The Mail Bag
Our Nigerians
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There has been a lot of talk recently about our Nigerian trio and how most people seems to have them lined up as our most expendable assests so we can get a bit of cash in our pathetic (as always) transfer kitty. Personally, I would like to see at least two of them stay.
Firstly, Yobo. He has fallen behind Heitinga and Jags in the pecking order (rightly) and seems to have been scapegoated by most Evertonians for our Europa League exit against Sporting. He wasn't great that night but he was a hell of a lot better than Senderos (please don't re-sign him!) and offers bags of pace and experience.
Yes, he will occasionally switch off mentally but if we sell him who could we get for the same money who is better when we can't offer European football next season? Yobo has been a superb pro for the club since Moyes first bought him in on loan. I hope he has a decent World Cup and comes back to the Blues next season.
Secondly... Big Vic. Again he seems to be on most people's lists to cash in on but I think (and hope) he will be at Goodison next season. Don't forget that he has suffered some horrible injuries and missed almost a year after Nolan's assault on him. Moyes seems to like him and there is no doubt that he is strong, quick and can turn brilliantly.
Yes he needs to toughen up mentally but he is still young. Vic has to be worth persevering with, especially as he finished the season so strongly.
Finally, the Yak. Again many are assuming that our move for Beckford means he is off but I think Beckford will (sadly) replace Vaughan not Yak. Like most of us I waited most of last season for the real Yak to stand up and start scoring. He never really did...
Does he need more time to recover from what was a terrible injury or is his recent form a reflection of what he did at Portsmouth and Boro - start brilliantly... then look increasingly disinterested as time went on. There is no doubt that a fit and focussed Yak is one of the most potent strikers in the league but I have a feeling that he won't be in a blue shirt next season.
I only hope that, whoever leaves Goodison over the summer (please not Arteta!), any transfer money received goes on Landon.
Miles Wilson, Posted 29/05/2010 at 01:30:48
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Shame but has that injury finished him Off? He wasn't blessed with pace before and his age will count against him. He can score goals though, when in the right position.
Let's hope he finds that position!
Sadly, Yak has to go. In fact, the whole striking department needs freshening up, which means that the continued perseverance with Vic has to cease also.
I don't believe the Yak is finished but I do think his best days are behind him. The same could be said for Joey and both of these represent very saleable assets (for the money being talked about I DO believe DM could find suitable replacements)
If we all accept the fact that we have no money, then if we want to improve and bring in new signings, we first have to look at who to sell. For the above reasons, these two would certainly be on my list.
Yakubu has to stay, primarily because we simply can't go around choosing to take big losses on our pricey signings.
One more year for him and it's all or nothing - he either gets back to his best, or we end up getting rid this time next year for bugger-all.
You never know...
Yak had one of the very worse injuries to return from. I know from two friends who went through it that it fucks your confidence in your own body for a long time. It has been pointed out before on TW, rightly, that Yak is the most natural goal scorer we've had since Lineker. We can't afford to lose such a player. That said, if an offer of £10m comes in, it may represent fair business.
As for Jobo, he has been a great pro for Everton and engenders much affection amongst most fans. It's well deserved. I don't have a strong view, but whilst sentiment is not completely misplaced in football, we are also a business and, because of our own specific financial position, it is a dereliction of duty not to maximise our assets on and off the field. I'd be happy for Jobo to stay in the squad, but equally comfortable if he went elsewhere for first team football provided we get £5m or so.
Final point on Joseph, I always saw him as a natural deep lying midfielder/destroyer. He doesn't have the concentration a top centre half needs, but he reads the game well, tackles well, passes well and can run with the ball. I'm surprised Moyes has never tried him there. To me he's a natural. But WTFDIK?
Re Victor, I just like him. I think he's got what it takes. His application (which was biggest concern) has clearly upped several gears and he has the attributes to make it big. If VA is here in 2 years time I reckon he'll be valued in the £15-20m bracket.
According to the same journalist Yak had a medical lined up with Spurs after the game against them in November 2008 but he ruptured his Achilles tendon and it didn't go ahead.
Anichebe deserves more time, he definitely has something to offer if he can just adjust his attitude and realise what an opportunity he has. As for Yakubu, he seems to get endless stick for being lazy but I think he's a great finisher if he's given the ball in the right areas. That said, it looks like his time is up and I expect to see him heading out of the door after the World Cup.
Personally, I'd rather see the back of Saha, he's a lazy bastard and has done nothing since getting his two-year deal. Expect him to spend the next two seasons stuck in the injury room and then moaning at the injustice of it all when his two years is up.
He isn't on big money, and we wouldn't get much for him, so why get rid?
I wouldn't want to sell any of our players and i believe keeping what we have is more important than adding to the squad.
According to todays rumours Wittingham from Cardif [ decent player but not better than we already have ] Aimar [ to old and costly ] Cardoza [ likely to be to expensive but i would'nt say no ] Ben Arfa [ very good but too pricy ] these rumours will go on all summer players coming and going, i'm not holding my breath.
Question is how he will be used in the Moyes setup with Fellaini due back and Cahill also being used up front in certain formations? Probably Yaks will be cashed in as they look to see an improved Anichebe next season.
I would love to see Donovan back next season as a replacement for Osman.
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1 Posted 29/05/2010 at 05:25:46
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I think he'll do well for us. Health and fitness first, yes. But also, he knows better than any of us how little shelf-life time he has as a footballer. Next year will be a good one for him and EFC.