Eto'o magic rubbing off on Lukaku

Barkley can change a game, can make something out of nothing... but at the moment he's not consistent enough; if he is struggling to create, he doesn't make up for it on the defensive side.

Glad it's Martinez's problem to sort out.

Barkley on the other hand attracts opposition players, leaving space for other Everton forwards. I reckon Barkley earns more than his fair share of free kicks in dangerous areas for us, too.

I would argue that Barkley tends to give our game some pace and directness. Often if Naismith has the ball away from goal, he will tend to not have the pace to go on and beat anyone, so will check back and attempt an easy pass, killing any opportunity of a quick counter.

They're entirely different players. Naismith is very dangerous in the penalty box, Barkley is suited to games where he can run at the opposition from deeper positions. Naismith works harder and is the better 'team' player, but Barkley still has a vast potential and needs minutes to help him improve.

It's a nice choice for Martinez to have, and with the number of games we have to play, he can pick either of those based on form, fitness and the opposition.

One very true thing that someone else mentioned a recently, was that Naismith, Barkley and Eto'o are all wasted on the wing. A shame really, since we don't have anyone of similar quality to replace Mirallas, or anyone with pace on the left side either.

The beauty of playing in Europe this season means we can rotate both players so they both get plenty of playing time. There's also the Christmas period where games come thick and fast and we will get the chance to use our whole squad.

The position in the hole, behind the striker, is actually the best position for Eto'o, Osman, Naismith and Barkley so that particular position will give RM a bit of an headache.

I've often said we need a playmaker – a Mata/Eriksson type player but I suppose getting that type of player would limit Barkley's chances of first team football. So, perhaps we need a deep lying midfielder like Xavi who can add a bit of craft, and a younger, fitter, more consistent version of Pienaar who can play on the left and add creativity from that position.

But with a Club website to furnish as well as Everton TV, I guess it has to be done. Personally, I think talking shite should be the sole province of us on Toffeeeweb !

Lukaku will never be a 㿈m player: slack, lazy and no first touch. How many times did he give the ball away in that game

Let's have all the bellends on here defending him cos he is young... a terrible terrible buy. Simply not good enough and I am really starting to detest his play.

One-on-one and doesn't even get a shot off?! Looking forward to seeing Martinez spin this one.

Naismith, Eto'o, Osman and Barkley are all best in the same position as Mark says. Personally I think it's better to only play one that put round pegs in square holes.

It's just a personal preference, I guess.

What do you think of it so far?

A baby in his position. Can anyone name three centre forwards of his age who could do a better job?

Is it really?

Consistency at that level twice in a week for a 21-year-old CF who is way way before his best yet is unrealistic to expect.

The quality of our front men right now is the best for a long long time – quality and promise.

He may be 21 but his football experience has some depth to it. He isn't an 18-year-old novice with a handful of first-team appearances. For whatever reason, he isn't playing well – it can't keep being blamed on his age.

I suggest you melt Eto'o down and pour him all over the lad. Even then, I have my doubts he'd make a good foootballer.

Anyway, back to Lukaku. Does he miss that link with Mirallas? It seems coincidental. Ever since heÂ’s been injured, the attacking spark hasnÂ’t been there.

McGeady seems to be more bothered about doing shite Ronaldo impressions than providing good service at the moment. ThereÂ’d be a good crossing opportunity for him and he tries to be like Ronaldo and fails miserably.

As for Barkley, heÂ’s only just come back from that injury. He probably isnÂ’t 100% fit which is why heÂ’s not his usual self.

If you want Barkley, where do you put Naismith? HeÂ’s absolutely woeful on the wing as we found out regularly under Moyes. So, do you put Barkley in his usual CAM role with Naisy as impact sub or do you play both?

Quite simply, you canÂ’t. He canÂ’t go up front because that means putting Lukaku out wide where he is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Naisy is more an impact player. EtoÂ’o is an out-and-out striker. A poacher. He shouldnÂ’t be picking up the ball from deep.

Lukaku: we should bench him for a few games. Barkley: give him time to recover 100% fitness.