Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
Leon Osman plays like Iniesta
47 Comments: Just a little thing on Leon Osman...
I've seen that Jack Wilshere tweeted that Ossie was an under-rated player who plays a lot like Inesita and you know what, I couldn't agree more. When played in central midfield, he is a super wee player. Take the 2007-08 season, he played centre-mid with Pienaar left and Arteta right, Carsley sitting deep and Timmy in back of the Yak; he was immense then... and he should always play this role.
I have always said I won't slate him when Moyes has forced him to play wide right on numerous occasions when he doesn't have the pace for it. As far as central midfield goes, we haven't got a player with the guile and imagination that Ossie has.
I feel he has always been under-rated and he's a true Evertonian, i just hope Moysie plays him alongside FellaIni from now on.
COYB!!
Stephen Leary, Posted 12/03/2012 at 17:02:25
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He is good, that first half performance was as good as I have ever seen him play. Was surprised at how good his positioning play was. Just goes to show how much better when Neville doesnt play in centre midfield. Osman playing also got the best out of Fellaini.
The only issue I have is that he is never like that all game. He fades a lot in the second half due to fitness and possibly form. I know he wasnt fully fit for the Spurs game which is completely understandable, but he tends to do that a lot.
Other than that, he is a cracking player for the team and the squad.
The only issue I have is that he is never like that all game. He fades a lot in the second half due to fitness and possibly form. I know he wasnt fully fit for the Spurs game which is completely understandable, but he tends to do that a lot.
Other than that, he is a cracking player for the team and the squad.
I agree with Stephen, and I'll go along with Wilshere. Ossie can and does play like the Iniesta's of this world when he's in the right position.
In fact the brother was having a moan after MotD when the commentator could only say that Kaboul had been slack letting him in to set up the goal. 'If that had been Iniesta ...' were his exact words. Ossie skinned him.
Andy Hunter in The Guardian called it 'a sublime spin away from Kaboul' and made him MoM. He also added that Leon has played more times for Moyes than any other player. Hope he gets the rest of them in his best position.
In fact the brother was having a moan after MotD when the commentator could only say that Kaboul had been slack letting him in to set up the goal. 'If that had been Iniesta ...' were his exact words. Ossie skinned him.
Andy Hunter in The Guardian called it 'a sublime spin away from Kaboul' and made him MoM. He also added that Leon has played more times for Moyes than any other player. Hope he gets the rest of them in his best position.
Agree Dave, he does play out wide for the good of the team and never complains, he's a proper little Evertonian and a very very good player. I'm glad that you have agreed with my article, lads; heres to 3 points tomorrow night. COYB
Yes, Inesita last week... next week: Uncle Festa.
Ozzie's got it all apart from pace and strength. if he had them two things he could get a game for Barca but fact is he hasn't. Ossie's great when he's got intelligent players to play with but he can't run a game on his own. That's the difference with top class players, eg, Iniesta ? they've got the lot and can boss a midfield. Still, he is our most creative midfielder and been a great servant to the club.
Normally, this thread starts around April when we've nothing to play for and Ossie plays well in two back to back matches, but I guess with the warmer winter Springs come earlier this year.
Reality check. Slow, weak, bad in the air, bad in the tackle, one of the weakest shots of a player in the premier league I've ever seen, and has never ever had the fitness (Spurs match was understandable, but he has been going missing in the last 20 minutes for the duration of his career).
Little piece of magic against Spurs, he has it in his locker - but does it, what, 5 times a season? And along come the Ossie for England brigade.
RIght now, yes, he is the best option alongside Fellaini - but that says more about our squad depth than Ossies ability. Whose the next option? Neville? FFS.
Loyal Evertonian, but like Hibbo, should never had such long careers in the blue shirt.
Reality check. Slow, weak, bad in the air, bad in the tackle, one of the weakest shots of a player in the premier league I've ever seen, and has never ever had the fitness (Spurs match was understandable, but he has been going missing in the last 20 minutes for the duration of his career).
Little piece of magic against Spurs, he has it in his locker - but does it, what, 5 times a season? And along come the Ossie for England brigade.
RIght now, yes, he is the best option alongside Fellaini - but that says more about our squad depth than Ossies ability. Whose the next option? Neville? FFS.
Loyal Evertonian, but like Hibbo, should never had such long careers in the blue shirt.
GJ ? I would say unfair again. Slow, yes, when played out wide... But when played centre mid, I find it hard to find a game where he has played badly for us. He's a central midfielder ? not a winger.
Catch a grip. Average player at best.
What age was Wilshere when Osman started losing the ball for a living?
A couple of decent performances and people appear to lose all grasp of reality.
What age was Wilshere when Osman started losing the ball for a living?
A couple of decent performances and people appear to lose all grasp of reality.
Osman must be related to Moyes in his family tree because Osman stayed on the pitch while Moyes took off ex-Real Madrid player Drenthe. Would Osman get in the Real Madrid schoolboy team? NO!
This is what is wrong with our manager and his tactics as we parked the bus for the second half AT HOME against a team that had LOST their last 2 games! Sorry to be so negative but I was disappointed by the attacking options in the second half.
This is what is wrong with our manager and his tactics as we parked the bus for the second half AT HOME against a team that had LOST their last 2 games! Sorry to be so negative but I was disappointed by the attacking options in the second half.
Osman is an outstanding footballer in the body of a child.
If he was 6 foot tall he would be world class, but he isn't.
If he was 6 foot tall he would be world class, but he isn't.
You do know that he's actually taller than Iniesta (and Messi for that matter), right Nick?
Some merit in that. Osman should be played central or on the left cutting in if pienaar isn't available. Useless on the right.
GJ Butler: Reality checks are usually caused by defeat. To suggest one after a good win - unless you don't think it was one - seems a little churlish.
And, as I recall, praise for Osman came late on in the season last year because he was played centre midfield going forward. A few goals helped the cause - incredibly one with his head - but strangely none with rocket shots from 25 yards.
To get back to the thread, Iniesta is superb and Messi is simply the best. Thank heavens they didn't have to prosper where being weak (compared to a Stoke player I guess you mean) or being bad in the tackle (which Stoke players usually are) counted against football skill and brain.
And why the fuck would we want him to play for England - a point you raised.
And, as I recall, praise for Osman came late on in the season last year because he was played centre midfield going forward. A few goals helped the cause - incredibly one with his head - but strangely none with rocket shots from 25 yards.
To get back to the thread, Iniesta is superb and Messi is simply the best. Thank heavens they didn't have to prosper where being weak (compared to a Stoke player I guess you mean) or being bad in the tackle (which Stoke players usually are) counted against football skill and brain.
And why the fuck would we want him to play for England - a point you raised.
Sorry guys Ossie is nowhere near what you are saying. Tell you what if he really makes an impression tomorrow in the Derby match I will maybe change my opinion but he mormally hides in all the big games especially Derby games.
Sure he has experience and he is intelligent but he just doesn't deliver often enough.
His tackling is weak and has no real speed but Moyes likes him just like he has liked many underachievers in his teams over the last 10 years.
Think he will outshine Gerrard tomorrow?
Sure he has experience and he is intelligent but he just doesn't deliver often enough.
His tackling is weak and has no real speed but Moyes likes him just like he has liked many underachievers in his teams over the last 10 years.
Think he will outshine Gerrard tomorrow?
Tom - you really think Ossie's job is to 'outshine' Gerrard? I hope that Fellaini and Pienaar will both be doing that.
Ossie's job, for me, should be to get into their suspect defence just as he did in the first half against Spurs.
Another 'too small to make it' attitude I guess.
Ossie's job, for me, should be to get into their suspect defence just as he did in the first half against Spurs.
Another 'too small to make it' attitude I guess.
I wish Osman was shorter than Iniesta and Messi then he'll have a decent shot in him.
Regarding his weak shot,I don't think I have seen many shots hit better than his one against larissa
Yeah Paul I don't know where this weak shot thing is coming from. He has probably scored as many from out the box as anyone if not more.
I think ossie has quick feet, a good touch and a good footballing brain. He's one of our few players who can receive the ball in a tight space and look to make something happen like our goal against tottenham.
However, unlike iniesta, he also loses the ball an awful lot. His passing is not quite as acute and his dribbles often end up with him being forced off the ball as he is not the fastest or strongest.
A poor mans iniesta then. But for me, his ability to make something happen means he deserves the Cahill role in a team that has been goal shy all season and before.
However, unlike iniesta, he also loses the ball an awful lot. His passing is not quite as acute and his dribbles often end up with him being forced off the ball as he is not the fastest or strongest.
A poor mans iniesta then. But for me, his ability to make something happen means he deserves the Cahill role in a team that has been goal shy all season and before.
Keith, firstly I think you'll find the post is about Osman, not our recent results, so giving my opinion about Osman on a thread about Osman doesn't seem 'churlish' to me?
Getting back to your imaginary thread, Messi is indeed the best and thanks for bringing it up, regardless of it's irrelevance.
Finally, my 'Ossie for England brigade' remark is a phrase coined for those who come on each spring declaring his brilliance, I don't really give a fuck if he ever plays for England. I'm Irish.
If he plays well against Liverpool tonight I'll tip my hat.
Same time, same place, next years thread?
Getting back to your imaginary thread, Messi is indeed the best and thanks for bringing it up, regardless of it's irrelevance.
Finally, my 'Ossie for England brigade' remark is a phrase coined for those who come on each spring declaring his brilliance, I don't really give a fuck if he ever plays for England. I'm Irish.
If he plays well against Liverpool tonight I'll tip my hat.
Same time, same place, next years thread?
Frank Lampard said that Leon was the top player in the UK as he was coming through the system and I think he has been a great credit for Everton. Perhaps not quite great at the very highest level but a great little player when played in the right position.
He bottles it in the big games for me.
He has all the attributes to make a great footballer except one, he is not a big game player.
He has all the attributes to make a great footballer except one, he is not a big game player.
I like Osman but he is a decent footballer, no more. Comparing him with two of the modern greats is over enthusiastic. He has amazing technique, possibly up there with some of the very best in the league, his passing is good and he works his socks off.
He isn't strong enough, he may be taller than Messi, but Messi has a strong centre of gravity and doesn't get knocked off the ball. He also isn't quick enough (unlike Messi), if he was he could be deployed out wide.
Overall I would say he is probably playing at the right level. He is a good squad player for us and someone who doesn't merit some of the grief he gets on here. Messi or Iniesta he isn't!
He isn't strong enough, he may be taller than Messi, but Messi has a strong centre of gravity and doesn't get knocked off the ball. He also isn't quick enough (unlike Messi), if he was he could be deployed out wide.
Overall I would say he is probably playing at the right level. He is a good squad player for us and someone who doesn't merit some of the grief he gets on here. Messi or Iniesta he isn't!
GJ at 137 - "Ossie has one of the weakest shots in the Premier League".
The pre season before last, at a friendly at Goodison (can't even remember who it was against), my father in law is sitting in the lower Street End to the left of the goal. Osman smacks a shot, misses the goal and hits my feller smack in the chops. Cue nosebleed etc.
I am pretty sure my wife's dad would disagree with your criticism!
The pre season before last, at a friendly at Goodison (can't even remember who it was against), my father in law is sitting in the lower Street End to the left of the goal. Osman smacks a shot, misses the goal and hits my feller smack in the chops. Cue nosebleed etc.
I am pretty sure my wife's dad would disagree with your criticism!
Osman plays like Iniesta!
Jesus wept!
Jesus wept!
Osman is a good player and sometimes can be excellent, especially against the weaker teams, but usually against the bigger clubs he goes missing and that is my biggest problem with him. We're only playing Liverpool tonight though, so I expect him to have a really good game.
Weak shot? You can't be serious!
The thing about Ossie is he is capable of scoring all types of goals.
As well as Larrissa there was a great curler at Watford, a spin and rising shot at home to Pompey, a run and finish at home to Sunderland. He even scored a few great headers (I remember one at Arsenal that particularly stands out).
The thing about Ossie is he is capable of scoring all types of goals.
As well as Larrissa there was a great curler at Watford, a spin and rising shot at home to Pompey, a run and finish at home to Sunderland. He even scored a few great headers (I remember one at Arsenal that particularly stands out).
I've been banging on about this for ages. Osman has always played well whenever he has been in a central midfield pairing, not out wide, or not off the front man where he doesn't have the pace for either of thos positions. Along with Pienaar (and perhaps Drenthe now) he is our most creative midfield player and showed that in the first half against Parker and Modric.
How can people say he hasn't done it in big games, when moyes played him int he centre we went on our run beating Man U and Chelsea, he also played there against Fiorentina. Weak shot? Aside from Cahill, he has the best goal per game ratio from any of our midfielders over their Everton careers.
His YouTube video of greatest goals would look better than anyone else's at Everton: left foot, right foot, with his head, volleys, mazy runs, curlers, scrappy ones, absolutely everything, and over the course of some seasons he has carried us through rough patches almost single handedly.
Yes, he's not Iniesta... but who is? He would not look out of place if he played with Wilshere in the England team, certainly better suited to international football than Rodwell. As usual though we'll pick midfielders like Gerrard, Lampard, Rodwell, Barry and the like and wonder why these one-trick carthorses get outclassed by the first major team they meet on the international stage.
How can people say he hasn't done it in big games, when moyes played him int he centre we went on our run beating Man U and Chelsea, he also played there against Fiorentina. Weak shot? Aside from Cahill, he has the best goal per game ratio from any of our midfielders over their Everton careers.
His YouTube video of greatest goals would look better than anyone else's at Everton: left foot, right foot, with his head, volleys, mazy runs, curlers, scrappy ones, absolutely everything, and over the course of some seasons he has carried us through rough patches almost single handedly.
Yes, he's not Iniesta... but who is? He would not look out of place if he played with Wilshere in the England team, certainly better suited to international football than Rodwell. As usual though we'll pick midfielders like Gerrard, Lampard, Rodwell, Barry and the like and wonder why these one-trick carthorses get outclassed by the first major team they meet on the international stage.
He's far too often average outwide though can pull in an amazing game every so often, but the Spurs match showed he may well be a square peg out wide.
They're not the most physical team Spurs, or at least allow the opposition to play so it suited him, but there's more of a continental style about him and in the right match the middle will suit him.
Bit of a lottery if a derby match is one of those though.
They're not the most physical team Spurs, or at least allow the opposition to play so it suited him, but there's more of a continental style about him and in the right match the middle will suit him.
Bit of a lottery if a derby match is one of those though.
Osman makes us tick. Full stop. When he is on form and played centrally, linking up with Pienaar and Baines, that is when Everton are a joy to watch.
In centre midfield alongside Fellaini, that is Osman's best position and our best midfield pairing. If we are to get anything tonight, we need these 2 in the middle - I am praying to God Moyes doesn't put Neville or Heitinga into midfield.
Praise from your peers is the biggest praise you can get. He deserves it. I just hope he can give another good showing tonight. And please Moyesie, no defenders in centre mid.
In centre midfield alongside Fellaini, that is Osman's best position and our best midfield pairing. If we are to get anything tonight, we need these 2 in the middle - I am praying to God Moyes doesn't put Neville or Heitinga into midfield.
Praise from your peers is the biggest praise you can get. He deserves it. I just hope he can give another good showing tonight. And please Moyesie, no defenders in centre mid.
Earlier in his career Leon copped for a lot of deserved stick for being weak and drifting out of games. I've got to say, of all the players that have improved with us, his may be the biggest.
If he was as consistent 10 years ago as he is now he would have a good few England caps IMO.
He has been superb all season and last. He's a very, very clever footballer.
I'd like to see him play a year or two in Cahill's position.
If he was as consistent 10 years ago as he is now he would have a good few England caps IMO.
He has been superb all season and last. He's a very, very clever footballer.
I'd like to see him play a year or two in Cahill's position.
"Sorry guys Ossie is nowhere near what you are saying. Tell you what if he really makes an impression tomorrow in the Derby match I will maybe change my opinion but he mormally hides in all the big games especially Derby games."
That just isn't true. The season we beat Chelsea 2-1 and Man Utd 3-1 he was MOTM both games. He was also running the derby that year until he flew into a tackle and was injured for ages.
He was MOTM Saturday too. Weren't that a big game?
Some of the comments on here would hav been valid 5 years ago, not any more. It amazes me how some people refuse to change an opinion once it's formed.
That just isn't true. The season we beat Chelsea 2-1 and Man Utd 3-1 he was MOTM both games. He was also running the derby that year until he flew into a tackle and was injured for ages.
He was MOTM Saturday too. Weren't that a big game?
Some of the comments on here would hav been valid 5 years ago, not any more. It amazes me how some people refuse to change an opinion once it's formed.
I've never been a big fan of his - can't stand watching him even if he is doing good things, if I could explain it I would - but have to admit he is sometimes priceless to the team.
To be fair though, the fact that we're sitting here trying to discuss his best position and the fact that if he had this or that to his game, when he's 31, is very telling.
To be fair though, the fact that we're sitting here trying to discuss his best position and the fact that if he had this or that to his game, when he's 31, is very telling.
Bottom line is he does play a really good game once in a blue moon and scores just as often but generally is very inconsistent. Moyes is the only reason Ossie plays as much as he does. He would shine more often in the Championship.
I would not even contemplate any mention of Osman in the same breath as the Spanish star, but what I really would like to see, is, if Osman is in the team tonight, then show why Moyes has so much faith in him? And have some real influence in our midfield. Because, as always, that's the area that matters.
Ossie has a very good footballing brain. His movement during the game is also quite intelligent and will generally find space (as he did against Tottenham).
The problem is the other players don't usually spot it and the pass is never made.
His downfall is his inability to find that killer pass and is quite often muscled off the ball.
Never going to be international quality but glad to have him as a squad player
The problem is the other players don't usually spot it and the pass is never made.
His downfall is his inability to find that killer pass and is quite often muscled off the ball.
Never going to be international quality but glad to have him as a squad player
He bottles it in the big games!
Head and shoulders the best player on the pitch in Saturday's big game until he tired through lack of match practice, head and shoulders our best player the last half of last season in our wins against Chelsea and City where he happened to score the winner, and head and shoulders our best performer the previous season when we had that good patch beating Chelsea, City and Man Utd when he received all the MOTM accolades. What's the coincidence? ? He was played in the middle.
The lad is rubbish out wide and a very good player when played in his correct position, leave him there and let him have a solid run.
Head and shoulders the best player on the pitch in Saturday's big game until he tired through lack of match practice, head and shoulders our best player the last half of last season in our wins against Chelsea and City where he happened to score the winner, and head and shoulders our best performer the previous season when we had that good patch beating Chelsea, City and Man Utd when he received all the MOTM accolades. What's the coincidence? ? He was played in the middle.
The lad is rubbish out wide and a very good player when played in his correct position, leave him there and let him have a solid run.
Well said Dick.
You've got to be fecking joking lads. Thats unless theres another Iniesta besides the one who plays for Barcelona. You might as well say Phil Neville's plays like Patrick Viera or James McFadden's plays Anders Limper, or Victor Anichebe's plays like Bungle from Rainbow, no comparison other they play in the same position.
You've got to be fecking joking lads. Thats unless theres another Iniesta besides the one who plays for Barcelona. You might as well say Phil Neville's plays like Patrick Viera or James McFadden's plays Anders Limper, or Victor Anichebe's plays like Bungle from Rainbow, no comparison other they play in the same position.
Kevin Jones,
Try watching a bit more football and a bit less Rainbow mate.
Try watching a bit more football and a bit less Rainbow mate.
Osman, true Evertonian, always gives 100% but nothing more than a one paced, passive, light weight midfielder with the shooting strength of a 13 year old boy.
Robbie,
He's been running games for us for the best part of three seasons. How is he passive. Everything goes through him when he's central.
He's been running games for us for the best part of three seasons. How is he passive. Everything goes through him when he's central.
Running games for 3 seasons... As dear departed Frank would say - that's a cracker!
He has got better over the last few seasons and though far from perfect is definitely one of our more effective players when played centrally. As stephen Kenny says he is one of our few players able to find space in good areas.
I still think he's better off in the cahill role than as a box to box midfielder.
I still think he's better off in the cahill role than as a box to box midfielder.
I couldn't believe he is 31 in May!
Osman and Gerard have birthdays in May.
Fate dealt us a cruel blow that month.
Fate dealt us a cruel blow that month.
Osman plays like Iniesta...and I suppose Moyes is a great manager.....FFS some people are just embarrassing....PLEASE STOP !!
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105 Posted 12/03/2012 at 19:37:46
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Moyes has done him no favours playing him out wide, but Ossie has shown he will sacrifice his own game for the team time and again.
Ossie should replace Cahill in the team ? but let's leave it until after tomorrow's street-fight. That`ll be much more to the Tiger's liking...