eyes watched a senior, senior pro take over Arteta?s midfield role to steer the side towards victory. Jack is an intelligent young man, learning from some of the best.
And you can also bet that the coaches will make sure he knows how valued he is, and the he same will apply to Dan Gosling.
I wonder if James Vaughan will be the same player when he comes back. He used to be fearless, but after so many long injuries will he have the same mentality?
Let?s see, he?s 17, earning £10,000 a week?.... spare a thought for Rodwell?... really? Tough job I admit, footie for a living... give me a break please!
Jimmy C - I hope so mate, I really do. Football is beautiful and cruel in equal measure. I?m holding out for a beautiful end to a horrible time for a great young player.
John Sreet ? exactly :-)
John Sreet ? exactly :-)
Taking Rodwell off at half time was clearly the right thing to do as the change in performance and score-line suggest.
Another sign of Moyes growing in his tactical awareness and confidence by making a change to impact the game at the right time rather than making desparate substitutions late on.
Rodwell’s day will come though, of that you can be sure!
Another sign of Moyes growing in his tactical awareness and confidence by making a change to impact the game at the right time rather than making desparate substitutions late on.
Rodwell’s day will come though, of that you can be sure!
I’m certain JV will be the same player when he comes back. He’s always struck me as the sort of player who knows of no other way than 110%. Let’s hope he’ll soon be over all his injury problems and causing mayhem for defenders again.
Rodwell?s progressing nicely; stop worrying.
I sincerly hope Vaughan doesn't come back the same player, if he doesn't stop going for balls that are clearly not his, he will forever be on the treatment table. This kid's bravery has made him a favorite amongst blues everywhere, but he needs to understand that not every single ball is life or death. He's already had his share of misfortune, but not all of his injuries can simply be put down to bad luck.
I sincerly hope Vaughan doesn't come back the same player, if he doesn't stop going for balls that are clearly not his, he will forever be on the treatment table. This kid's bravery has made him a favorite amongst blues everywhere, but he needs to understand that not every single ball is life or death. He's already had his share of misfortune, but not all of his injuries can simply be put down to bad luck.
Wonderful news that he?s close to a return though
"Another sign of Moyes growing in his tactical awareness and confidence by making a change to impact the game at the right time rather than making desparate substitutions late on."
That for me was the one positive from the first half, that Moyes changed it round at half-time rather than waiting hopefully 10 minutes or so into the second half to see what happened. I don?t want to sound OTT but Stuart Pearce has said that?s the difference between McClaren and Capello.
Let?s hope DM keeps that attitude for the League.
That for me was the one positive from the first half, that Moyes changed it round at half-time rather than waiting hopefully 10 minutes or so into the second half to see what happened. I don?t want to sound OTT but Stuart Pearce has said that?s the difference between McClaren and Capello.
Let?s hope DM keeps that attitude for the League.
I know Rodwell is only 17, but the main reason he was subbed was that he was playing even worse than the rest of the team by half time (and that's saying something). He did nothing with the ball and was marking fresh air most of the time. I'm sure he will get over it and be back playing well soon, but I think the occasion got to him on Sunday.
Don't worry. He was at my Grandson's school (8/9yr olds) giving them a chat today. He didn?t seem very bothered and was telling a crowd of mostly red offsprings that he had been with Everton since he was seven and proud of it. Said his 18th birthday was today?? When asked how much money he got. he replied, "It's a secret." Seems he was a good happy lad...
Jimmy Rimmer, I thought the same thing at the time regarding Moyes making changes earleir than later, something Moyes hardly ever does (not sure when he has done this before) I hope he realises that despite injuries he does have a squad of players and those on the bench are every bit as important as those on the pitch. It would be good to see a bit more use of VDM and even the youngsters in certain situations..
Wake up and smell the cofee, Rodwell was the worst player on the pitch against Blackburn and the worst player on the pitch in the first half against Middlesboro.
The guy is not a midfielder never will be.
He needs to get back to focuusing on centre half for the long term.
Not good enough for midfield, if you cant see it then you know nothing about Football,.
As for not putting a foot wrong, well that will always be the case if you have not touched the ball.
The guy is not a midfielder never will be.
He needs to get back to focuusing on centre half for the long term.
Not good enough for midfield, if you cant see it then you know nothing about Football,.
As for not putting a foot wrong, well that will always be the case if you have not touched the ball.
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1 Posted 10/03/2009 at 17:50:17
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Leon Osman was probably the most deserving of being pulled off based on the first 45 minutes but he was much better in the second half and Saha scored so it all worked out. I?m sure young Jack acknowledges it?s a team game, is happy just to be playing at first-team level at such a young age, and will know everything lies ahead of him.