ToffeeWeb - Season 2009-10

The Mail Bag

Jack Rodwell

Holding midfielders or centre halfs, unlike attacking players and strikers, don't usually grab the headlines. Rooney burst onto the scene and after scoring against Arsenal was all over the media. However, Jack Rodwell has quietly established himself as a key member of our first team squad, and the England U-21's.

He played for our U-18s aged 14, and made his reserves debut at 15. When he was just 16 he made history as our youngest ever player to play in Europe against AZ Alkmaar.

The talk is, in the years to come he will become a centre half in the ilk of Ferdinand, as he learns to be composed on the ball in his current midfield role. There have already been stories of Man Utd and Arsenal keeping a close eye over him.

I think we have a player here who could become world class. Big words I know, and I don't use them lightly, but after watching his performances I think a lot of our fans haven't yet realised just how good this kid is. He's big, strong, mobile, but the thing that impresses me most is that when he has the ball at his feet, he looks like he has time. Like Scholes or Fabregas the weekend, he doesn't panic and he always wants the ball. When he's got it, he plays the ball to feet, setting the tempo, and then keeps moving.

In the next few years, as he fills out, I think he will impose himself more on games through confidence and experience, and be the focal point of our side. He will take on the responsibility and drive us forward, just like Fabregas has done at Arsenal.

Some people will probably think he "won't be that good", but why not? Because he's English? Because he plays for Everton? I genuinely believe he has the ability to get to that level. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders which is vital, as is the support of his family. If he does revert to defence I'm sure he will be great, only time will tell.

There's a great feeling of satisfaction watching a home grown lad come into the team and perform at the highest level. I only hope that this time we can keep hold of it, to appreciate what we've produced.
Peter Griffin, Liverpool Posted 20/08/2009 at 12:12:58

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Comments

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Keith Glazzard
1 Posted 20/08/2009 at 17:40:03

Rodwell isn’t short of supporters on this site.

And I’d bet that if we could take a vote, 95% or more would want him in holding midfield tonight. If he is going to become a CB he can do that in ten years or so.

Alec Laurie
2 Posted 20/08/2009 at 17:44:29

Great post Peter.

I’m happy to be reading a positive outlook rather than speculating over the latest player we’re "linked" to.

Completely agree with you on Rodwell - a fantastic prospect. I just hope that by the time he is realising his potential, we are no longer in our current "feeder club" status....

We live in hope!

James Stewart
3 Posted 20/08/2009 at 17:48:58

Yes i agree & it might help if he actually started a few games!

Mike McLean
4 Posted 20/08/2009 at 18:08:21

Shoot me down in flames if you will, but watching glimpses of him here and there, including the recent under 21 tournament, I think that there’s a faint whiff of Bobby Moore about his play.

Only time will tell, if I’m right, whether the whiff becomes a full blown fragrance or not.

Ajay Gopal
5 Posted 20/08/2009 at 18:46:47

And then, Man U will gently prise him away like stealing lollipop from a child !

Mike Coates
6 Posted 20/08/2009 at 22:08:57

and now after 2nite’s performance..

Keith Glazzard
7 Posted 20/08/2009 at 22:11:52

Well - I think we got our wish with interest.

And yes, Ajay, the club will have to work out how to keep him for many years to come - pay more in wages, and less in transfer fees seems to be the recommended model. Winning trophies would also help I suppose.

But a real star performance tonight.

Alex Robinson
8 Posted 20/08/2009 at 22:24:35

Keith Glazzard - spot on! He’s a holding midfielder who can come forward and hit a great strike (or two). He has the Essien feel about him, albiet not as well built (yet), but the guy has the world at his feet. Typical Moyes player really - has one position where he excels, but can play one or two other positions too with distinction. The future’s bright...:)

Ciarán McGlone
9 Posted 20/08/2009 at 22:28:41

Superb performance from the lad - a little more composure and decisiveness and we’ve definetly got a player who will complement Arteta no end. Surely that must mean the end of Neville in midfield... Irrespective of Jacks age..

Steve Mink
10 Posted 20/08/2009 at 22:41:44

Now beyond doubt that the lad is special, though it’s been obvious to me since I first clapped eyes on him.

Agree with Ciaran - he is now our first-choice holding midfielder. The thought of a midfield of Rodwell + Arteta + Pienaar + Decent Winger + Cahill in support of striker gets me moist with excitement.

Pete Gunby
11 Posted 20/08/2009 at 23:22:47

Ciaran, I hope you're right about ending Neville's time in midfield but you have stepped off the reality train if you think it will happen. You should know better after watching so many games — we are still in for many episodes of Hibbo at right-back with Osman and Neville in front of him. With Moyes, poor performances have no bearing on favoured line-ups. Sorry that I had to be the barest of bad nudes.

Ciarán McGlone
12 Posted 21/08/2009 at 07:26:52

Yes, Pete..it was euphoria rather than reality....

But you gotta hope...

Suzy Whitehead
13 Posted 21/08/2009 at 13:32:43

Just relax a little. When he starts making performances like this against good opposition we can start some serious plauditing — until then we are discussing potential — of which there is no doubt.

Francis Jeffers and Richard Wright were renowned for their potential. It will be a couple of years yet for Jack but the signs are very, very good.

Ian Tunstead
14 Posted 21/08/2009 at 19:06:53

One of the 1st and most sensible comments I have heard a lady say about footballing matters Suzy, sorry for being a bit sexist but just being honest.

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