Pienaar joins Osman for U21s runout

Lyndon Lloyd , 17 February, 27comments | Jump to most recent

Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman and Arouna Kone were all in David Unsworth's starting XI for Everton Under-21s' goalless draw at Manchester United this evening.

Both Osman and Pienaar were hoping to take another step on their respective roads to recovery from injury while Kone was presumably in need of minutes to keep himself match sharp having not started for the Blues since New Year's Day.

The two midfielders completed 70 minutes before being withdrawn. Kone, meanwhile, was substituted in the 81st minute.

Everton: Griffiths, Jones, Connelly, Kenny, Galloway, Ledson, Osman (70' Walsh), Dowell, Pienaar (70' Green), Henen, Kone (81' Charsley).
Subs not Used: Hunt, Langton

Reader Comments (27)

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Rob Halligan
1 Posted 17/02/2015 at 19:20:55

Does this mean Kone won't be travelling to Switzerland? Or maybe giving him a good run out, 45-60 minutes, with the idea he will start on Thursday night?

Darren Hind
2 Posted 17/02/2015 at 19:27:35

Strange one Rob, I think this would suggest Kone will not have a role to play in Switzerland, why risk him otherwise ?

Rob Halligan
3 Posted 17/02/2015 at 19:30:34

I think he will travel, Darren. He will probably start on the bench with Lukaku up front on his own. European aways is not the game to play two up front. I always remember Fiorentina away. We looked fairly comfortable for 70 minutes until they scored.

So okay, try keep it at 1-0 and try and pinch one. Moyes however threw AJ on, meaning 2 up front, to try and get an equalizer, and we promptly went 2-0 down.

If we are one down on Thursday by all means change the forward if we have to, but don't go two up front.

Darren Hind
4 Posted 17/02/2015 at 19:42:15

I hope you are right, Rob. Thursday is our biggest game to date and Martinez needs all his options open to him

Frank Crewe
5 Posted 17/02/2015 at 19:46:30

Maybe they should change the team to the Under-41s.

Keith Harrison
6 Posted 17/02/2015 at 19:58:14

KoneÂ’s 43 Frank.

Rob Halligan
7 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:03:46

You are allowed over-age players, Keith!!

Keith Harrison
8 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:07:34

Good - as heÂ’d never pass as 20. HowÂ’s the tongue mate.

Keith Harrison
9 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:08:38

Nice to see Green getting back to fitness. I notice Browning isnÂ’t with the squad which tends to suggest those that are will not be playing Thursday. Unless they are incredibly phenomenal tonight.

Keith Harrison
13 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:25:17

Any score anyone?

Rob Halligan
14 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:26:10

Still 0-0 Keith. No changes at Half-Time.

Keith Harrison
15 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:25:59

Just checked Â– itÂ’s 0-0 just after half time.

James Elworthy
16 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:30:54

RAFAEL BOOKED!!! SHOCKING challenge from Rafael.

Disgusting, studs up and lunges in on Pienaar and if that is in the Premier League he is off.

Fortunate to get a yellow and is immediately subbed off for Willock.

Keith Harrison
17 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:30:22

Any news of Garbutt signing? I really do not want to lose this lad Â– heÂ’s almost up to BainesÂ’s standard, and IÂ’d put him above Luke Shaw any day.

Rob Halligan
18 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:34:43

Nothing at all, Keith. Assume he's in the travelling party to Switzerland though, as he's, not playing tonight. I fancy him to start on Thursday if Baines is still injured.

Keith Harrison
19 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:37:49

I saw him in Germany and I thought he was solid. YouÂ’re going on Thursday arenÂ’t you pal?

Keith Harrison
20 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:39:36

Just nipping out for 10. Hope Green makes an impact at Man Utd.

Rob Halligan
21 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:40:45

Yep, Keith. Tomorrow morning.

Bob Unwin
22 Posted 17/02/2015 at 20:40:10

Pienaar and Ossie off; Green and Walsh on. Have you guys come across the new live forum....

Colin Glassar
27 Posted 17/02/2015 at 21:36:39

Great to see Osman and Pienaar involved again.

Ciaran Duff
28 Posted 17/02/2015 at 22:55:49

Good to see Osman on the come back trail. However, it sound like there was a bad (2 footed) challenge on Pienaar by Rafael.

Harold Matthews
29 Posted 18/02/2015 at 06:47:32

The fact that these two veterans are still needed would suggest that the people in charge have not done their jobs properly.

Ste Lewis
30 Posted 18/02/2015 at 11:29:32

I went last night and had a lovely view from a corporate box (free bar helped), sat a couple of boxes along from Martinez and Jones who oversaw the action. Had a sneaky peek through the window straight after the match and about five of the staff, led by Martinez, looked to be having a debriefing about the performance.

I was impressed overall; Unsworth was barking orders and pumping fists and the lads seemed disciplined and fired up.

The three senior players did okay: Osman on the periphery, Pienaar some neat touches winning him a dozen freekicks as he does Â– those two obviously just building fitness. Kone looked strong and held the ball up well, linking play impressively.

Of those I hadn't seen live before, Galloway was absolutely magnificent Â– very commanding and impressive, big presence, quick and comfortable bringing the ball out, reminded me of a more aggressive Stones (which ain't too shabby!).

Kieran Dowell carries the ball well and made a couple of driving runs forward. David Henen was quiet first half and seemed disinterested, looked every inch the pampered footballer, nice touch and skill but going the motions and didn't want to get his socks dirty. Second half he was more involved and impressed.

JonJoe Kenny caught the eye with his organising and reading of play but seems very small for his position. George Green came on towards the end, small and stocky, tried a few fancy things that didn't come off and got booked for twatting the ball away in frustration Â– miles away from a U21 start on this viewing.

Keeper Griffiths looked solid, barking orders well and made some great saves. If I had to pick any future first teamers: Galloway looks ready to replace Jags in the not too distant.

Colin Glassar
31 Posted 18/02/2015 at 14:48:31

I canÂ’t remember where I posted it but Bainsey is not even included in the squad tomorrow. Must be bad then this Â’knockÂ’.

Dave Abrahams
32 Posted 18/02/2015 at 20:26:19

I hope the young goalkeeper, Russell Griffiths, stays with Everton. I've seen him a few times and he is going to be very good in my opinion. He has gone with the squad for the Europa League game, one of three goalkeepers, most probably just gone for the ride but I think the club rates him highly.

Mike Keating
33 Posted 18/02/2015 at 19:24:14

So Garbutt at LB and a new contract to follow?

Harold Matthews
34 Posted 18/02/2015 at 23:38:27

Thanks for the report Ste. Great stuff.

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