The Mail Bag
Castillo
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Just a quick one ? only managed to watch a total of 48 minutes of the game last night ? due to both poor streaming on the PC and my 7 week old Evertonian daughter having colic!!
BUT - the parts of the game I did manage to see I thought we looked pretty good. There was a spell of 10 minutes or so where we passed and moved with ease, played some good football and created some VERY good chances!!
Cahill, Jags, Baines & Jo all quality games, but for me the most impressive thing was the shift Castillio put in. Having seen him before I was not hoping for much, but he seemed a different player, good tackles, sharp, simple but effective passing... he was a new player!!??!
Jacobsen showed us what he could be capable of, and I think 12 months would not be to much to ask to give him a fair chance to show us more.
This game has cemented my belief that progress has and still is being made ? that 5th place will be ours, and the FA Cup ? well... It's coming home!!
AND IF YOU KNOW YOUR HISTORY!!
Si Harwood, Posted 23/04/2009 at 06:10:26
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Didn't really know what to expect in the Chelski game last night but was delighted with the performances of two of our 'squad' players, Castillo and Jacobsen. Castillo especially won just about every 50/50 challenge while looking very composed on the ball while Jacobsen rarely let Chelsea in behind in. I half feared we may get turned over last night after Sunday's exertions but felt prouder than ever to see the Blues turn in a performance like that. Only Ossie looked jaded while Cahill ran his heart out. Great to be a blue at the minute.
Last month I posted a submittal regarding the loss of 5 of our squad due to contract expiration come the summer, the unlikeliness that any of them will be extended (although recent performances by Jacobsen and Castillo could change that), and the chances that we'd get replacements for them.
Well I've just realised something else, isn't next season an AFCON season? Meaning we could most likely lose 3 more players (Yak, Pienaar and Victor) for a couple of months mid season?
It will cause us another squad dilemma similar to this season unless we get a good bit of money to get in 8 players just to maintain squad numbers. Or what's the betting we'll be struggling through just like this season and rue missing out on a 3rd/4th place finish because of it?
Was it just me or did others believe that, almost overnight, we had demonstrated strength in depth?
There was one classic comment from the commentator last night that our bench seemed to be better equipped than Chelsea's? Did you hear that (if you weren?t at he game of course)?
What was even more absurd was after that performance against a Champions League Semi Finalist I was asking myself where would Arteta fit into that team and still be able to contain them as we did....
Very impressed with Castillo and Jacobsen last night and almost in one game justified a contract to retain as useful squad additions next term....
With Yak, Arteta, Vaughan and Anichebe to come back to fitness next season perhaps there is no need for wholesale changes in pre-season - will be happy with one or two quality midfield additions alone... Sadly no place for Jo unless we can get him on loan again ? which is doubtful as promoted teams will no doubt be looking to secure his services longer term.
Let's face it we will be lucky to get even two quality additions due to lack of funds but I am starting to think that we could have another season like the last two thirds of this one without ANY additions to the squad and just retain what we have today. OK we may not break into the top four next year either but perhaps another Cup Final would do nicely (Inaugural Europa League Cup Champions has a nice ring to it?.)
To be honest I don’t think we should keep on to him. The game last night was the only game he actually had a half decent game in all season. Yeah he did play well last night but you can’t spend a few million pound on a player that has only played well in one game. Give him a chance in the few games we have left and if he plays like he did last night then maybe DM should consider it. COYB
Jamie Bulter - Is Castilo going to cost a few million?? I thought he would be on a free? I thought he grew as the ga,e went on and settled down after a nervy 5 mins... He needs to be given more of a chance to prove what he can do and the run in may be an ideal time to do this.
Regarding Jacobsen - I thought he had a decent game and offers a lot more going forwrad than Tony Hibbert.. Only thing is hasn?t he signed contract to join Bayern Munich at the end of the season? Think we have missed the boat on taht one!
Regarding Jacobsen - I thought he had a decent game and offers a lot more going forwrad than Tony Hibbert.. Only thing is hasn?t he signed contract to join Bayern Munich at the end of the season? Think we have missed the boat on taht one!
Yeah, I don’t think one game does a contract make for Castillo. But if he continues til the end, who knows. Moyes must have seen something in training to give him a go. Jacobsen; yeah he’s playing well there’s know doubt, but he wasn’t he complaining in the press about not getting a chance to prove himself ? He seems to me to be the type that will moan when having to sit.
"Cahill, Jags, Baines & Jo all quality games"
Jags? He only came on for 5 minutes! Castillo played well last night as did most of the side, but there must be some reason why Moyes hasnt been willing to use him more. Doesnt look good enough.
Jags? He only came on for 5 minutes! Castillo played well last night as did most of the side, but there must be some reason why Moyes hasnt been willing to use him more. Doesnt look good enough.
Castillo looked very good last night, i think David Moyes is being very clever here, I think he is purposely not playing Castillo so he can get him cheap in the summer and to ward off interest from other clubs because i for one think that Castillo is better than what Moyes is admitting,hence when he has donned the blue jersey he has actually played quite well.
I missed the game last night because I was in work and from what I’ve seen of Castillo he hasn’t been convincing, but if he played aswell as people said he did than maybe he is worth giving a short twerm contract as cover, especially if we don’t have much money to spend. I’m sure I read somewhere that his contract is up at Red Star Belgrade at the end of the season, not that he would cost much anyway. If he’s available on a free he is worth a shot and he’s not going to be on a big contract.
Castillo looked very shaky for the first 20 minutes and I was screaming at the TV for Moyes to get him off and replaced by Rodwell. However, as the game wore on Castillo seemed to grow in strength and confidence and found his level with a combination of short range passes, dogged man marking and simple but effective coverage. By the end of the game I was screaming at my TV "Go get em killer" as he chased and hounded the Chelsea midfield. Maybe Segundo has something to prove and on this performance I would certainly like to see more.
Agreed I thought Castillo was absolutely excellent last night. Still don?t know if I would keep him though unless he?s super cheap - we have two good players already in his position, in Rodwell and Neville, plus Moyes supposedly sees a future for Fellaini as a midfield anchor (hard to see it myself, since whatever his strengths the fella couldn?t tackle a fish dinner, but Moyes knows best...). Anyway Castillo seems unlikely to push any of them out, so why keep him on the books...? I guess he?s cover while Rodwell develops or to allow Pip to fill in at right back occasionally, but hard to see him getting many games in the future.
Kind of ditto for Jacobsen really - again good last night, but we have reasonable cover.. Hibbert, Pip, and in a pinch Jags or Yobo able to play that position. Though there could be a chance Jacobsen is better than any of them, especially going forward.
Kind of ditto for Jacobsen really - again good last night, but we have reasonable cover.. Hibbert, Pip, and in a pinch Jags or Yobo able to play that position. Though there could be a chance Jacobsen is better than any of them, especially going forward.
Dan McKie, Jags was man of the match last night! The boy can do no wrong in my eyes!
You’re all having a laugh over Jacobson aren’t you? An injury prone player who has had two games and went off injured in one.
I know a lot of us are still flying high after Sunday but there is a few on here with an illegal high by the looks of it.
I know a lot of us are still flying high after Sunday but there is a few on here with an illegal high by the looks of it.
castillo was our best player last night... (and bainesy)
Leon Osman is a joke and if we go into next season with him and/or Neville (bar right back) starting, then the best we could ever dream of would be 5th. Players like Osman and Neville (in midfield) have NO place in a top 4 side.
DM needs to show this summer what all great managers have, that is ruthlessness when it comes to grading players... no favorites, just honesty
Leon Osman is a joke and if we go into next season with him and/or Neville (bar right back) starting, then the best we could ever dream of would be 5th. Players like Osman and Neville (in midfield) have NO place in a top 4 side.
DM needs to show this summer what all great managers have, that is ruthlessness when it comes to grading players... no favorites, just honesty
Chris kelly, Phil Neville has been great in midfield. Do you watch Everton?
Castillo was one of our best players last night! he seemed to be both tackling the hell out of the chelski midfield and also playing some nice passes of his own. Don’t know if one performance warrants a contract next year, but i would like to see him given a chance to earn it before the season is up.
Did anyone else see him, about mid-way through the second half i think, the ball bounced high around the centre circle and when he went up for the header with a chelsea player it looked like he sort of contorted his neck 270 degrees and headed it to one of our players, sending the chelsea guy the wrong way!! quality
Did anyone else see him, about mid-way through the second half i think, the ball bounced high around the centre circle and when he went up for the header with a chelsea player it looked like he sort of contorted his neck 270 degrees and headed it to one of our players, sending the chelsea guy the wrong way!! quality
very encouraging performanc last night looks as though there is finally some strength in depth in our squad Castillo was outstanding and jacobsen looks like he offers alot more than Tony Hibbert going forward and defending for that matter both could save us a lot of money in the summer if Moyes decides to extend their contracts or sign permenantly at the end of the season
Justin,what a bizzare post.David Moyes has been tremendous this season but he has also been quite lucky.
Earlier in the season many people on toffeeweb lamented the fact that Lescot was being played at left back on order to accomodate three centre backs.Injury forced him to play Baines and what a fortunate move that was.Playing Arteta in central midfield seemed logical but it took quite a while for this to dawn on DM.Gosling got his deserved chance again because of injury
Dm is conservative with safety first very much his priority and this has served us well under difficult circumstances.He is also loyal,particularily towards Hibbert and Osman.
Neither Jacobsen or Castillo have had a fair chance at Everton,maybe David Moyes will be lucky enough to be forced into giving them a chance.
Earlier in the season many people on toffeeweb lamented the fact that Lescot was being played at left back on order to accomodate three centre backs.Injury forced him to play Baines and what a fortunate move that was.Playing Arteta in central midfield seemed logical but it took quite a while for this to dawn on DM.Gosling got his deserved chance again because of injury
Dm is conservative with safety first very much his priority and this has served us well under difficult circumstances.He is also loyal,particularily towards Hibbert and Osman.
Neither Jacobsen or Castillo have had a fair chance at Everton,maybe David Moyes will be lucky enough to be forced into giving them a chance.
We are an easy lot to please. Castillo and Jacobsen have decent games, and people are raving, or should that be raving mad?
The squad simply has to be expanded for next season to maintain progress and the extra Europa games if nothing else. Its taken nearly all of this season for Castillo and Jacobsen (for various reasons) to show what they can do. Replacements for them would start all over again. Keeping them, if possible, makes sense.
If Moyes sees it this way, the same logic might lead him to make some sort of deal to keep Jo.
If Moyes sees it this way, the same logic might lead him to make some sort of deal to keep Jo.
Have always said that given a chance Jacobsen would prove a hit. Keep him.
Castilo is cheap and a squad player who seem s to have learnt idurring his time with us.
Jo has a bad ratio of goals from chances to be a top striker so let him go. Besides with Yak,Saha,Vaughn,possibly Vic supported by Cahill,Felli,Baxter how many games would he play? Let him go.
We need a CM and WINGERS!!! Remember that breed anyone?
Castilo is cheap and a squad player who seem s to have learnt idurring his time with us.
Jo has a bad ratio of goals from chances to be a top striker so let him go. Besides with Yak,Saha,Vaughn,possibly Vic supported by Cahill,Felli,Baxter how many games would he play? Let him go.
We need a CM and WINGERS!!! Remember that breed anyone?
If we can get Castillo for free, I say sign him and Jacobsen both one year contracts next season, they seem good enough cover and we’re short on numbers as it is. But if we have to pay for Castillo, unless we pay a nominal fee, I don’t think it’s worth it.
Castilo out Essiened Essien last night, credit were its due, but as a few have already pointed out, one swallow does not make a Spring
I hope he gets another shot on Saturday - maybe we could give the skipper a well earned breather.
I think Jacobsen has a nice steady game last night, But I fear Tony Williams is spot on about him
I hope he gets another shot on Saturday - maybe we could give the skipper a well earned breather.
I think Jacobsen has a nice steady game last night, But I fear Tony Williams is spot on about him
I thought Castillo had a great game, although he started quite slowly. I’m sure Moyes will be giving him more games now in the run-in. Jacobsen had a quieter game but was effective nonetheless. He didn’t really cross the halfway line so can’t really say he offered much going forward. Then again, most of our attack was down the left. I guess as squad players, they would be well worth retaining, and would save us shelling out on transfer fees, although we may have to pay a fee for Castillo.
As for Ossie, I have always been on his side when "fans" on here have seen it fit to abuse him, but based on last night’s performance, I think it’s time for a change. He looks knackered and was hardly in the game at all. Mind, he did do alot of donkey work up front, but he should be contributing more than that. Also, thought he was very slow to come back and support Jacobsen.
Lastly, Nev looked knackered too and seemed to stand off alot. On a few occasions when the ball was in our box he just seemed to stand and watch instead of trying to win the ball. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he was tired. May be time to give Rodwell and Castillo more game time.
As for Ossie, I have always been on his side when "fans" on here have seen it fit to abuse him, but based on last night’s performance, I think it’s time for a change. He looks knackered and was hardly in the game at all. Mind, he did do alot of donkey work up front, but he should be contributing more than that. Also, thought he was very slow to come back and support Jacobsen.
Lastly, Nev looked knackered too and seemed to stand off alot. On a few occasions when the ball was in our box he just seemed to stand and watch instead of trying to win the ball. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he was tired. May be time to give Rodwell and Castillo more game time.
Castillo was ring rusty ...but when he warmed up he was awesome, second only to Baines. Seriously, you have to wonder why he is not involved when we have been short. This Everton team has been the best for 24 years ...we need to address our powder puff attack, the rest is superb
Dave whateveryourlastnameis,
I do watch Everton. And if you did, you’d know that any top 4 club would have a laugh about putting Neville anywhere in the midfield. Now I know he’s had a career year and I applaud him, he’s just not good enough.
I do watch Everton. And if you did, you’d know that any top 4 club would have a laugh about putting Neville anywhere in the midfield. Now I know he’s had a career year and I applaud him, he’s just not good enough.
Chris Kelly spot on with is opinion of Leon Osman against Chelsea and probably no better against Utd.
Knocked off the ball like a schoolkid and over-run by the big boys of Chelsea.
Always on the wrong side of the ball and could not make a tackle to save his life. Slow in getting back is an understatement !
No contribution for the whole of the last two games and only looks half decent against the lower sides ala West Brom.
Whoever metioned him for England after that game must be shortsighted.
Sorry to slag him off but needs must as he is a weak link.
Castillo looked like the player he was reputed to be when he signed and had a great game in the middle. Strong in the tackle and distributed well. We should let him play the next few games and see how he comes along as we will need a strong midfield in the final.
No boubt Davey will stick with his Ossie undoubtedly as he always does but he needs alternatives and it looked like one staring him in the face the other night.
Lars did very well also and look an a decent full back until he tired late on due to his lack of games.
All in all a good showing at Chelsea with many a plus point other than Osman being a passenger again.
COYB
Knocked off the ball like a schoolkid and over-run by the big boys of Chelsea.
Always on the wrong side of the ball and could not make a tackle to save his life. Slow in getting back is an understatement !
No contribution for the whole of the last two games and only looks half decent against the lower sides ala West Brom.
Whoever metioned him for England after that game must be shortsighted.
Sorry to slag him off but needs must as he is a weak link.
Castillo looked like the player he was reputed to be when he signed and had a great game in the middle. Strong in the tackle and distributed well. We should let him play the next few games and see how he comes along as we will need a strong midfield in the final.
No boubt Davey will stick with his Ossie undoubtedly as he always does but he needs alternatives and it looked like one staring him in the face the other night.
Lars did very well also and look an a decent full back until he tired late on due to his lack of games.
All in all a good showing at Chelsea with many a plus point other than Osman being a passenger again.
COYB
Chris Kelly... "I do watch Everton. And if you did, you?d know that any top 4 club would have a laugh about putting Neville anywhere in the midfield."
So when SAF played him in Midfield during a Premiership winning season he was just having a laugh was he?
Last season I probably would have agreed with you, but I really do have to side with Dave and question both how many games you have seen this season as well whether you really understand football. Phil Neville has been outstanding in the centre of the park this season. End of.
As for Castillo, I’m convinced it’s a confidence issue. In previous games, he has looked really nervous and never looked like he wanted the ball. Only a decent run of games will really show if he can get over this. Wednesday night offered some hope that if he can, he he could quite be a useful player!
So when SAF played him in Midfield during a Premiership winning season he was just having a laugh was he?
Last season I probably would have agreed with you, but I really do have to side with Dave and question both how many games you have seen this season as well whether you really understand football. Phil Neville has been outstanding in the centre of the park this season. End of.
As for Castillo, I’m convinced it’s a confidence issue. In previous games, he has looked really nervous and never looked like he wanted the ball. Only a decent run of games will really show if he can get over this. Wednesday night offered some hope that if he can, he he could quite be a useful player!
Any ideas why Moyes did not sub earlier, why Vaughan was not brought on or Fella in the squad? AFAIK, neither were injured on Sun?
Maybe Dave wanted to keep a few aces up his sleeve for the cup final where obviously Jo won’t play?
Anyway, I hope Vaughan, Gosling & Rodwell get a bit more game time in the coming weeks.
Maybe Dave wanted to keep a few aces up his sleeve for the cup final where obviously Jo won’t play?
Anyway, I hope Vaughan, Gosling & Rodwell get a bit more game time in the coming weeks.
Castillo finally looked like the Castillo I’ve seen in the World Cup qualifiers for Ecuador. The guy really is that good. I’m not surprised, however, that he hasn’t had much of an impact until now, because he wasn’t going to beat out Neville for his position, and the Prem is a tough place for a newbie to adjust to if you’re not getting minutes.
I hope he stays, if only because Nev is 32 and his remarkable luck with injuries (or lack of them) is bound to change.
I hope he stays, if only because Nev is 32 and his remarkable luck with injuries (or lack of them) is bound to change.
How many years ago was that Jimmy Rimmer, 5????
Phil Neville wouldn?t even get a sniff in the man u midfield right now. You?re argument is short sighted and too easily picked apart. The reason his brother has been so successful (they share similar battling qualities; albeit limited technically) is because he?s been hidden down the right flank (and he?s had D. Beckham to pass to most his career). RB is exactly where Phil should be as well. It suits him perfectly. Don?t worry Rimmer, he can still take those long throws of his.
The holding midfield position is one of the most important positions on the field. You think Man U would have won all those titles with Phil Neville in that position instead of Roy Keane? Come on now Peter Pan, stop dancing around and get your head on straight. All the best teams have talisman holding midfielders.
Sure he?s had a nice season and he?s helped us out tremendously. But that?s where it should end. You want to stay battling for 5th and 6th forever Jimmy Rimmer be my guest, we need a rock in that position, someone who can tackle and link play. Not pass backwards all the time and win that coveted "high passer rating" bullshit.
Phil Neville wouldn?t even get a sniff in the man u midfield right now. You?re argument is short sighted and too easily picked apart. The reason his brother has been so successful (they share similar battling qualities; albeit limited technically) is because he?s been hidden down the right flank (and he?s had D. Beckham to pass to most his career). RB is exactly where Phil should be as well. It suits him perfectly. Don?t worry Rimmer, he can still take those long throws of his.
The holding midfield position is one of the most important positions on the field. You think Man U would have won all those titles with Phil Neville in that position instead of Roy Keane? Come on now Peter Pan, stop dancing around and get your head on straight. All the best teams have talisman holding midfielders.
Sure he?s had a nice season and he?s helped us out tremendously. But that?s where it should end. You want to stay battling for 5th and 6th forever Jimmy Rimmer be my guest, we need a rock in that position, someone who can tackle and link play. Not pass backwards all the time and win that coveted "high passer rating" bullshit.
I agree that Castillo was a total revelation against Chelsea. As well as tackling he was able to turn and run/pass forwards. Something that neither he, Jags or Neville could do in the early part of the season. This is absolutley key, because once the midfielders start passing backwards the only option is for the CBs to start hoof ball. Fortunately this is a much reduced part of our game these days and I think it is down to the confidence of the team as a whole. Even Neville passes it forwards every now and again! Credit also should to go Leighton Baines (of which more later) and Pienaar for keeping the left flank always open as an attacking outlet.
I also thought that Yobo had a pretty good game defensively, only one potential howler. And a few hoof balls when not under pressure. But he lept Droba well shackled.
Possible MOM for me was Baines. In particular he outlept Drogba for a great defensive header in our penalty area in the second half. Not the strongest part of his game usually, but it was a goal saving clearance.
Finally saw some comment that Jacobsen was injury prone. I do not think there is any evidence of this. One unlucky injury does not make you injury prone. Tony Grant was injury prone. So was Danny Williamson. I do not think that Jacobson has a particular history of injuries, and a dislocated shoulder tends to be a one off - unlike damage to, for example, knees which get constant hammer on the football pitch.
A few were suggesting he offered "more going forward than Hibbert". Again precious little evidence of this as yet. Put in a decent shift though. Hibbert played better than I thought he could a few weeks ago but struggled against Ashley Young and was very conservative about going forward at Wembley. Maybe he will be better after his rest.
I also thought that Yobo had a pretty good game defensively, only one potential howler. And a few hoof balls when not under pressure. But he lept Droba well shackled.
Possible MOM for me was Baines. In particular he outlept Drogba for a great defensive header in our penalty area in the second half. Not the strongest part of his game usually, but it was a goal saving clearance.
Finally saw some comment that Jacobsen was injury prone. I do not think there is any evidence of this. One unlucky injury does not make you injury prone. Tony Grant was injury prone. So was Danny Williamson. I do not think that Jacobson has a particular history of injuries, and a dislocated shoulder tends to be a one off - unlike damage to, for example, knees which get constant hammer on the football pitch.
A few were suggesting he offered "more going forward than Hibbert". Again precious little evidence of this as yet. Put in a decent shift though. Hibbert played better than I thought he could a few weeks ago but struggled against Ashley Young and was very conservative about going forward at Wembley. Maybe he will be better after his rest.
Chris is right, isn’t he Jimmy? Phil has about as much chance of having SAF wanting him back as you have of the red nosed one wanting you to dust off your boots to replace Edwin vdS.
I am assured by those in the know that neither player is part of Davey?s plans for next season. Jacobsen was seeking clarification of his position as soon as he got fit and receiving no assurances will go to Germany. Castillo will return whence he came.
Thought that the Blues were outstanding against Chelsea, who I might remind everyone, is the most expensively assembled team of all time. We could have conceivably beaten Chelsea 4-0 with proper referreeing and half decent finishing. The passing and counter attacking was first class.
I thought the outstanding players on the pitch were Cahill and Baines. Cahill?s selfless running and passing in front of his old boss Gus Hiddink was exceptional. He is now without doubt a striker playing in midfield for me. He worried the life out of Alex and Terry all night and held the ball up superbly when we needed him to.
Baines completely outshone Ashley Cole, Capello would be blind not to see this. His defending and attacking were first class and the combination with Pienaar was telepathic. It did help that Anelka was being played wide right mind, he doesn?t like getting back and I take my hat off to Moyes and the players for realising that and keeping their right flank under pressure.
As for Castillo his season started to go downhill when we played Hull away and he was substituted at half time. Last night I thought he did brilliantly with Neville as they were up against Lampard, Ballack and Essien in the middle of the park and restricted them to one or two shots from long range. I think he showed last night that he is clearly worth persevering with. He has bided his time and we have heard no dummies being spit out. He did a good job at Anfield in the FA Cup earlier in the year.
I thought Jacobsen really responded well too. He does seem to put in a good cross and I saw him charging into the box trying to get a goal late on, something I?ve never seen Hibbert do (I do think he has improved tremendously this year but he wasn?t fit on Sunday or against Ashley Young at Villa Park).
Joseph Yobo defended really well too. To come in after missing so much football recently and keep a clean sheet against that lot is really worth a mention.
A great performance by the Blues and one that holds out great prospects for the end of this season and the start of the next. A fully fit squad with one or two additions and the youngsters all a year older and wiser bodes well for a real tilt at the cartel that is the CL.
Castillo has always shown promise and needs a run of games to show what he can really do (which would be invaluable for the final) but of course he didn?t cost £15m so Moyes keeps persevering with Fellaini instead. Unlike Fellaini, Castillo can win a ball fairly, pass under pressure and is prepared to work, and we know he does posses a shot. Fellaini?s only asset is nuisance value up front and money for the Whig seller.
Jacobsen? a great game?
In my opinion he was very anonymous and when he was called to do something he looked less than convincing including one incident in which he completely mis-timed a tackle in the box and fell over..
Castillo was reasonable in the second half in a game which showed our defensive capabilities and nothing else....Jo’s striking capabilites are playground material and Osman is just useless.
Big shout to Cahill and Baines who were out only offensive threat, with Pienaar being the usual parson’s egg...and neville, well lets just say he was there.
Some people think it was a great performance...Must be still drunk from Sunday.
In my opinion he was very anonymous and when he was called to do something he looked less than convincing including one incident in which he completely mis-timed a tackle in the box and fell over..
Castillo was reasonable in the second half in a game which showed our defensive capabilities and nothing else....Jo’s striking capabilites are playground material and Osman is just useless.
Big shout to Cahill and Baines who were out only offensive threat, with Pienaar being the usual parson’s egg...and neville, well lets just say he was there.
Some people think it was a great performance...Must be still drunk from Sunday.
Chris Kelly is spot on. At the end of last season some of the fans had a discussion about what needed improving in the squad for next year. We all agreed that Leon Osman should be a squad player if we wanted to kick on, because he seems to do well against the lower teams but looks way out of his depth time after time against the top four due to his size and lack of pace.
At the moment we look far more dangerous down our left side, we ideally need a good attacking right back and a pacey right mid with the ability to take players on and provide an outlet for attack. I wish we would have signed Glen Johnson when Chelsea sold him for £2 million to Pompey and maybe Aaron Lennon when Leeds sold him to Spurs for £1 million. Hopefully Moyes will have something up his sleeve, but we all wanted him to sign a winger last year and he decided not too. Lastly we do need a younger more energetic holding defensive midfielder in the Essien or Yaya Toure mold to have a brilliant starting 11 in my eyes.
At the moment we look far more dangerous down our left side, we ideally need a good attacking right back and a pacey right mid with the ability to take players on and provide an outlet for attack. I wish we would have signed Glen Johnson when Chelsea sold him for £2 million to Pompey and maybe Aaron Lennon when Leeds sold him to Spurs for £1 million. Hopefully Moyes will have something up his sleeve, but we all wanted him to sign a winger last year and he decided not too. Lastly we do need a younger more energetic holding defensive midfielder in the Essien or Yaya Toure mold to have a brilliant starting 11 in my eyes.
I thought it was ane encouraging performance from the boys. We were on the back foot for a while but you can say that for most teams visiting the bridge.
When we were able to get the ball down and pass it we were able to open them up reasonably easily which can only be encouraging and a sign that we’re really progressing as a team.
A lot of our ability to open them up, in my opinion was down to two things: the combination play of Baines and Pienaar down the left side, and the movement of Jo up front. His finishing let him down but he got himself in some superb positions and also showed some good link-up play. I don’t think we have another forward on our books (barring perhaps Vaughan) who can do what Jo does. I think he could develop into a really good player.
I thought our midfield did ok but we need a general in there with real physical presence, who can outmuscle opponents. I agree with whoever said Neville’s not good enough for us to break the top 4, great job though he’s done this season, he doesn’t do enough for me. Maybe Castillo or Fella could develop into that type of player but they’re not there yet.
When we were able to get the ball down and pass it we were able to open them up reasonably easily which can only be encouraging and a sign that we’re really progressing as a team.
A lot of our ability to open them up, in my opinion was down to two things: the combination play of Baines and Pienaar down the left side, and the movement of Jo up front. His finishing let him down but he got himself in some superb positions and also showed some good link-up play. I don’t think we have another forward on our books (barring perhaps Vaughan) who can do what Jo does. I think he could develop into a really good player.
I thought our midfield did ok but we need a general in there with real physical presence, who can outmuscle opponents. I agree with whoever said Neville’s not good enough for us to break the top 4, great job though he’s done this season, he doesn’t do enough for me. Maybe Castillo or Fella could develop into that type of player but they’re not there yet.
Castillo did look good last night, but we shouldn?t be surprised. He has the pedigree to do well and he?s just never had any kind of run in the team to establish himself and get used to English football. If we?d bought him I?d be quite excited about his development, but I actually don?t think Moyes will take up the option in the summer, if he was going to it would?ve made sense to use him more often.
I like the look of Jacobsen as well, but he was on a one-year contract and may also be released.
WTF is a parsons egg ?
I googled it...
"In English, when something is called "a parson’s egg" it means that some parts are good, but not all."
"In English, when something is called "a parson’s egg" it means that some parts are good, but not all."
Thanks Geoff
It’a comforting to know I disagree with Ciaran even when I dont know what he’s sayin
It’a comforting to know I disagree with Ciaran even when I dont know what he’s sayin
I think he looks like a decent player that is just used to a different style of play and has taken his time to get used to the pace of the English game. He’d be a good free if thats the case!? Jacobsen should be given his chance to prove himself as from what I’ve seen of him he hasn’t let the side down and as good as Hibbert is defensively its frustrating at times when you just won’t a bit more of an idea going forward.
Just saw a link on bluekipper for Marc Janko and he looks to have everything! He’s 6’5 well built and has a great touch with both feet. He’s mainly linked with Celtic but not sure what the cost would be, but was really impressed!
Just saw a link on bluekipper for Marc Janko and he looks to have everything! He’s 6’5 well built and has a great touch with both feet. He’s mainly linked with Celtic but not sure what the cost would be, but was really impressed!
Dave,
pasons egg - Some good, some bad.
Some of the stuff he did with Bains was superb...some of the other stuff he did was head in the hands material. I know you disagree but i’d like him to concentrate on the simple stuff...the fancy trickery just doesn’t seem to be coming off for him lately...he also seems to want opposing players with pace that he doesn’t have -
I have to say I didn’t enjoy the chelsea match one bit. Strnage atmosphere and predominantly defensive preformance...but I suppose it was Chelsea.
pasons egg - Some good, some bad.
Some of the stuff he did with Bains was superb...some of the other stuff he did was head in the hands material. I know you disagree but i’d like him to concentrate on the simple stuff...the fancy trickery just doesn’t seem to be coming off for him lately...he also seems to want opposing players with pace that he doesn’t have -
I have to say I didn’t enjoy the chelsea match one bit. Strnage atmosphere and predominantly defensive preformance...but I suppose it was Chelsea.
I liked the way we went about the Chelsea game, we were our usual organised selves, but we played some very nice football too, Sometimes its easy to say the Pienaars and Osmans are not up to playing against the top 4 but I disagree.
Ask yourself how well Ballack, Essien, Lampard played, or any of the top fours midfield against us this year. Ok ALL of these guys can outmuscle our much maligned pair, but they have to track back to do that and they know if they dont, our lightweights are skillfull enough to punish them, of course while they are tracking back they are?nt hurting us.
Turn the question around. When was the last time, an Alonso or a Scholes, Essian, Carrick, Ballack, or any other so called world class midfielder played well against Osman or Pienaar?
The atmosphere was strange at the Bridge on Wednesday, but that was because the fans knew any football being played was not being played by the home side.
I’m not gonna apply my answer to Pienaar because i ultimately think he has a decent player with a lot going for him...But I’ll answer it on Osman..
Osman’s job is a creative midfielder, who although he covers a lot of ground rarely makes a defensive tackle that results in us retaining possession...to suggest that the big sides don’t get any change against us because of Osman is not really taking the efferts of people like Cahill and our superb defensive line into account..Osman may play his part but it’s limited..
as for the job he’s suppose to do when he’s on the ball..he’s had one comprehensive game against villa this season, yet has retained his starting place every time...we heard his good display against villa was down to him finnally shaking off the injury...but he’s went straight back to clumsy and frankly incompentent displays were he can’t pass the ball..but yet sometimes can take it around 4 players (united match).
Its all good and well saying that he gives the big boys a hard time with his effort, but for a 30 grand footballer you expect a bit more than effort.
I know you disagree, but I fail to see the logic that gets him a starting place every week..i’d rather we sacrificed the width (which i don’t think he really gives anyway) and played Rodwell instead..
Osman’s job is a creative midfielder, who although he covers a lot of ground rarely makes a defensive tackle that results in us retaining possession...to suggest that the big sides don’t get any change against us because of Osman is not really taking the efferts of people like Cahill and our superb defensive line into account..Osman may play his part but it’s limited..
as for the job he’s suppose to do when he’s on the ball..he’s had one comprehensive game against villa this season, yet has retained his starting place every time...we heard his good display against villa was down to him finnally shaking off the injury...but he’s went straight back to clumsy and frankly incompentent displays were he can’t pass the ball..but yet sometimes can take it around 4 players (united match).
Its all good and well saying that he gives the big boys a hard time with his effort, but for a 30 grand footballer you expect a bit more than effort.
I know you disagree, but I fail to see the logic that gets him a starting place every week..i’d rather we sacrificed the width (which i don’t think he really gives anyway) and played Rodwell instead..
I think Ossie’s a decent player who’s unfortunately let down lack of strength and pace - physical limitations. Even when he has better games (i.e. against Villa and Chelsea) he gets easily outmuscled at times. I would like to see him subbed for Gosling every now and then. Gosling can provide genuine width which is something we badly miss in the latter stages of matches.
Ciaran
I dont disagree, but the reason none of the top midfield stars are shining against us is down to a collective effort, sure Neville and Cahill are a huge part of it, but Osman is 20-25% of that effort - depending on formation and its unfair to suggest otherwise, any team trying to compete with these top teams whilst carrying passengers would be found out very quickly, given our performances against the big boys this season, surely the logical conclusion is that Osman is not a passenger
He is there to try to do something different, the chance taker if you like, its therefore inevitable he’ll make more mistakes.
I’ll assume you’ve played the game at some level, you’ll know that playing a short pass in a congested midfield to a man travelling at pace requires great skill. Osman is one of the finest exponents of this particular skill in the game today, this often goes unoticed, but its vital to us if we are to play nice easy on the eye football.
Yes Leo’s lightweight, he’s also infuriating but take a closer look tomorrow
I dont disagree, but the reason none of the top midfield stars are shining against us is down to a collective effort, sure Neville and Cahill are a huge part of it, but Osman is 20-25% of that effort - depending on formation and its unfair to suggest otherwise, any team trying to compete with these top teams whilst carrying passengers would be found out very quickly, given our performances against the big boys this season, surely the logical conclusion is that Osman is not a passenger
He is there to try to do something different, the chance taker if you like, its therefore inevitable he’ll make more mistakes.
I’ll assume you’ve played the game at some level, you’ll know that playing a short pass in a congested midfield to a man travelling at pace requires great skill. Osman is one of the finest exponents of this particular skill in the game today, this often goes unoticed, but its vital to us if we are to play nice easy on the eye football.
Yes Leo’s lightweight, he’s also infuriating but take a closer look tomorrow
I wouldn?t for a second knock his effort, maybe in a scramble to lambast basic mistakes I come across that way... but that?s not the case.
We?re actually not too far apart here.
By the way, I never had the chance to play football to any level... wasn?t bad at it for local clubs but in teh schools over here you?d played GAA or you got kicked...have played hurling to a decent level so I know what skill and effort is.
Isn?t it wonderful to get along!
We?re actually not too far apart here.
By the way, I never had the chance to play football to any level... wasn?t bad at it for local clubs but in teh schools over here you?d played GAA or you got kicked...have played hurling to a decent level so I know what skill and effort is.
Isn?t it wonderful to get along!
If we are seriously thinking about keeping Castillo someone ought to point out that shorts come in different sizes than small......
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1 Posted 23/04/2009 at 06:18:28
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Could it be he's finally getting fit enough and adjusting to the PL and the "Everton way" For the little he'd probably cost is he now worth hanging onto as a squad player who at least is going to have had a season here and a full pre season to come?
Given we'll be shopping in the bargain basement again this close season after being able to afford maybe only one major signing or in our wildest dreams two, is he even at this late stage, worth re-assessing.
Or do I just need to come down off cloud nine?