Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
Darron Gibson or Joe Parkinson?
48 Comments: Just finished watching the Everton vs Chelsea and I am really impressed with Darron Gibson.
His performance goes unnoticed but his positioning and partnership with Fellaini is bringing the best out of the players around them.
Not only does he look a bit like Joe Parkinson, his performance is similar and I actually think he might be the most astute piece of business in the transfer market by Moyes for some time.
Looking up the league now and hoping for a few Wembley trips between now and the end of the season!
James Crolla, Posted 12/02/2012 at 14:21:38
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He doesn't look a good enough athlete to be a top class CM, but he has clearly had a good education and positions himself well. A full pre-season after a run of first-team football might well improve his fitness and passing. I'm not overwhelmed, but at £500k I'm certainly not complaining either.
I was reading a lot of posts yesterday saying he was anonymous, didn't do much, etc. I thought that he did extremely well. The fact that you didn't notice him much was because he was doing his job so well, breaking up their play down the middle, putting in countless little tackles to stop their progress into our final third. And when he won the ball he quickly distributed it out wide to Donovan or Pienaar.
I think his positioning is fantastic and he doesn't get stuck on the ball, which is one of the reasons he kind of goes unnoticed. He also seems to have improved Fellaini, with Fellaini knowing he can go forward a little more and having a more capable passer sitting next to him in midfield (instead of Neville).
I think every player misplaces a few passes and he's no different. But overall I think he's done extremely well since he came here. I think we've made a hell of a purchase getting him and at the price we got him for.
I think his positioning is fantastic and he doesn't get stuck on the ball, which is one of the reasons he kind of goes unnoticed. He also seems to have improved Fellaini, with Fellaini knowing he can go forward a little more and having a more capable passer sitting next to him in midfield (instead of Neville).
I think every player misplaces a few passes and he's no different. But overall I think he's done extremely well since he came here. I think we've made a hell of a purchase getting him and at the price we got him for.
From what I've seen he's an awful passer of the ball. One ozzie ball near left one of ours with a broken leg yesterday.
I'm not going to go overboard with the criticism as he's only just started playing again after a long time out of first team football, but I'd be playing Rodwell before him when fit as things stand.
Still gets a foot in when needed and does position himself well.
I'm not going to go overboard with the criticism as he's only just started playing again after a long time out of first team football, but I'd be playing Rodwell before him when fit as things stand.
Still gets a foot in when needed and does position himself well.
On the contrary, Ian (364), I went to the game yesterday, and thought that Gibson was above all else, a terrific athlete.
Given the amount of stick he's received on here since his transfer, I decided to keep a close eye on Gibson yesterday, and was incredibly impressed with not only the amount of ground he covered, but also how quickly he did it. It's clear that he understands his midfield role, so is certainly no "round peg in a square hole", which can be levelled against certain other "midfielders" we've had of late. Also, unlike other "safety first" midlfielders we've had, he plays with his head up, and looks forward rather than sideways, which accounts for his stray passes from time to time. However, I would much prefer this model, plus one who has an acknowledged strong shot on him, rather than other options we've tried since Arteta left.
Gibson and Fellaini are clearly a good together, and I would be happy for Moyes to keep playing them for the rest of the season. The "fifth" midfielder / second striker position (currently the Cahill role) is the one open for debate in my opinion, not the Gibson-Fellaini combo.
Given the amount of stick he's received on here since his transfer, I decided to keep a close eye on Gibson yesterday, and was incredibly impressed with not only the amount of ground he covered, but also how quickly he did it. It's clear that he understands his midfield role, so is certainly no "round peg in a square hole", which can be levelled against certain other "midfielders" we've had of late. Also, unlike other "safety first" midlfielders we've had, he plays with his head up, and looks forward rather than sideways, which accounts for his stray passes from time to time. However, I would much prefer this model, plus one who has an acknowledged strong shot on him, rather than other options we've tried since Arteta left.
Gibson and Fellaini are clearly a good together, and I would be happy for Moyes to keep playing them for the rest of the season. The "fifth" midfielder / second striker position (currently the Cahill role) is the one open for debate in my opinion, not the Gibson-Fellaini combo.
Gibson or Rodwell?
The more you think about it, the more likely it seems that Darron is the down-payment for Jack moving aloing the East Lancs next June. About £18m?
From what I've seen of Gibson, I like him. Quiet contribution - except for a very welcome goal of course - but a good partner for Fellaini. With a promise of more to come.
I've seen a lot of Jack. Lots of qualities, but what is he really good at? Or will become good at? Can't see it, but what do I know?
If SAF has a spare £18m in his pocket, I'd take the deal.
The more you think about it, the more likely it seems that Darron is the down-payment for Jack moving aloing the East Lancs next June. About £18m?
From what I've seen of Gibson, I like him. Quiet contribution - except for a very welcome goal of course - but a good partner for Fellaini. With a promise of more to come.
I've seen a lot of Jack. Lots of qualities, but what is he really good at? Or will become good at? Can't see it, but what do I know?
If SAF has a spare £18m in his pocket, I'd take the deal.
Peter - me too - had a real good look at him yesterday. In a very fluid midfield game I noticed he was caught out of position a few times but then saw him do right thing - very successfully - to get back to close down.
He can only improve with more games.
He can only improve with more games.
Gibson and Fellaini looks a better partnership than Fellaini and Rodwell.
Needs a good pre-season to me. Carrying too much timber to me.
I (hope) I get the feeling that Moyes may play Rodwell in Cahill's position when he returns from injury. He looked very comfortable getting forward for England, although his finishing was poor.
Parkinson is one of my all time favourite Everton players and for you to say this, well.......
I'm amazed, as I was thinking the same yesterday, he really reminds me of Joe and I was actually very excited at the prospect of him being similar.
I don't think it's any coincidence that we have gone in a nice little run since he has joined and long may it continue.
I'm amazed, as I was thinking the same yesterday, he really reminds me of Joe and I was actually very excited at the prospect of him being similar.
I don't think it's any coincidence that we have gone in a nice little run since he has joined and long may it continue.
From what I saw several thousand Kms away, on TV, Gibson looked unfit. Perhaps he does his running when the camera isn't on him!
Not necessarily his fault that he is unfit; lack of games at Manure must have reduced his match sharpness.
Would reserve judgement on the boy for another 4-5 games.
On the subject matter, I saw Parky when he arrived from Cambridge. I think he made his debut away against United and we got thumped. He looked like a useless lump.
It wasn't until Joe Royle arrived and we played high energy, high intensity football that we saw him flourish.
His best game for me was our 5-0 lamping of Norwich in the cup run, he was like a wrecking ball in midfield clattering into the oppo left right and centre.
Not necessarily his fault that he is unfit; lack of games at Manure must have reduced his match sharpness.
Would reserve judgement on the boy for another 4-5 games.
On the subject matter, I saw Parky when he arrived from Cambridge. I think he made his debut away against United and we got thumped. He looked like a useless lump.
It wasn't until Joe Royle arrived and we played high energy, high intensity football that we saw him flourish.
His best game for me was our 5-0 lamping of Norwich in the cup run, he was like a wrecking ball in midfield clattering into the oppo left right and centre.
Darron Gibson or Joe Parkinson? Are you joking? For physical presence alone, i would give Joe 10 and Darron, minus 10.
Interesting one this.
As mentioned Gibson was fairly anonymous yesterday but Chelsea never looked like getting anywhere through the middle. Likewise it was the same at Wigan. Ok Distan and Johnny were excellent but it was more than that.
David Barks may be right. It he's positioned such that Fellaini can do more and our defence is firmed up then ok.. Jury's out at the moment but lets give the bloke a go.
As mentioned Gibson was fairly anonymous yesterday but Chelsea never looked like getting anywhere through the middle. Likewise it was the same at Wigan. Ok Distan and Johnny were excellent but it was more than that.
David Barks may be right. It he's positioned such that Fellaini can do more and our defence is firmed up then ok.. Jury's out at the moment but lets give the bloke a go.
I also thought Gibson played well yesterday. I particularly noticed the number of loose balls in midfield that landed at his feet - good positioning and reading of the game rather than good luck I believe.
Good post James. I think the stick Gibson has taken in some quarters to be way OTT, it always takes a while to settle in and it's certainly true that Fellaini seems to be enjoying his game with Gibson there. Only thing that bother me is after his first couple of games I really liked the way seemed to always find his man with passes, since then that aspect of his game has deteriorated a bit and he's given the ball away a bit too often but early days yet, could be a steal at £half million.
He hardly played any football prior to his move to Goodison. There is always going to be a bit of rustiness in him, which he'll eventually get out of his system the more games he plays. He's a tidy player. Obviously Sir Alex has taught him well. He's struck a good partnership with Felliani and I think the defence look a bit more assured with him sitting. For £500k it's very good business by Moyes.
I can see what people are saying about Gibson being unfit and overweight, but believe me, he was quicker than any midfielder on the pitch yesterday, going from left to right, and up and down.
He actually has a presence, is a solid stocky lad, and his covering ability and positional sense are excellent. How many times times Lampard or Mata get through to our centre backs yesterday, or Silva and Nasri come to that a fortnight ago ?
As well as Heitinga and Distin played yesterday (and Heitinga/Hibbert against City), a lot of the credit must go to our midfield for keeping very dangerous opponents in check and out of the danger zone, and Gibson must take his fair share of this.
He actually has a presence, is a solid stocky lad, and his covering ability and positional sense are excellent. How many times times Lampard or Mata get through to our centre backs yesterday, or Silva and Nasri come to that a fortnight ago ?
As well as Heitinga and Distin played yesterday (and Heitinga/Hibbert against City), a lot of the credit must go to our midfield for keeping very dangerous opponents in check and out of the danger zone, and Gibson must take his fair share of this.
I have been critical of Gibson, as I can't see anything in his locker that improve us.
I've not seen anything (yet) to suggest he's a natural ball winner, or a creative midfielder, and he doesn't 'want' the ball enough from the backs to fill the Arteta void.
From my seat yesterday, he had another quiet game, yes he covered some ground, but stood off too much for me. Not sure I would call him an athlete but he did track his marker and filled any holes for the Chelsea midfield runners.
But the stats tell a different story, and since his inclusion (coinciding with the strac) the form of the team has improved and Fellaini has been outstanding. How Chelsea must have coveted his domineering presence yesterday.
So for me, the juries still out on Gibson, I hope he proves me wrong and is a natural midfielder like Peter Askins #398 believes.
I remember thinking the strac couldn't even make the Southport 1st team, let alone ours after his debut, and what an affect he's had our on recent fortunes...
I've not seen anything (yet) to suggest he's a natural ball winner, or a creative midfielder, and he doesn't 'want' the ball enough from the backs to fill the Arteta void.
From my seat yesterday, he had another quiet game, yes he covered some ground, but stood off too much for me. Not sure I would call him an athlete but he did track his marker and filled any holes for the Chelsea midfield runners.
But the stats tell a different story, and since his inclusion (coinciding with the strac) the form of the team has improved and Fellaini has been outstanding. How Chelsea must have coveted his domineering presence yesterday.
So for me, the juries still out on Gibson, I hope he proves me wrong and is a natural midfielder like Peter Askins #398 believes.
I remember thinking the strac couldn't even make the Southport 1st team, let alone ours after his debut, and what an affect he's had our on recent fortunes...
Good thread as I believe the lad deserves much more credit than he has received on other pages.
Yes, you probably won't ever see him go on a Messi-esque run, but I think he adds a bit of steel and class to our midfield which allows others around him to flourish.
You certainly don't beat Many City and Chelsea if you're carrying a passenger in midfield.
I think he's well worth his place and am glad we signed him - especially for such a small fee!
Yes, you probably won't ever see him go on a Messi-esque run, but I think he adds a bit of steel and class to our midfield which allows others around him to flourish.
You certainly don't beat Many City and Chelsea if you're carrying a passenger in midfield.
I think he's well worth his place and am glad we signed him - especially for such a small fee!
When we signed him I was a bit pessimistic to say the least. But in fairness he seems to have done quite well. Solid enough, uses the ball intelligently and he should be good for 5-8 goals a season. The most important thing is the partnership with Fellaini. So far so good.
Simon - I live in Manchester and know - amazingly - some people who can support their teams and also speak intelligently about the game (never rely on this). And they reckoned that Gibson, well-rated amonst the faithful, went at a very low price. Conspiracy theories about Rodwell? - please start another thread.
But Gibson knows what he's doing. Having played at the top level, he continues to do so, and is still very fresh to his new team-mates and his role. A very steady start and I think he'll get better.
I don't want to go back too far into history here, but he has the makings to grow into that Lee Carsley role - as Lee himself did when many had written him off - or maybe a Paul Bracewell. A hardworking professional with good skills and a bit of flair who could throw in a nice surprise often enough.
Far too early to say - but good enough so far.
But Gibson knows what he's doing. Having played at the top level, he continues to do so, and is still very fresh to his new team-mates and his role. A very steady start and I think he'll get better.
I don't want to go back too far into history here, but he has the makings to grow into that Lee Carsley role - as Lee himself did when many had written him off - or maybe a Paul Bracewell. A hardworking professional with good skills and a bit of flair who could throw in a nice surprise often enough.
Far too early to say - but good enough so far.
Utter bollocks. Gibson is at best a good squad player and for a good 35 minutes in the first half we were under the cosh. Sturridge and Lampard missed two great chances when they carved us open and I thought it's only a matter of time.
Second half was a different story and they looked like they couldn't be arsed and we controlled the game after that and confidence grew. Neville put in a good performance in that second period when quite frankly he was dire in that first half and that header across his own goal was schoolboy stuff.
Yes, it was a good win... but don't get clouded by some very ordinary performers in this team ? and we all know who they are.
Second half was a different story and they looked like they couldn't be arsed and we controlled the game after that and confidence grew. Neville put in a good performance in that second period when quite frankly he was dire in that first half and that header across his own goal was schoolboy stuff.
Yes, it was a good win... but don't get clouded by some very ordinary performers in this team ? and we all know who they are.
Anto, could not disagree more! We all know that we have some players with limited technical ability (comparing to top 4 standards). The only way to compete is therefore to be fitter than the opposition and to show more commitment.
I am convinced that our commitment, until recently, has been below recent seasons and this is a result of the negativity surrounding the club. However recent signings have given the players a lift and Gibson is solid and technically capable, furthermore his ability to read the game (positioning) is really benefiting Fellaini. To call him a squad player based on what we have seen so far, from a player who is short of match practise, is unfair.
Until we have the finances to compete with the top 4 and attract the best technical players, we should support the team when they over commit with fitness and commitment - what else can we ask for?
I am not a Kenwright supporter as I believe his stagnation is slowly destabilising the club, but I am 100% behind Moyes. Probably for another thread, but we are all too quick to challenge his management of technically gifted players, me included at times, but we need to be realistic. We do not have the squad or enough top 4 players to carry 1, 2 or 3 creative players, therefore his tactics need to get the best out of the majority of the team and we will continue to rely on fitness and commitment to win matches and punch above our weight!
Lets support the team and Moyes for getting the most out of what he has at his disposal and focus on the things that are wrong with the club - Kenwright.
COYB!
I am convinced that our commitment, until recently, has been below recent seasons and this is a result of the negativity surrounding the club. However recent signings have given the players a lift and Gibson is solid and technically capable, furthermore his ability to read the game (positioning) is really benefiting Fellaini. To call him a squad player based on what we have seen so far, from a player who is short of match practise, is unfair.
Until we have the finances to compete with the top 4 and attract the best technical players, we should support the team when they over commit with fitness and commitment - what else can we ask for?
I am not a Kenwright supporter as I believe his stagnation is slowly destabilising the club, but I am 100% behind Moyes. Probably for another thread, but we are all too quick to challenge his management of technically gifted players, me included at times, but we need to be realistic. We do not have the squad or enough top 4 players to carry 1, 2 or 3 creative players, therefore his tactics need to get the best out of the majority of the team and we will continue to rely on fitness and commitment to win matches and punch above our weight!
Lets support the team and Moyes for getting the most out of what he has at his disposal and focus on the things that are wrong with the club - Kenwright.
COYB!
At the time of his injury Joe had progressed from being the carthorse that many saw him as to one of the best midfield players in the UK. If Gibson reaches that level then I'll be really happy. Our results and Fellaini's performances since Gibson came speak far more than perception of how he's playing. He didn't get through United's system without being amongst the best available.
Keith Glazzard (571) Nail on the head there.
This whole thread reminds me when we bought Carsley, and I thought the same ?WTF have we bought this donkey for. Another plodder in Walters god awful team.
But once he got going in Moyes's team then he was a revelation; when he didn't play we were awful. Plus he could belt one in from distance ? remember the derby piley-on. I've still got a poster of that somewhere.
It might be a bit early to say but let's hope he does go on to be like Parkinson or Carsley.
This whole thread reminds me when we bought Carsley, and I thought the same ?WTF have we bought this donkey for. Another plodder in Walters god awful team.
But once he got going in Moyes's team then he was a revelation; when he didn't play we were awful. Plus he could belt one in from distance ? remember the derby piley-on. I've still got a poster of that somewhere.
It might be a bit early to say but let's hope he does go on to be like Parkinson or Carsley.
If Man Utd had Joe Parkinson, Paul Scholes would still be sunbathing on a beach.
As I said in another thread, Gibson's positioning is good but his tackling is non-existent. It's something he can work on; I remember Parkinson and Horne were average when big Joe Royle arrived, he turned them into the best two ball winners in the league.
As I said in another thread, Gibson's positioning is good but his tackling is non-existent. It's something he can work on; I remember Parkinson and Horne were average when big Joe Royle arrived, he turned them into the best two ball winners in the league.
I have a major criticism of Darron Gibson - the shorts he wears are too big and pulled up way too high.. there I've said it..
Andy, you are going to have the sportswear apologists on your back now
I have to agree with this. I've been amazed by some of the stick the lad's been getting from some of us.
Whilst he's not been exceptional by any stretch of the imagination. And yes, he has given the ball away on occassion, but so has everyone in the team. I think he's come in and done really good job for us.
It's clear he's overweight for a professional footballer and needs to improve his fitness. And with that weight loss and improved fitness, he will only get better.
His partnership with Felli has been brilliant. He's supported the back four, broke up attacks and got forward to help attacks and SCORED!
It remains to be seen whether he'll stay in the side once Rodwell's back. I can't see it myself. But interestingly someone pointed out earlier that Rodders could take Cahill's place :)
Whilst he's not been exceptional by any stretch of the imagination. And yes, he has given the ball away on occassion, but so has everyone in the team. I think he's come in and done really good job for us.
It's clear he's overweight for a professional footballer and needs to improve his fitness. And with that weight loss and improved fitness, he will only get better.
His partnership with Felli has been brilliant. He's supported the back four, broke up attacks and got forward to help attacks and SCORED!
It remains to be seen whether he'll stay in the side once Rodwell's back. I can't see it myself. But interestingly someone pointed out earlier that Rodders could take Cahill's place :)
Gibson is a steady player but fairly average as was Parkinson. He is a decent stand in but not an impact player for 90 mins. except on the odd occasion he will get a goal much like Osman.
Rodwell however has all the attributes and much like Rooney would be a massive loss if allowed to leave.
Rodwell however has all the attributes and much like Rooney would be a massive loss if allowed to leave.
I love Rodders as representing the possible future of Everton and England but what does he actually do?
He has composure on the ball and a good engine. But he's not great creatively so he hasn't many assists, he's not brilliant positionally and did not offer much protection to back four, he can shoot with either foot and is decent in the air but misses a fair few chances and has only one goal this season (I think). I wonder where his future lies both in club and position.
If he is to stay here I would like to see him try the Cahill role though I hope over the next year or two that might be a position that Barkley makes his own.
He has composure on the ball and a good engine. But he's not great creatively so he hasn't many assists, he's not brilliant positionally and did not offer much protection to back four, he can shoot with either foot and is decent in the air but misses a fair few chances and has only one goal this season (I think). I wonder where his future lies both in club and position.
If he is to stay here I would like to see him try the Cahill role though I hope over the next year or two that might be a position that Barkley makes his own.
Rodwell, when given freedom from Moyes's defensive chains, is a class act... he showed his capabilities when playing for England and don't forget his performance against Man Utd and that Rooney-esque goal. I suggest all those hailing Gibson get a tape of the Wigan and Chelsea games. Just what did he do to piss off SAF??? I will review my opinion after 10 games and hopefully Gibbo will be a revelation.
Tom Bowers (663), I don't know how you can say that about Parkinson, it was when he couldn't play anymore that things started to go tits up for Royle's team.
Every team needs players like that and I think Moyes has been trying to find a replacement for Carsley for the last couple of years. I suspect that was the reason he bought Jags and then Big Hair Felli.
These type of players are like gold, just thier presence gives their team-mates confidence knowing that if they lose the ball or are caught out of position then they will be there to cover their backs and fix it.
Every team needs players like that and I think Moyes has been trying to find a replacement for Carsley for the last couple of years. I suspect that was the reason he bought Jags and then Big Hair Felli.
These type of players are like gold, just thier presence gives their team-mates confidence knowing that if they lose the ball or are caught out of position then they will be there to cover their backs and fix it.
Right so who shall we go to Goodison to watch this weekend I know - Darren Gibson - we shall wonder at his immobility, poor physical condition, 2 yard passes every 15 minutes. Wow.
Some of us Blues really never are happy, are we?
Talk about "Welcome to Goodison, Darron" with some of these comments.
They guy may just have reignited our season with his winner against Citeh, but are some folk grateful?
Nah, let's write him off after 5 minutes.
He's been here a month, he cost about 50p and we've not lost since. Jeez, give him a chance, eh?
Talk about "Welcome to Goodison, Darron" with some of these comments.
They guy may just have reignited our season with his winner against Citeh, but are some folk grateful?
Nah, let's write him off after 5 minutes.
He's been here a month, he cost about 50p and we've not lost since. Jeez, give him a chance, eh?
You can't be serious can you? Gibson has looked poor so far, his passing has generally been awful, its still early days yet so I won't write him off but to compare him to Joe Parkinson is a joke. Parkinson was surprisingly quick and great in the tackle. In the cup final he outplayed the Man Utd central midfield. When he got that bad injury Joe Royle's side never recovered from his absence. Finally remember that drag back in the Spurs semi-final - great stuff.
The premier league website has Gibson way down the midfielders list at a score of 68 in 119th place with Rodwell in 121st place with a score of 67, this season not much between them but Rodwell has made twice as many appearances.
Gibson does nothing for me personally and appears very average, the Chelsea game was dominated by Fellaini in midfield not Gibson, other players appeared to make more tackles to me.
Gibson does nothing for me personally and appears very average, the Chelsea game was dominated by Fellaini in midfield not Gibson, other players appeared to make more tackles to me.
Mick Wrende (781), every team has a water carrier - did you go the game to watch Parkinson or Limpar?
We are turning into a right fickle bunch on here, lets give the guy a chance - bloody hell he's only played a couple of games and is carrying a bit of lard due to hardly playing.
Maybe with a good pre-season he might actually come good. You don't make the united squad if you're shite.
We are turning into a right fickle bunch on here, lets give the guy a chance - bloody hell he's only played a couple of games and is carrying a bit of lard due to hardly playing.
Maybe with a good pre-season he might actually come good. You don't make the united squad if you're shite.
Sadly Gibson will have a real job on, as an average player, fitting in with our established Galacticos.....Anichebe, Cahill, Neville etc Should we start booing him yet ?
I like Gibson he looks composed on the ball and keeps himself and the team busy. And I agree with Michael (784) that was a cracking goal against City. Him or Rodwell should become the long term squad captain next season.
Gibson for me is very very average at best and shockingly poor at worst. His passing is atrocious for a midfielder.
Can please stop all this rubbish about him enabling Fellaini to dominate. What a crock of shit. Fellaini is majestic when on his game and is as good as patrick viera was at bossing a midfield it has nothing to do with Gibson at all. Fellaini is just one of those players whose form is sometimes questionable.
Rodwell has ten times the ability of Gibson.
Can please stop all this rubbish about him enabling Fellaini to dominate. What a crock of shit. Fellaini is majestic when on his game and is as good as patrick viera was at bossing a midfield it has nothing to do with Gibson at all. Fellaini is just one of those players whose form is sometimes questionable.
Rodwell has ten times the ability of Gibson.
Gibson is unbeaten in the last 21 league games he has played in. Maybe he is the good luck charm we needed.
Or maybe he just a decent footballer that does things simply and enables a bit more balance that allows the rest of the team to work better as a unit.
Or maybe he just a decent footballer that does things simply and enables a bit more balance that allows the rest of the team to work better as a unit.
This is a bit surreal. I've said for weeks he looks like "Dogs of war Joe". I honestly think, in time this 24 year old lad will become a big hit for Everton. He needs to tidy up his passing a bit, but his positional sense and his timing to break up attacks, allied to his eye for goal, make him a better option to Jack (Butch Wilkins) Rodwell. Those who have played will understand.
Am I missing something? He's a fucking carthorse!!! Can't run, can't jump, can't turn, Fat Frank run him raggered and he's in his twilight years. I hope it's just a case of match sharpness but I can already see him passing runners on instead of tracking them. The only reason he's in the middle before Neville is because of his trusty right peg, if only Rodwell had Gibson's right foot!
Anto Byrne #684, you have never played football.
James, I said almost exactly the same thing as you wrote in your post after his first game for us.
He does remind me of Parkinson and I think he will have an impact on us out of proportion to his individual ability precisely because he is a decent central midfielder and Fellaini is no longer having to carry neville, heintiga, Osman or cahill.
Because we now have 2 proper and solid central midfielders who have a chance of competing with any two in the league, Moyes may also find he is able to play with two proper centre forwards and not resort to playing 4-5-1 every game.
Since that initial game, I've had a bit more time to see Gibson in action and there is a certain amount of inconsistency in his passing which at times is sublime and at times woeful, but I'm hoping some match sharpness and work on the training ground will sort that out.
Overall very, very good business for £500k.
He does remind me of Parkinson and I think he will have an impact on us out of proportion to his individual ability precisely because he is a decent central midfielder and Fellaini is no longer having to carry neville, heintiga, Osman or cahill.
Because we now have 2 proper and solid central midfielders who have a chance of competing with any two in the league, Moyes may also find he is able to play with two proper centre forwards and not resort to playing 4-5-1 every game.
Since that initial game, I've had a bit more time to see Gibson in action and there is a certain amount of inconsistency in his passing which at times is sublime and at times woeful, but I'm hoping some match sharpness and work on the training ground will sort that out.
Overall very, very good business for £500k.
The question is....does he eat like joe?
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360 Posted 12/02/2012 at 15:05:57
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We're also unbeaten since he came and Felli has been immense while starting along side him.
For me the stick isn't called for.