The Mail Bag
Give youth a chance!
Comments (17)
As the last game of the season has little importance, I feel it's a good chance to give a few of the fringe youth players a chance to get some experience.
I realise that a few players are pushing for World Cup spots but others could be fit in around these players. An opportunity could be given to the likes of Turner, Mustafi, Duffy, Wallace, Baxter, Agard and even Senderos. Maybe others?
Turner – If he has any possibility of a career at Everton, this is a chance to show it. Though I doubt he'll make it as Mucha's signing puts him further back and Ruddy must be rated higher.
Mustafi – Comes with good reviews and could be a reward for consistent season.
Duffy – Played well from what I saw in Europe and seems to have a lot of promise. Could be an excellent prospect.
Wallace – Has sat on the bench a lot this season, why not see what he can do.
Baxter – Said to have the potential to be a star. Give him a chance against a weak Pompey side.
Agard – Not sure about this bloke, but is meant to have pace and may just need an opportunity.
Senderos — I am unsure. Could need to prove himself and the fact he's free helps. Got bags of experience for a 24-year-old. I think he could be an excellent defender if he could cut out the lapses. Good replacement for Yobo if we sold him.
The main thing is we have nothing to lose but an unbeaten record... and really, as nice as it is, I couldn't care less about the record, as in the end it counts for nothing next season.
This gives us a chance to give some lads experience, reward for their efforts and could show more than thought possible, showing if called upon could support the 1st team or even push for places next year.
The season is over and we need to be looking at possible benefits for next year. If these players can show they are good enough, Moyes may feel comfortable slotting them in rather than playing players out of position (like Hibbert at centre-back).
Any one else worthy of a chance in the 1st team?
Martin Clark, Posted 02/05/2010 at 03:21:49
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I also think that, out of the lads you have mentioned, only really Duffy and Baxter have a chance of progression. Wouldn't mind seeing Duffy replace Distin but, aside from that, we should pick the normal team.
Some of these lads deserve a chance when there is nothing at stake. If Moyes thinks they won't make it, and let's them know, it gives them a chance to move on and look elsewhere a little less demanding, early in their careers.
I`m even more interested in him than I am Coleman.
Fuck it, get them both in
Ban Hoofball
Next season, with no European distractions, we can just concentrate on getting in the top 4 but unless Moyes adopts a more positive attitude, there is no chance of that happening. We will also lose Rodwell.
ps: For those of you who want to ditch Jags for Heitinga, I am too polite to print my comments.
That was the poorest Everton match I have EVER watched. Kids out of their depth by and large and the Yak huffing and puffing around like a Pub player. It was fucking awful.
This game does matter anyway. It's a chance to sign off the season with a top notch display and stretch the unbeaten run to 12 games. By the time the next season kicks off they will virtually have forgotten how to lose a League match as it will be unbeaten for nearly 6 months and only 2 defeats in nearly 9 months.
We need to get next season off to a flyer for once. Give one or two young kids a game, but other than that it should be business as usual.
Goalkeeper: I think we should go for Turner in goal. He has played very well in the reserves recently, and he should be given this chance to prove his worth.
Right back: Tony Hibbert. He has missed a lot of matches this year, but has really proved himself lately. Very dependable and good around youngsters.
Centre back: Shane Duffy.From what I have seen of him, he certainly has a great future. Commanding in the air and good on the ball. He was in my opinion outstanding against BATE (considering his age... that own-goal aside). A future captain?
Centre back: Senderos. This is the final game of the season, which will give Moyes a last chance of seeing this man in action before deciding his future.
Left back: Phil Neville. He played there for Man Utd and England, so it won't be unusual for him. He will be a good help for the young centre backs too. This will also be a good chance to try another left back option if Baines gets injured.
Right midfielder: Baxter. He has really shined the last couple of reserves games. He is supposed to be the next big thing at the club, so why not give him a chance to show that from the start?
Left midfield: Bilyaletdinov. He got just about one (!!!!) minute of action against Stoke, which was totally unbelievable in a match where he should have been introduced about 30 minutes earlier. Grab this opportunity with both hands and take a good rest in the summer.
Central midfielders: Arteta, Rodwell, Jagielka. Well, Arteta is just Arteta; enough said. Rodwell has not played so much recently but has looked lively when coming on as a sub. He will have the licence to bomb forward as Jagielka will protect the back four. I know Jagielka is NOT very good as a midfielder, but he needs as much football as he can get. Not only for his own fitness but for his chances of making it to the World Cup. I think he got the taste for a goal against Stoke, so here is a chance for him to deliver in a more advanced role.
Forward: Tim Cahill. He showed last season that he can really do it as a lone striker. As seen the last couple of months, neither Saha or Yakubu seems to have any impact, when playing from the start. They can, however, be a big threat when coming on as subs in the second half. Let Cahill lead the line as he did during a very successful period last season.
This team is good enough to beat Portsmouth anyway, so it will just benefit the whole club, as more players will gain valuable Premier League experience.
For me the result against Portsmouth is of no consequence, so I would LOVE to see a load of kids play.
To gain (more) first team experience.
To run out to Z-Cars in front of a full house at Goodison.
To feel 'part of things'.
To have played a(nother) game for the first team.
With NOTHING to lose OR gain, it makes perfect sense for DM to play as many of them as possible on Sunday.
In fact not only should they be played, they should be played and told 'go out there and show us every trick in the book' - enjoy yourselves.
Can't see it happening though.
My crystal ball sees the usual suspects walking around the pitch at the end taking the applause after a dull 1-1.
Neville giving it hands above the head applause, Saha down the tunnel asap etc.
(I admit it, for me the glass is, almost always, 3/4 empty).
I would love to see Agard get a chance, especially as Saha appears to be ensuring that he does not get injured before the World Cup.
And I do feel Duffy is one for the future although experience and maturity are key characteristics for a good CH.
I am still holding high hopes for Coleman too but the rest will have to prove a lot more before a first team chance comes their way.
I too don't expect Moyes to change anything due to his love of unbeaten records. But hoping to see Duffy and Baxter given a decent amount of time on the pitch as I don't think they would cost us the game.
So expect a dour boring game to finish off a disappointing season, great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!!!
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1 Posted 02/05/2010 at 15:42:21
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Whats the point of playing Turner? He's clearly never going to make it at Everton. Howard will remain Everton's first choice keeper and new arrival Jan Mucha will be his back-up. Turner has no future at Everton.
Mustafi & Duffy
I agee one of these kids should be rewarded with some first team football but you cannont drop Jagielka because he needs all the football he can get if wants to break into England's World Cup squad.
Wallace
Didn't look all that impressive in Europe but I guess he could make a sub appearance.
Baxter
Out of all the kids, I feel Baxter is making the biggest claim for first team football. Scored a couple of goals in the reserves recently. I'd like to see him start.
Agard
Pointless starting him. He's not good enough. Got some pace but very little control. No future at Everton.