Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
A time for adventure?
33 Comments: After Pienaar's performance against Chelsea and Drenthe's against Blackpool, is it not now time for Moyes to be just a little bit adventurous while at the same time sticking to his favoured 4-5-1 formation?
Could Moyes be tempted to leave Cahill out of his starting calculations entirely and start with Pienaar on the left and Drenthe on the right? Might he even consider replacing Hibbert/Neville at right back with Coleman?
Could the team for the next league game possibly be......
(Roll of drums)
Howard
Coleman
Heitinga
Distin
Baines
Pienaar
Gibson
Fellaini
Rodwell (if fit. Barkley if not)
Drenthe
Stracqualursi / Jelavic (if fit)
That midfield could keep any opposing defence stretched right across the pitch assisted by two ball playing attacking full backs and two centre-backs who can pass the ball out of defence. This team could morph into a 4-3-3 at the drop of a hat if need be.
Will Moyes take the bull by the horns and give it a go?
Nah!
Dave Roberts, Posted 20/02/2012 at 11:18:39
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I'd like to think Pienaar and Drenthe will both play a role. Given we are currently 7 games unbeaten I don't think Moyes will do anything markedly different to what he has been doing in recent games, and justifiably so. I doubt Barkley will start a Merseyside derby quite yet, as we know Moyes is rather cautious with the young 'uns.
Mark it is QPR next mate. The derby is postponed as the RS have got Cardiff in the Shandy Cup!
Come on Cardiff!!!!!
Oh and I do think he will start with Steven and Royston, but not Seamus as well.
Come on Cardiff!!!!!
Oh and I do think he will start with Steven and Royston, but not Seamus as well.
My bad.
With our current midfield casualties, I would be quite happy to see Neville or Cahill play the defensive midfield role of it means giving Fellaini more freedom.
Controversial?
Controversial?
That looks pretty formiddable. Even if Seamus was out for Neville or Tonyt I still think we look far more threatening. Unfortunately, as much as I love him, Tim is looking more and more like the weak link
I always wonder if people who nominate Coleman to play right back have ever seen him play that position, at least for more than a few minutes. Guys, the boy can't mark. Watch him on defensive corners. He's a ballwatcher, doesn't use his body, lets his man get goalside. I don't want him on the backline.
Daniel Cross, I'd rather have Fellaini do what he does best in defensive midfield and put someone more creative in front of him, whether it be Barkley, Osman or Rodwell. I like seeing Fellaini get forward for set pieces, and Gibson's presence allows him to do that, but I don't want to seeing him living up there. Fellaini is many great things. Creative attacker is not one of them.
Daniel Cross, I'd rather have Fellaini do what he does best in defensive midfield and put someone more creative in front of him, whether it be Barkley, Osman or Rodwell. I like seeing Fellaini get forward for set pieces, and Gibson's presence allows him to do that, but I don't want to seeing him living up there. Fellaini is many great things. Creative attacker is not one of them.
Dave,
You've nearly got the exact same fantasy team as me... however, I'd play Rodwell and Fellaini with Barley in front..
I reckon we'll both be waiting a fair while. The fact that Neville has once again seen a midfield starting position last Saturday has drained me of any hope in regard to seeing a truly attacking/balanced line-up.
Drenthe will be dropped Saturday week.
You've nearly got the exact same fantasy team as me... however, I'd play Rodwell and Fellaini with Barley in front..
I reckon we'll both be waiting a fair while. The fact that Neville has once again seen a midfield starting position last Saturday has drained me of any hope in regard to seeing a truly attacking/balanced line-up.
Drenthe will be dropped Saturday week.
Just like to point out that against Blackpool we were playing 433.
Fallaini was given free reign to play in advance of Gibson and Neville but wasn't the second striker.
Pienaar and Drenthe were let off defensive duties as Gibson and Neville teamed up with the full backs to counter the wide threat of Blackpool, and Fallaini fell back into place when the ball was in the centre.
That's just my take on it, could right, could be wrong...
People wanted him to change when we were losing, and now we are winning they are wanting him to change still... even though the 451 has morphed into 4231 many times in the mini run of ours.
Moyes is calling this right, let him be.
Fallaini was given free reign to play in advance of Gibson and Neville but wasn't the second striker.
Pienaar and Drenthe were let off defensive duties as Gibson and Neville teamed up with the full backs to counter the wide threat of Blackpool, and Fallaini fell back into place when the ball was in the centre.
That's just my take on it, could right, could be wrong...
People wanted him to change when we were losing, and now we are winning they are wanting him to change still... even though the 451 has morphed into 4231 many times in the mini run of ours.
Moyes is calling this right, let him be.
Not a chance that team will play. Coleman will never play right back.
I am looking forward to Pienaar down the left and Drenthe down the right though. It is no surprise that whenever we have decent width we get results. sticking osman, rodwell, anichebe or whoever out wide is a hiding to nothing.
I am looking forward to Pienaar down the left and Drenthe down the right though. It is no surprise that whenever we have decent width we get results. sticking osman, rodwell, anichebe or whoever out wide is a hiding to nothing.
Dave
Ans. The Crickets, 1 Nov 1957
Ans. The Crickets, 1 Nov 1957
Agree with Mike on both points.
Coleman would be real weak link at Right back at present.
And fellaini is best at DM. He dominates the midfield from there.
Coleman would be real weak link at Right back at present.
And fellaini is best at DM. He dominates the midfield from there.
Interesting that Martin Jol was so surprised at Drenthe playing on the right - and excelling. It's not THAT crazy to put a naturally left-footed player on the right is it?
Nick, you're almost right, but Stevie P was cup tied, Magaye Gueye played left wing and in my opinion gave a very assured performance.
Agree with the earlier comments about Coleman too, at the moment he is not a Right Back, but a very effective right midfielder. It's similar to those calling for Rodwell at centre back, the lad may have started as a CB in the youth set up, but he is never a CB now.
Quite excited by the prospect of Drenthe and Pienaar in the next game, plenty of craft and attacking play, thats if they both actually play.
Agree with the earlier comments about Coleman too, at the moment he is not a Right Back, but a very effective right midfielder. It's similar to those calling for Rodwell at centre back, the lad may have started as a CB in the youth set up, but he is never a CB now.
Quite excited by the prospect of Drenthe and Pienaar in the next game, plenty of craft and attacking play, thats if they both actually play.
Why change a winning formula.
If we started next season lined up something like the OP suggests I'd be more than happy. I wouldn't even mind it being plan B.
But while we are seemingly taking on all comer's let's carry on with player's who are familiar with their role an trust each other.
Should we start to struggle again I'd advocate a change but IMO Moyes has only picked very, very negative sides when injuries have struck. It's the cautious mentality that I'd like to see change.
If we started next season lined up something like the OP suggests I'd be more than happy. I wouldn't even mind it being plan B.
But while we are seemingly taking on all comer's let's carry on with player's who are familiar with their role an trust each other.
Should we start to struggle again I'd advocate a change but IMO Moyes has only picked very, very negative sides when injuries have struck. It's the cautious mentality that I'd like to see change.
I like the look of that team.
People who say Coleman can't defend haven't given him a chance. He had a bad game against Sporting and has been written off ever since. Undoubtedly both Hibbert and Nevillle are better at marking and tackling than Coleman currently, but this is something he can improve on with experience. What Coleman has above his competitors is the fact he can actually pass. He also possess a significant threat coming from deep (essential in a modern full back). He is not quite skillful enough to be a winger where he is marked out of the game.
With Donavon gone, Moyes has to change it up. Piennar and Drenthe on the wings has a nice balance to it. Piennar is a link up player who works himself into the ground. Drenthe is a good player who is capable of word class moments but equally he can give the ball away stupidly and often looks like a card waiting to happen. He has pace as well and we are sadly lacking in that department.
Three from Rodwell, Felli, Gibson and Barkley is a nice decision to have to make Each brings something a little different. I don't think Barkley should be starting every game, but needs to get a good few starts and a few subs appearances ready for next season.
Heitinga and Distin look great together and since Jags has been out we have actually been passing it out of defence. I will be gutted if he goes straight back into the team.
The walls felt like they were falling in a few weeks ago. The foundations are still unsteady but at least we have some good footy watch at the moment and the dream of a trip to Wemberley is still alive.
COYB
People who say Coleman can't defend haven't given him a chance. He had a bad game against Sporting and has been written off ever since. Undoubtedly both Hibbert and Nevillle are better at marking and tackling than Coleman currently, but this is something he can improve on with experience. What Coleman has above his competitors is the fact he can actually pass. He also possess a significant threat coming from deep (essential in a modern full back). He is not quite skillful enough to be a winger where he is marked out of the game.
With Donavon gone, Moyes has to change it up. Piennar and Drenthe on the wings has a nice balance to it. Piennar is a link up player who works himself into the ground. Drenthe is a good player who is capable of word class moments but equally he can give the ball away stupidly and often looks like a card waiting to happen. He has pace as well and we are sadly lacking in that department.
Three from Rodwell, Felli, Gibson and Barkley is a nice decision to have to make Each brings something a little different. I don't think Barkley should be starting every game, but needs to get a good few starts and a few subs appearances ready for next season.
Heitinga and Distin look great together and since Jags has been out we have actually been passing it out of defence. I will be gutted if he goes straight back into the team.
The walls felt like they were falling in a few weeks ago. The foundations are still unsteady but at least we have some good footy watch at the moment and the dream of a trip to Wemberley is still alive.
COYB
Lee -you're right! Oops...
Would not expect to see Coleman at RB any time soon. Moyes has not really tried it out all season and clearly does not think Seamus has the defensive side sorted yet.
I would think we will be making very few changes to our team in the next few weeks except maybe the likes of osman, rodwell and Jelavic coming back from injury.
Would love to see some youngsters given more game time near the end of the season if we have nothing but a few midtable places to play for. Sadly this will never happen as even the money per place is enough to force Moyes to scrap for every point and penny.
I would think we will be making very few changes to our team in the next few weeks except maybe the likes of osman, rodwell and Jelavic coming back from injury.
Would love to see some youngsters given more game time near the end of the season if we have nothing but a few midtable places to play for. Sadly this will never happen as even the money per place is enough to force Moyes to scrap for every point and penny.
Phil (253) - you're showing your age mate but it was a great song - and still is .
Great post, Dave. I would love to see us play a positive line up for a change.
I am fed up with the usual posts about Coleman's lack of defensive ability. Having watched him play at Blackpool for nearly a season defending well and seeing the reception he recieved from the Blackpool fans, I think that said it all. Baines isn't the best of defenders and has made a few errors leading to goals; Coleman can give us exactly what we have on the left and give us an offensive attacking balance going forward.
I am fed up with the usual posts about Coleman's lack of defensive ability. Having watched him play at Blackpool for nearly a season defending well and seeing the reception he recieved from the Blackpool fans, I think that said it all. Baines isn't the best of defenders and has made a few errors leading to goals; Coleman can give us exactly what we have on the left and give us an offensive attacking balance going forward.
Will Moyes take the bull by the horns and give it a go? it's not 1st April yet!
After 10 years and being paid millions a year for , some would say, just some that 4-5-1, keep it tight, nick one isn't good enough. But only some.
After 10 years and being paid millions a year for , some would say, just some that 4-5-1, keep it tight, nick one isn't good enough. But only some.
The time for advenure is when we have 40 points in the bag and matches to go.Until then,let`s leave the Moyestro to his own devices!
Given that Moyes has played Pienaar in every game he has been available to him and that he did the same with Drenthe before Donovan arrived.
I dont think there is a possibilty of Moyes playing these two out wide. I think its a forgone conclusion
He will definitely play them
I dont think there is a possibilty of Moyes playing these two out wide. I think its a forgone conclusion
He will definitely play them
7 points away from the magical 40 mark 13 games to go come on Doddy, surely you can wish to be more entertained then we have been this season
The 4-5-1 that morphs into a 4-3-3... and people hammer iMoyes saying it will never happen.
I'm guessing the same people reckon Cahill played shit against Villa - no attacking threat whatsoever.
We've played that setup a fair bit you know.
I'm guessing the same people reckon Cahill played shit against Villa - no attacking threat whatsoever.
We've played that setup a fair bit you know.
Best 11,
Howard
Whoever.....they are all poor
Johnny
Distin
Bainsey
Stevie P
Rodwell
Fella
Royston
Barkley
Straq/Jelly
In the summer sell the Jag...hitting 30 and can't play football from the back. Keep the rest and you have a fine balance of youth and experience. Admittedly we have little strength in depth, however this 11 i believe could possibly entertain? The thing is we need Moyes to believe we can win with style. We want to watch a stylish winning brand of football, as Evertonians we should demand it.
Howard
Whoever.....they are all poor
Johnny
Distin
Bainsey
Stevie P
Rodwell
Fella
Royston
Barkley
Straq/Jelly
In the summer sell the Jag...hitting 30 and can't play football from the back. Keep the rest and you have a fine balance of youth and experience. Admittedly we have little strength in depth, however this 11 i believe could possibly entertain? The thing is we need Moyes to believe we can win with style. We want to watch a stylish winning brand of football, as Evertonians we should demand it.
As much as I don't support Moyes, if he puts Fellaini back to DM, I have no problem with the line up he selected at the weekend, even with the knowledge that he only played Gueye due to Pienaar's tie up.
The most exciting thing is the prospect of Pienaar and Drenthe on the wings at the same time. They both like coming in and swapping sides, so together they could terrorise defenders to no end.
I think even Cahill must be beginning to realise that he is the weak link in the starting line up. Very sad, but part of football.
I think Coleman needs to start getting the odd game at RB to learn the trade, or Moyes needs to make this his next target in the transfer market - 66 combined years does not a good full back prospect make.
The most exciting thing is the prospect of Pienaar and Drenthe on the wings at the same time. They both like coming in and swapping sides, so together they could terrorise defenders to no end.
I think even Cahill must be beginning to realise that he is the weak link in the starting line up. Very sad, but part of football.
I think Coleman needs to start getting the odd game at RB to learn the trade, or Moyes needs to make this his next target in the transfer market - 66 combined years does not a good full back prospect make.
To add to the sadness that is Cahill's falling star, my arsehole mate posted this on my FB wall yesty...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqP1UiTJPDk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqP1UiTJPDk&feature=related
Matt, spot on with most of that team (especially right back!) but how can you think of leaving Gibson out and playing Rodwell? Gibbo has played 7 games, all of them except Blackpool just behind Fellaini. We are unbeaten in all 7. When did we last do that? Felli is suddenly playing the best I have seen him. No coincidence.
Gibbo may not be a star, and I don't think he is fully match fit yet. He has hardly played first team football. But solid and hopefully will continue to improve.
I haven't seen Rodders have a good game alongside Felli. Potentially a great player, but injuries are holding him back at present. Oh, and regularly being played out of position on right midfield battered his confidence.
Does anyone know his best position?
Gibbo may not be a star, and I don't think he is fully match fit yet. He has hardly played first team football. But solid and hopefully will continue to improve.
I haven't seen Rodders have a good game alongside Felli. Potentially a great player, but injuries are holding him back at present. Oh, and regularly being played out of position on right midfield battered his confidence.
Does anyone know his best position?
Not a chance of anything adventurous for a game against a "top team" like Liverpool. Keep it tight at the back and try not to lose. That's Davey's way.
Team will most likely be:
Howard
Hibbert Heitinga Distin Baines
Neville Neville Neville Neville Neville
Straq
Team will most likely be:
Howard
Hibbert Heitinga Distin Baines
Neville Neville Neville Neville Neville
Straq
The trouble Moyes faces is a watershed I think. It is obvious to most that Neville and Cahill are coming to the end of their careers with Everton and although sad, they must assume a more withdrawn role.
I think both players have been amazing for the club but I fear that both retain their places because of who they are not what they do for the team.
Maybe Moyes is reluctant to drop them as he too remembers what they have done?
It is a pity because all careers come to an end but Moyes has to pick a team that will get results and that means using these 2 more sparingly.
My first choice team would be:
Howard
Coleman Heitinga Jagielka Baines
Drenthe Gibson Fellaini Barkley Pienaar
Jelavic
I think both players have been amazing for the club but I fear that both retain their places because of who they are not what they do for the team.
Maybe Moyes is reluctant to drop them as he too remembers what they have done?
It is a pity because all careers come to an end but Moyes has to pick a team that will get results and that means using these 2 more sparingly.
My first choice team would be:
Howard
Coleman Heitinga Jagielka Baines
Drenthe Gibson Fellaini Barkley Pienaar
Jelavic
Paul, you forgot Cahill.
Drenthe needs to get a run in the side on the right wing, however I'd be surprised if that happened. I think Moyes will get Coleman back into the team asap.
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234 Posted 20/02/2012 at 15:03:55
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