Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
Rodwell's Best Position
32 Comments: I was thinking that, knowing Moyes's position on strong defending, the answer to where to play Rodwell could well be to play him in a 1-4-3-2 as the sweeper.
Moyes says he could end up at the back so deploy him there where he could read and intercept the play and not give the ball away as he's a good passer.
Of course, whilst the defending side of this suggestion could appeal to Moyes, the attacking side of wing backs and two up front could scupper this idea. But knowing how strapped for cash we are (and all teams knowing we are 4-5-1), I think for us to progress we need to try something different.
Of course I don't know if the players could adapt to this idea...
Tony Cornmell, Posted 30/06/2011 at 03:04:24
Comments
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
Jon Ferguson
2 Posted 30/06/2011 at 08:47:18
2 Posted 30/06/2011 at 08:47:18
He?s tall, fast and obviously has a footballing brain. His passing in midfield, where you need to unlock the defence, is limited; but he is fully capable of passing the ball out of defence, where you just need to find the nearest man (and not hoof it).
I think he is a centre back in the making. Out of our current players, I would pair him with Heitinga. He would compliment Heitinga?s lack of height and pace, but Heitinga is a fighter at the back and would organise Rodwell into position. They are both capable of passing out of defence, allowing us to build attacks. I rate Jags as a defender but Moyes (or someone) needs to teach him to keep it on the floor.
I think he is a centre back in the making. Out of our current players, I would pair him with Heitinga. He would compliment Heitinga?s lack of height and pace, but Heitinga is a fighter at the back and would organise Rodwell into position. They are both capable of passing out of defence, allowing us to build attacks. I rate Jags as a defender but Moyes (or someone) needs to teach him to keep it on the floor.
Sam Hoare
3 Posted 30/06/2011 at 09:34:59
3 Posted 30/06/2011 at 09:34:59
I personally think alot of our transfer plans have been thrown out by the fact that rodwell's poor form last season have put off suitors.
Rumours abound that a 20m+ deal had been agreed with Man U but they pulled out. I reckon Moyes and Kenwright were relying on this money to fund new moves and are now desperately having to re-think....
As for his future....i'm just not sure he's quite good enough for the CM role. I prefer Fella and Osman there for now. Maybe if Distin or jags get injured its time to move him back to CB?
Rumours abound that a 20m+ deal had been agreed with Man U but they pulled out. I reckon Moyes and Kenwright were relying on this money to fund new moves and are now desperately having to re-think....
As for his future....i'm just not sure he's quite good enough for the CM role. I prefer Fella and Osman there for now. Maybe if Distin or jags get injured its time to move him back to CB?
Chris Rudd
4 Posted 30/06/2011 at 09:46:14
4 Posted 30/06/2011 at 09:46:14
For Everton's sake, Rodwell's best position next season would be warming his potentially overpriced backside on United's (or City's) oh so plush 'bench' whilst we enjoy the performances of the new striker, the winger and 'utility' player we get with the money.
Oh, wouldn't it be great if it was that simple.
Oh, wouldn't it be great if it was that simple.
Nick Taylor
5 Posted 30/06/2011 at 09:55:50
5 Posted 30/06/2011 at 09:55:50
I think Rodwells best position would be facing the opposite direction to any newspaper or interrnet articles which big him up, or proclaim him to be the hottest young prospect around.
Its no coincidence that since all this speculation about his potential value and the type of clubs that are constantly linked with him, he hasnt do a tap for us.
He needs to realise quickly that has got an awful long way to go and should get back to setting himself small targets like stringing a couple of decent back to back performances for Everton.
Its no coincidence that since all this speculation about his potential value and the type of clubs that are constantly linked with him, he hasnt do a tap for us.
He needs to realise quickly that has got an awful long way to go and should get back to setting himself small targets like stringing a couple of decent back to back performances for Everton.
Shaun Sparke
6 Posted 30/06/2011 at 10:05:04
6 Posted 30/06/2011 at 10:05:04
Regardless of where Rodwell's best position is. I think he will be starting the new season on the bench. In fact if I was a betting man (Which I am not) I would put my house on the next starting eleven being similar to this:
Howard,Neville, Jagielka,Distin ,Baines, Anichebe Arteta, Fellaini, Osman, Cahill, Saha
That is provided that we dont sell any of the above. The problem I have with this is that it doesnt matter if Vellios or Geuye score 20 goals each in pre-season games, or Beckford scores 50 goals, the blueprint will not be ripped up untill we start getting the inevitable injuries.
Don't you just get the feeling that you have seen it all before?
Howard,Neville, Jagielka,Distin ,Baines, Anichebe Arteta, Fellaini, Osman, Cahill, Saha
That is provided that we dont sell any of the above. The problem I have with this is that it doesnt matter if Vellios or Geuye score 20 goals each in pre-season games, or Beckford scores 50 goals, the blueprint will not be ripped up untill we start getting the inevitable injuries.
Don't you just get the feeling that you have seen it all before?
Michael Evans
7 Posted 30/06/2011 at 10:55:35
7 Posted 30/06/2011 at 10:55:35
I'm with Eugene @1 on this.
Don't get me wrong I think Rodwell "looks the part" and may ultimately go on to fulfil his potential... or may not. However, I do feel that there is an element of "Emperors New Clothes" about him with anyone expressing any doubt that he will become "some player" obviously clueless about football
It would of course be wonderful to keep him. However, in our present financial state if someone offered £20-25m I'd take it and start addressing the issues of lack of a striker, winger etc.
That of course makes the assumption that it would be spent to strengthen the squad and not disappear into the file marked debt servicing. .
David Thomas
8 Posted 30/06/2011 at 11:03:10
8 Posted 30/06/2011 at 11:03:10
Eugene's comment sums it up vey well. On the evidence so far in my opinion he simply does not warrant a place in everton's first team.
Gavin Ramejkis
9 Posted 30/06/2011 at 11:06:22
9 Posted 30/06/2011 at 11:06:22
Chelsea, Man City or Man U depending on who will give us the most money
Mark Scarratt
10 Posted 30/06/2011 at 12:51:31
10 Posted 30/06/2011 at 12:51:31
I would sell Rodwell for as much as possible
It would be great to keep him and see him develop, but we are skint (not his fault)
We need money and I would rather sell him, than any of the others rumoured to be getting sold
He contributed nothing last season, and doesn't look hungry enough
Cash in now
It would be great to keep him and see him develop, but we are skint (not his fault)
We need money and I would rather sell him, than any of the others rumoured to be getting sold
He contributed nothing last season, and doesn't look hungry enough
Cash in now
Jay Harris
11 Posted 30/06/2011 at 13:05:12
11 Posted 30/06/2011 at 13:05:12
First of all Rodwell is nowhere near ready to be a sweeper nor centre half.
For that position you need the experience of reading the game and knowing the opposition.
IMO Rodwell is suffering from poor balance in the team.
When he and Felli played in the centre they both were very effective.
But with Arteta and his lack of pace and ability to go box to box throughout a game it is not an ideal pairing.
Rodwell has got a great engine and very rarely gives the ball away but he does need somone in front or alongside him that can break into space for a pass.
Unfortunately for him the "Everton way" is to get men behind the ball and we then do not have the pace to break forward.
For that position you need the experience of reading the game and knowing the opposition.
IMO Rodwell is suffering from poor balance in the team.
When he and Felli played in the centre they both were very effective.
But with Arteta and his lack of pace and ability to go box to box throughout a game it is not an ideal pairing.
Rodwell has got a great engine and very rarely gives the ball away but he does need somone in front or alongside him that can break into space for a pass.
Unfortunately for him the "Everton way" is to get men behind the ball and we then do not have the pace to break forward.
David Crowe
12 Posted 30/06/2011 at 14:12:07
12 Posted 30/06/2011 at 14:12:07
Really hope we sell him for £20M.
Brian Waring
13 Posted 30/06/2011 at 16:46:05
13 Posted 30/06/2011 at 16:46:05
The thing is though Jay, it's hard to give the ball away when your only passing it 2 yards, sideways.
Kevin Sparke
14 Posted 30/06/2011 at 16:45:21
14 Posted 30/06/2011 at 16:45:21
Nope - Rodwell (If he's still here) will form a resoundingly successful defensive midfield partnership with Screech (if he's still here) this season.
With a combination of three from Gueye, Arteta, Osman, Coleman, Cahill, Anichebe being the attacking option.
With a combination of three from Gueye, Arteta, Osman, Coleman, Cahill, Anichebe being the attacking option.
Matthew Lovekin
15 Posted 30/06/2011 at 18:39:38
15 Posted 30/06/2011 at 18:39:38
Sounds a good idea in theory, especially with Coleman and Baines as the wing backs. However:
"Of course I don't know if the players could adapt to this idea"
I'm sure the players could adapt, but not sure about the manager adapting though.
"Of course I don't know if the players could adapt to this idea"
I'm sure the players could adapt, but not sure about the manager adapting though.
Matthew Lovekin
16 Posted 30/06/2011 at 18:41:20
16 Posted 30/06/2011 at 18:41:20
If we play Rodwell as sweeper, the team should be:
Howard
Coleman, Jags, Rodwell, Distin, Baines
Arteta, Fellaini, Cahill
Beckford, Saha
I think the wing back positions would get the best out of Coleman and Baines. The midfield three would get the best out of Arteta and Cahill. A front partnership will get the best out of Backford.
All we need is for Rodwell to step up and turn into Franz Beckenbauer!
Howard
Coleman, Jags, Rodwell, Distin, Baines
Arteta, Fellaini, Cahill
Beckford, Saha
I think the wing back positions would get the best out of Coleman and Baines. The midfield three would get the best out of Arteta and Cahill. A front partnership will get the best out of Backford.
All we need is for Rodwell to step up and turn into Franz Beckenbauer!
Stephen Leary
17 Posted 30/06/2011 at 19:06:25
17 Posted 30/06/2011 at 19:06:25
I don't get were people come from saying he can pass the ball, can he really?, from what ive seen of him he can't, its a simple two yard passes sideways never an attacking positive ball. He seems to have the pace to run past opposition players as we seen against chelsea on the last day but he does it very rarely and his tackling seems suspect too.
If we could get that 10mill cash offer from City for Rodwell plus two of there players that would be perfect. Unfortunately i can see Baines or Felliani going as Rodwell looks like most of the young english players of today i.e Henderson etc and thats distinctly average.
If we could get that 10mill cash offer from City for Rodwell plus two of there players that would be perfect. Unfortunately i can see Baines or Felliani going as Rodwell looks like most of the young english players of today i.e Henderson etc and thats distinctly average.
Andy Crooks
18 Posted 30/06/2011 at 19:42:48
18 Posted 30/06/2011 at 19:42:48
Chris Rudd got it spot on. A bidding war that sees us rip us City once more is the best we can hope for. Unfortunately it is difficult to know how good Jack is because of the dithering of David Moyes...
Is Rodwell a centre back?
Is he a holding midfielder?
Is he a box to box midfielder?
Is Coleman a full back?
Is Arteta a wide right player?
Is Osman a wide right player?
Is Neville a holding midfielder?
Where should Fellaini play?
Is Cahill finished? Where should Bily play? (Russia?)
Is Saha done?
What does the coach see in Vic?
Who will play at left back if Baines gets hurt?
Is Baxter any good?
Does Mucha exist?
The board have many questions to answer. So it seems does the coach.
Jamie Sweet
19 Posted 30/06/2011 at 22:19:04
19 Posted 30/06/2011 at 22:19:04
Shaun Sparke #6 - that team you just listed sent shivers down my spine in a very bad way. I really fear that you won't be too far wrong with that line up.
Take Baines out of that side, and what you have is a very very average looking side.
If there is an opportunity to sell Rodwell in order to add a bit of quality to the wings and / or up front, then to me, it's a no-brainer.
We all know what Shaun's team is capable of... and, let's face it, it isn't very pretty!
Take Baines out of that side, and what you have is a very very average looking side.
If there is an opportunity to sell Rodwell in order to add a bit of quality to the wings and / or up front, then to me, it's a no-brainer.
We all know what Shaun's team is capable of... and, let's face it, it isn't very pretty!
Ian Tunstead
20 Posted 30/06/2011 at 22:19:12
20 Posted 30/06/2011 at 22:19:12
Andy your comment is ridiculous, Moyes played Rodwell in defence in pre-season friendlies and he was a liability but he needed games to improve so he has experimented with him which is better than him sitting on the bench.
He is a young lad who is still finding his feet, we will never know his best position if he doesn?t try a few roles in the side. Moyes doesn?t have the luxury of a big squad so players will sometime have to fill gaps. It?s not like Moyes is the only manager to do it, every manager does it. Your other sarcastic questions are also ridiculous and not worth discussing.
He is a young lad who is still finding his feet, we will never know his best position if he doesn?t try a few roles in the side. Moyes doesn?t have the luxury of a big squad so players will sometime have to fill gaps. It?s not like Moyes is the only manager to do it, every manager does it. Your other sarcastic questions are also ridiculous and not worth discussing.
David Mathieson
21 Posted 01/07/2011 at 01:04:40
21 Posted 01/07/2011 at 01:04:40
What I don?t understand in regard to Rodwell is Moyes saying he will be the next Rio Ferdinand, then when we equalled our highest ever European defeat at Benfica, with one fit centre half, he was not given a game at centre half.
Then Moyes came out some time later stating he sees Rodwell challenging Cahill for the attacking midfield role (NOT SECOND STRIKER ROLE!) amazingly enough during this time Rodwell was deployed as a winger and a defensive midfielder.
The reasons above are why Rodwell?s development has suffered. I certainly wouldn?t sell him ? last time we had £24 million we from a big player sale all the signings were shite: Bily, Heitinga, Distin.
Then Moyes came out some time later stating he sees Rodwell challenging Cahill for the attacking midfield role (NOT SECOND STRIKER ROLE!) amazingly enough during this time Rodwell was deployed as a winger and a defensive midfielder.
The reasons above are why Rodwell?s development has suffered. I certainly wouldn?t sell him ? last time we had £24 million we from a big player sale all the signings were shite: Bily, Heitinga, Distin.
Ian Tunstead
22 Posted 01/07/2011 at 03:02:02
22 Posted 01/07/2011 at 03:02:02
So what do you suggest then David, leave Rodwell on the bench or in the reserves and not give him a chance to develop, or play him at CB and get beat 3-0 every game?
Also Distin has been a very good signing; Heitinga at times has looked like a good signing; only Bily hasn't seemed to be the best of signings but he has still contributed goals and assists with little game time.
Also Distin has been a very good signing; Heitinga at times has looked like a good signing; only Bily hasn't seemed to be the best of signings but he has still contributed goals and assists with little game time.
Alasdair Mackay
23 Posted 01/07/2011 at 10:08:31
23 Posted 01/07/2011 at 10:08:31
I really like Kevin Sparke's (14) idea. Having 2 defensive midfielders also frees up our full backs to become part of our midfield when necessary and always know they have cover.
The only thing I would change is I would sell Fellaini now (as I think he wants out anyway, won't sign a new contract and right now he is at his optimum value). I would start with:
Howard
Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines
Rodwell, Heitinga
Arteta, Cahill, Osman
Saha
Remember that, if we raised £25M for Fellaini, we could also add a new striker to that group, plus a winger/attacking midfielder in the mould of N'Zogbia would fit well into that system as would many of our other squad members (Hibbert, Coleman, Beckford, Anichebe). Our up-and-comings (Gueye, Vellios, Forshaw, Bidwell) could easily be blooded into that side in positions where they have cover and protection from experienced pros (for example, Bidwell could come in as the left sided DM, knowing he had Neville to his right, Distin behind him and Baines at left back, with 3 attacking midfielders ahead).
The only thing I would change is I would sell Fellaini now (as I think he wants out anyway, won't sign a new contract and right now he is at his optimum value). I would start with:
Howard
Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines
Rodwell, Heitinga
Arteta, Cahill, Osman
Saha
Remember that, if we raised £25M for Fellaini, we could also add a new striker to that group, plus a winger/attacking midfielder in the mould of N'Zogbia would fit well into that system as would many of our other squad members (Hibbert, Coleman, Beckford, Anichebe). Our up-and-comings (Gueye, Vellios, Forshaw, Bidwell) could easily be blooded into that side in positions where they have cover and protection from experienced pros (for example, Bidwell could come in as the left sided DM, knowing he had Neville to his right, Distin behind him and Baines at left back, with 3 attacking midfielders ahead).
Tom Owen
24 Posted 01/07/2011 at 11:44:31
24 Posted 01/07/2011 at 11:44:31
Jack Rodwell is not a holding midfielder. For me he's a attacking midfielder/box-to-box as they say. He hides in games when he plays in the defensive role. That position doesn't suit his style. We see the best of Jack when he's running at defences from midfield with his electric pace and drive. However I don't think Moyes has the will to drop favourite Cahill and put Rodwell in the more attacking position. And if he's eventually going to move back to centre back, he's really got to improve his strength and bite. I don't see him moving back though because it would be a waste of talent.
James Stewart
25 Posted 01/07/2011 at 16:15:57
25 Posted 01/07/2011 at 16:15:57
He should be groomed as a CD who can play DM at a push. Play him anywhere else and its just counter productive.
James Flynn
26 Posted 02/07/2011 at 00:08:49
26 Posted 02/07/2011 at 00:08:49
Do not sell Rodwell. He's just turned 20 playing in the toughest league on a team gets everyone's best shot.
Don't sell anyone except the usual suspects (Yobo and Yak).
I've been in here a year and half and have come to believe the Rooney sale has affected too many minds.
Let's see what next season brings with what we have. We're just outside the Top 4.
And for God's sake, stop all the Baines' sale talk.
Don't sell anyone except the usual suspects (Yobo and Yak).
I've been in here a year and half and have come to believe the Rooney sale has affected too many minds.
Let's see what next season brings with what we have. We're just outside the Top 4.
And for God's sake, stop all the Baines' sale talk.
Derek Thomas
27 Posted 02/07/2011 at 04:47:43
27 Posted 02/07/2011 at 04:47:43
James-voice of reason-Flynn, aka Danny Kaye, in no way do you see the emperor's new clothes, or in our case, his old clothes.
Karl Meighan
28 Posted 02/07/2011 at 08:24:24
28 Posted 02/07/2011 at 08:24:24
I dont really think it matters, unless he is started as a striker or in goal, which are both ridiculous; if he is good enough then his ability will shine through. He may influence a game more or be more effective from his preferred position but quality players are quality players and, even if played in a position alien to them, the good things they do from there will be noticed more than any errors they may make.
Top quality always seem to find on-the-field partnerships or players they link with and feed off, it's not something I have noticed in Rodwell and have never seen this greatness that others do. He does have the potential to be a good Premier League footballer but I fear there are many like-for-like Rodwell-type players.
Karl Meighan
29 Posted 02/07/2011 at 08:41:17
29 Posted 02/07/2011 at 08:41:17
I also dont understand this "a player will develop into a great player"; for me there already great players ? they just get better. Surely it's not possible to turn shite players into good players or average players into top quality players? They may show it more and become more consistent and improve but they have to have it in the first place.
Top quality stands out, they may have spells when they're not at their best but it's always there and, when a chance comes to show it, more often than not they explode and influence games.
Ian Tunstead
30 Posted 02/07/2011 at 12:51:57
30 Posted 02/07/2011 at 12:51:57
Spot on, Karl.
Brian Waring
31 Posted 02/07/2011 at 19:37:25
31 Posted 02/07/2011 at 19:37:25
There you go again, James:
"We're just outside the top 4." ? No we're not, we were 14 points behind Arsenal last season, who also had a goal difference of 23 over us.
Tom Bowers
32 Posted 05/07/2011 at 22:59:25
32 Posted 05/07/2011 at 22:59:25
I think this coming season should be all defining for the likes of Rodwell and a few others. Much as the potential is there but we have not seen the kind of consistancy in any one position for him and also Anichebe. If this is not changed soon then we should look to cash in as we need top class consistent players who are there every match.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment to the MailBag, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and MailBag submissions across the site.
© ToffeeWeb
1 Posted 30/06/2011 at 08:00:55