Jagielka credits Gibson's pivotal role

Lyndon Lloyd , 10 December, 4comments | Jump to most recent

Phil Jagielka singled out team-mate Darron Gibson for particular praise for his role in Everton's dramatic victory over Tottenham yesterday, highlighting the understated but vital role the Irishman plays in Everton's midfield.

Many people's man of the match yesterday, Gibson provided the ball into the box that led to Nikica Jelavic's roof-raising, 92nd-minute winner and he was a commanding presence in the middle alongside Leon Osman all afternoon.

It was his third game back from a two-month injury lay-off and the Blues have looked more assured since his return.

"Gibbo is massively important for us," Jagielka said, "nd you need to have someone who can keep the opposing defence on their toes. We know that if he does get a bit of time he can be like our quarterback and start putting in some fantastic passes."

"He came from a great club in Manchester United and it shows with the time he finds on the ball and the confidence he has in long-range passes."

"It makes playing against us a lot harder when you have people like Darron in the team and Ossie by the side of him.

"Ossie is good in tight spaces and finding the little passes, while Gibbo is such a good passer and has a great range. He must have put five or six people nearly through on goal or into crossing positions, especially in the first half."

Quotes or other material sourced from The Guardian

Reader Comments (4)

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Jack Okell
1 Posted 10/12/2012 at 23:57:09

We are a lot more potent going forward with Gibson in the team. Some beautiful long range passes and through balls come easy to him. Bargain basement price...so.

I thought Seamus looked sharp on Sunday. Hopefully he can maintain a good run of form and put his stamp on the RB position.

Bobby Thomas
2 Posted 11/12/2012 at 00:22:09

He helps the tempo of our play.

Astute on the ball knows when to play short, long and when to hold and when to give first time etc.

The centre halves also look a lot more comfortable when he is there. All in all he's pretty vital!!

Seems to love it here to as well.

Trevor Lynes
3 Posted 11/12/2012 at 12:22:36

He has played with the greatest English exponent of the long pass in Scholes and he has obviously learned from the best! He certainly has a calming effect on those playing with him and is the perfect foil for Ozzie in midfield.

Our first eleven (when all fit) are a match for any other team in the division and, when our attack becomes as ruthless as Man Utd, then the sky's the limit. I'm just afraid our paper-thin back up players are not up to maintaining any impetus.

We need to invest in what has been the nucleus of a Championship-challenging team and provide 'real' top cover for our most influential players.

It's a shame that we have no youngsters pushing to replace Neville, Distin, Howard and eventually Ossie and Hibbo. Coleman is not yet the finished article at full back and if Duffy is not better than Heitinga by now then he never will be.

We must bring in some really decent Premier League standard players as soon as possible otherwise our efforts will inevitably peter out.

Ciaran Duff
4 Posted 12/12/2012 at 01:08:43

Just shows what an absolute twat Trappatoni is.
Apparently (Trap) doesn't get to many EPL games.

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