Season 2011-12 Fan Articles
Stracqualursi and Drenthe, Quality or not?
By Jimmy Soerheim :: 03/01/2012
29 Comments (»Last)
In Stracqualursi and Drenthe, we have two guys on loan who have played some part this far, and they have been both good and bad. They are out of contract come summer and they could be good players for the future, they are both young, under 25 years old, they bring a great work ethic and seem to give us an added edge in their own way.
Drenthe has flair and pace who can cross and pass the ball well, and has a good shot in him. His dribbling raids are fun to watch when they work. He has lost the ball for us when we have played away from Goodison, and he seems to be a "home" player. Knowing this, he still gives us an added edge and can only get better, so I say sign him on a pre-contract right now if possible.
Stracqualursi kind of reminds me of Duncan, but a bit weaker on his feet and more unsure of himself. I believe his main strength is in the air, but he too is still young and can develop into a much needed target man, who can hold up the ball and bring others into play. I do however feel he needs to try and shoot more, and be more daring in front of goal. If not, I fear he will fail to score enough goals and be returned back to his home club.
Overall, I think we can afford to wait until the summer before a contract is given, as we already have to many strikers that hardly ever scores, and we need to see more of him in order to know if he can fulfill a target man role.
I would like to know what you think about Drenthe and Straqualursi, are they good enough for us?
Reader Comments (29)
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David S Shaw
2 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:02:35
2 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:02:35
Tony Williams, don't you mean he knocked the DJ on the head?
Tom Winek
3 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:08:42
3 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:08:42
Drenthe is the only exciting player we have. Not sure if these types of player tend to well in the PL though. I'm talking about prodigiously talented youngsters who have lost their way a bit.
Not bothered about the big Argentinian. Still don't understand why the top scorer in Argentina is allowed to be loaned out for a season.
Not bothered about the big Argentinian. Still don't understand why the top scorer in Argentina is allowed to be loaned out for a season.
Brian Williams
4 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:22:13
4 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:22:13
Aaaaagh dont remind me about that David.
I still seethe when I think about what, and how he got away with that.
A total miscarriage of justice....
Now look what you've done..Grrrrrrr!!!
I still seethe when I think about what, and how he got away with that.
A total miscarriage of justice....
Now look what you've done..Grrrrrrr!!!
Mike Allison
5 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:36:02
5 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:36:02
In short, Drenthe is 'quality', Stracqualursi isn't.
The next question is: is Stracqualursi worth having, he might be, and on the evidence of WBA he looks like a useful centre forward/target man type. However, he also look completely knackered and was dripping with sweat after 25 mins playing in the cold, so I worry about his fitness.
The next question is: is Stracqualursi worth having, he might be, and on the evidence of WBA he looks like a useful centre forward/target man type. However, he also look completely knackered and was dripping with sweat after 25 mins playing in the cold, so I worry about his fitness.
Steve Guy
6 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:42:42
6 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:42:42
You can't make a considered decision on either as both players have had too little playing time on which to base an sound opinion. I'd be fascinated to know on what basis DM will make a decision to keep or release, unless he gives them the time on the pitch.
Matt Traynor
7 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:56:33
7 Posted 04/01/2012 at 15:56:33
Jimmy, for all of his faults (and he had many) Duncan Ferguson was NOT "a bit weaker on his feet".
Far from it, in his earlier days he leathered in many a goal, mostly with his left peg.
Far from it, in his earlier days he leathered in many a goal, mostly with his left peg.
Erik Dols
8 Posted 04/01/2012 at 16:09:25
8 Posted 04/01/2012 at 16:09:25
Matt, I think Jimmy means Stracsomething is "a bit weaker on his feet" than Duncan was, not the other way around...
Matt Traynor
9 Posted 04/01/2012 at 16:21:28
9 Posted 04/01/2012 at 16:21:28
Erik, I re-read it and realise that, but it throws up a few other things in my mind now. I really can't see many similarities between them.
Obviously if Straq starts seeing yellows / reds a lot, and lays in to some burglars one night, I'll reconsider.
I know injuries blighted his career (and suspensions etc.), but I think in his first spell, we saw glimpses of the potential player that Ferguson could have been. I don't think he ever got anywhere near that, sadly for us. Regards Straq, I'd need to watch him a bit more, but I think Ferguson benefited from playing alongside some great service providers - Hinchliffe / Kanchelskis / Limpar / Stuart to name but 4. Straq doesn't have that relative luxury, although like Fergie, he's come to a team somewhat struggling, and perhaps playing within itself.
Obviously if Straq starts seeing yellows / reds a lot, and lays in to some burglars one night, I'll reconsider.
I know injuries blighted his career (and suspensions etc.), but I think in his first spell, we saw glimpses of the potential player that Ferguson could have been. I don't think he ever got anywhere near that, sadly for us. Regards Straq, I'd need to watch him a bit more, but I think Ferguson benefited from playing alongside some great service providers - Hinchliffe / Kanchelskis / Limpar / Stuart to name but 4. Straq doesn't have that relative luxury, although like Fergie, he's come to a team somewhat struggling, and perhaps playing within itself.
Ray Robinson
10 Posted 04/01/2012 at 16:55:37
10 Posted 04/01/2012 at 16:55:37
I know that many people think that our main problem at the moment is lack of creativity, particularly following the sale of Pienaar and Arteta, and that many of you will be enthused by the performances of Anichebe and Stracqualursi when they came on as subs at WBA, but does anyone really rate our forwards as good enough, even if we did somehow manage to inject some creativity into the ranks?
My opinion, for what it's worth: Anichebe is Championship standard at best, Stracq looks like a labouring donkey, Saha is clapped out and looking increasingly disinterested and only Vellios looks promising.
Can we really look forward to any tangible progression in the second half of the season with that strike force? ? even if we miraculously sign creative players doing the transfer window?
James Stewart
11 Posted 04/01/2012 at 16:57:24
11 Posted 04/01/2012 at 16:57:24
Drenthe is quality. You don't get signed by Real Madrid if your lacking. I would be very surprised if he doesn't have better offers on the table come the end of the season.
Strac looked useful for once in his last match. Definitely worth a start instead of the lazy Saha and toothless cahill. Is there a worst strikerforce in the league than them too!?
Strac looked useful for once in his last match. Definitely worth a start instead of the lazy Saha and toothless cahill. Is there a worst strikerforce in the league than them too!?
Jimmy Sørheim
12 Posted 04/01/2012 at 17:29:07
12 Posted 04/01/2012 at 17:29:07
Hello Ray.
I get that you doubt or dislike Saha and Anichebe, but what I do not get is how you can dismiss Straq as a donkey, as he has not even played half of the amount of games as they have been afforded.
Not even close in fact, I sense you are eager to buy a new striker, but that might not happen until summer.
So what is your gut feeling about Straq, do you think he will get better the more game time he getsor have you made your mind up already?
I feel there could be a good player in there, just as Becford struggled to fit in Straq might do the same, but I feel we have seen signs of him getting close to scoring or at least creating goal chances.
Looking at Saha and Cahill I feel they both struggle in the air and fail to win enough headers to create chances or score goals, they are both totally out of form and they do not look like they can score from a open goal even.
Cahill and Saha both nee to be dropped, there are others who can come in and do a better job then they are doing.
I get that you doubt or dislike Saha and Anichebe, but what I do not get is how you can dismiss Straq as a donkey, as he has not even played half of the amount of games as they have been afforded.
Not even close in fact, I sense you are eager to buy a new striker, but that might not happen until summer.
So what is your gut feeling about Straq, do you think he will get better the more game time he getsor have you made your mind up already?
I feel there could be a good player in there, just as Becford struggled to fit in Straq might do the same, but I feel we have seen signs of him getting close to scoring or at least creating goal chances.
Looking at Saha and Cahill I feel they both struggle in the air and fail to win enough headers to create chances or score goals, they are both totally out of form and they do not look like they can score from a open goal even.
Cahill and Saha both nee to be dropped, there are others who can come in and do a better job then they are doing.
Sam Hoare
13 Posted 04/01/2012 at 18:04:50
13 Posted 04/01/2012 at 18:04:50
I am a staunch Moyes defender but i don't know what Saha or Cahill must be doing in training to keep retaining their starting places.
Fingers crosses for Donovan and Stracula starting tonight.
Also Drenthe is quality, though something tells me that if he did sign it wouldn't be long before he started causing waves of the unhelpful kind. Still worth the risk IMO.
Fingers crosses for Donovan and Stracula starting tonight.
Also Drenthe is quality, though something tells me that if he did sign it wouldn't be long before he started causing waves of the unhelpful kind. Still worth the risk IMO.
David Hallwood
14 Posted 04/01/2012 at 18:06:00
14 Posted 04/01/2012 at 18:06:00
Are you all judges on the X factor?! give them a break, they have got to get use to a different, more intense type of football, a different country and a different language/culture, and in Strac's case a different continent. We haven't seen either of them after a 10 game run to know if they're the real deal, or even if they can do a job for us.
Billy Bradshaw
15 Posted 04/01/2012 at 18:26:43
15 Posted 04/01/2012 at 18:26:43
Strac is very poor, he is slow, one footed and reminds me of the famous Brett Angell ? says it all really. Drenthe is the only player who gets you out your seat, he will do the unexpected and he actually shoots at goal.
Phil Brown
16 Posted 04/01/2012 at 18:32:48
16 Posted 04/01/2012 at 18:32:48
We need a target man who can score a few goals and Straq looks OK for that role. The main playmaker who should be in a free role just behind him will score and make more goals for others i.e. the right and left attackers. We have an abundance of players to fill this role: Cahill; Saha; Osman and the most qualified and suitable, Barkley.
He needs to start playing the 'Ozil' role for at least 30 mins per match to get the necessary experience.
He needs to start playing the 'Ozil' role for at least 30 mins per match to get the necessary experience.
Mark Riding
17 Posted 04/01/2012 at 18:43:23
17 Posted 04/01/2012 at 18:43:23
#14 Phil, I think we may see a player who would fit the target man role you mention at Goodison tonight, Kevin Davies ?
And as for Ross, I can see him getting his start against Tamworth, and being to quick for some part time bricklayer, and getting hacked down..
And as for Ross, I can see him getting his start against Tamworth, and being to quick for some part time bricklayer, and getting hacked down..
Dick Fearon
18 Posted 04/01/2012 at 19:43:51
18 Posted 04/01/2012 at 19:43:51
If Shandy taught us one thing it is not to sign a player carrying unwanted baggage.
I trust Drenthe is not one of them but if he is then its bye bye from me.
Straq comes across as a genuine trier who could turn out to be a gem worth keeping.
Against Bolton we can evaluate the worth of Kevin Davis broad axe or Saha's more subtle Rapier.
Here's hoping.
I trust Drenthe is not one of them but if he is then its bye bye from me.
Straq comes across as a genuine trier who could turn out to be a gem worth keeping.
Against Bolton we can evaluate the worth of Kevin Davis broad axe or Saha's more subtle Rapier.
Here's hoping.
Ryan Holroyd
19 Posted 04/01/2012 at 22:40:44
19 Posted 04/01/2012 at 22:40:44
Stracqualursi is shocking.
Dick Fearon
20 Posted 04/01/2012 at 22:41:32
20 Posted 04/01/2012 at 22:41:32
The Rapier was a bit blunt.eh'
Thomas Williams
21 Posted 04/01/2012 at 22:29:27
21 Posted 04/01/2012 at 22:29:27
Neither in my opinion. Drenthe shows touches of good play but frequently loses the ball as well and if his off-field behaviour is as stated then he won't be signed anyway.
Time for a radical restructure of the team for me... out: Saha, Cahill, Bily, Stracq, Neville, Hibbert all to the bench or sold. I would like to add Rodwell (too injury prone) and Heitinga to that list but, given the injuries picked up tonight will need them.
I feel for Moyes when he was so close to challenging top 4 a few years back the shitbag chairman let him and us down, and what he is left with after a fair few of his better players sold is an aging squad the majority of which are finished.
Time for a radical restructure of the team for me... out: Saha, Cahill, Bily, Stracq, Neville, Hibbert all to the bench or sold. I would like to add Rodwell (too injury prone) and Heitinga to that list but, given the injuries picked up tonight will need them.
I feel for Moyes when he was so close to challenging top 4 a few years back the shitbag chairman let him and us down, and what he is left with after a fair few of his better players sold is an aging squad the majority of which are finished.
Paul Olsen
22 Posted 04/01/2012 at 22:44:20
22 Posted 04/01/2012 at 22:44:20
Straq looks like Bret Angell, end of.
He´s gone in may anyway. Let him rot and play Anichebe, McAleny.... anyone.
He´s gone in may anyway. Let him rot and play Anichebe, McAleny.... anyone.
Mike Elbey
23 Posted 04/01/2012 at 23:24:29
23 Posted 04/01/2012 at 23:24:29
Straqualasi is shit, Drenthe is good but wil not fit in with Moyes dour defensive tactics.
Mark Riding
24 Posted 05/01/2012 at 00:00:12
24 Posted 05/01/2012 at 00:00:12
Erm.. Not.. by the looks of it.
Roberto Birquet
25 Posted 05/01/2012 at 12:06:10
25 Posted 05/01/2012 at 12:06:10
A rehaul is needed. Moyes has been dealt a crap hand, but that's what he's got and has not used it well the past two years.
Leaving us without a real Prem class - nearly always fit - striker is a bloody crime. Moyes should own up to this, because we look a shell of a team.
I've always been a Moyes supporter, but he is losing me fast.
I'd sell Bily immediately, buy Donovan, and look for a loan striker. What about Spurs' Russian at least until the Euros. Russia are in, right? He'd get a game just about every week for us, and keep hinmself in contention. As for Donovan, I know he's old (for a footballer), but we also need short-term quality to get us through what would be a transition period.
And in the summer, we need to sign AT LEAST one striker.
I would sell Yobo, and use the funds for Drenthe. If he's at the end of his deal, it should be enough. Then unfortunately, it would be adios Rodwell: Needs must, and his sale would fund at least one striker, and probably two players in all. Then pull out all the stops to keep Baines. If he wants out, only then would I keep Rodwell.
Leaving us without a real Prem class - nearly always fit - striker is a bloody crime. Moyes should own up to this, because we look a shell of a team.
I've always been a Moyes supporter, but he is losing me fast.
I'd sell Bily immediately, buy Donovan, and look for a loan striker. What about Spurs' Russian at least until the Euros. Russia are in, right? He'd get a game just about every week for us, and keep hinmself in contention. As for Donovan, I know he's old (for a footballer), but we also need short-term quality to get us through what would be a transition period.
And in the summer, we need to sign AT LEAST one striker.
I would sell Yobo, and use the funds for Drenthe. If he's at the end of his deal, it should be enough. Then unfortunately, it would be adios Rodwell: Needs must, and his sale would fund at least one striker, and probably two players in all. Then pull out all the stops to keep Baines. If he wants out, only then would I keep Rodwell.
Roberto Birquet
26 Posted 05/01/2012 at 12:17:54
26 Posted 05/01/2012 at 12:17:54
Oh, and I have checked the Everton accounts in more detail. They were of the May 31, and show that Everton were requirted to pay various creditors £25 million over the next two years - to mid-2013.
Since then we have sold £16 m of players (Vaughan, Arteta, Beckford, Yak). So I am sure all of it has gone to pay those repayments, and Everton will have to beg that the other £9 m (the overdraft) is extended until we can find an extra £9 million. The Club should look to at least sell 10% of the Club to pay that debt. The pips are well and truly squeaking.
Since then we have sold £16 m of players (Vaughan, Arteta, Beckford, Yak). So I am sure all of it has gone to pay those repayments, and Everton will have to beg that the other £9 m (the overdraft) is extended until we can find an extra £9 million. The Club should look to at least sell 10% of the Club to pay that debt. The pips are well and truly squeaking.
Paul Hughes
27 Posted 05/01/2012 at 12:33:05
27 Posted 05/01/2012 at 12:33:05
Straq does at least have "elbows and arse" qualities which allow him to win knock ons and hold up Howard and Jag punts - he does, however have an Angellesque look to him with his bundling approach and lack of pace, I can't actually imagine him scoring.
Drenthe evidently has class, and one of the most powerful shots I've seen. Yes he does seem to be a bit of a loose cannon, but Christ, I need something to get me off my seat - and he is the closest thing we've got.
Drenthe evidently has class, and one of the most powerful shots I've seen. Yes he does seem to be a bit of a loose cannon, but Christ, I need something to get me off my seat - and he is the closest thing we've got.
Paul Joy
28 Posted 06/01/2012 at 12:39:52
28 Posted 06/01/2012 at 12:39:52
Denis is a donkey who tries hard but is just nowhere near good enough to be in a blue shirt. The comparison to Duncan Ferguson is laughable.
Drenthe needs to sort himself out and quick or he will miss a massive opportunity to resurrect his career. If he can he can be a real asset if he cannot then he must go.
Drenthe needs to sort himself out and quick or he will miss a massive opportunity to resurrect his career. If he can he can be a real asset if he cannot then he must go.
Rob Dolby
29 Posted 06/01/2012 at 12:51:36
29 Posted 06/01/2012 at 12:51:36
Dennis reminds me of when we used to throw Mick lyons up front, the lad clearly isnt up to playing in they system that we play,whatever that is.
Drenthe on the otherhand looks like he can play a bit. He is direct not afraid to dribble and likes a shot, so that probably rules him out of the reckoning as all of our other midfielders play like ray wilkins reincarnated.
Drenthe on the otherhand looks like he can play a bit. He is direct not afraid to dribble and likes a shot, so that probably rules him out of the reckoning as all of our other midfielders play like ray wilkins reincarnated.
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1 Posted 04/01/2012 at 14:52:14
I would offer Stracula a one year deal for his attempt to head the ball on the ground......something copied by Cahill on New Years Day.
Stracula does seem to win a fair share of headers but I don't think he will make it.
The rumours are that Royston likes the juice, the same as old Shandy Andy, which will lead to lots of games being out injured.
Gerrard was the same when he was younger, he used to like the ale and was always picking up injuries. He knocked the ale on the head and he suddenly started to stay fit.