Date set for Premier League Cup clash

I got Cheshire Cats on the brain!

I don't suppose it is available to watch on Everton TV, or any other source is it Michael?

That was smart play and positioning by our boy.

Jonjoe as skipper and crisp in everything he did. Lookman taking up and creating good positions and situations but not quite pulling things off. Kieran Dowell as smooth as silk and class-class-class in everything he did in a much deeper, holding central midfield role.

With his range of passing and time on the ball, it's a position and role worth experimenting more with Kieran.

He said something to the effect that "Kieran was excellent in that role, which was a tad different to his usual, but I could play him anywhere, he is that highly thought of."

I noticed too that Sheffield United played him in a wide left role last week, and he earned rave reviews from fans and Manager alike. As I have mentioned on here a few times, I really like the lad, but any criticism would be that he'd go missing in games. Maybe he is becoming the player we all hoped he would be at the right time now.

Add to that his ability to see the pass and execute it – both long and short - together with the power and accuracy of his shooting skills and there is an exceptional footballer in Kieran.

The question mark has always been one of strength, stamina and application. But in answer to that, he has now had two consecutive loan spells with decent Championship teams and more than held his own and made a good contribution to promotion challenging teams.

I thought he was outstanding last night, outshining the likes of Foden and Maddison in England's midfield.

The deep-lying 'quarter back' linking position he played potentially gives him time on the ball to really hurt teams with his passing range.

I was hugely impressed. We might just have a solution to a key position already on our books.

Even if he doesn't make it at Everton, somebody is going to get an extremely talented player.

He is a Mahrez type of player. Our problem is that we only have Gana Gueye and Davies who put a challenge in meaning Dowell would soon get criticised for not pulling his weight.

The lad at least deserves a chance – it's not like we are too good for him, is it.

I also agree that he is a unique player as far as our squad goes and I am one of those fans that love nothing more than seeing 'one of our own' make the grade. As has been remarked so often, it really is up to him as he has all the talent in the world.

I'm not equating him to the likes of Kante or Mahrez but it's no coincidence these types of players are 'found' later on in their careers.

What he lacks is the positional side of the position, which can only come with experience, and also whether he really has that desire to make it at the very top.

I also think the system used last night, with 2 attacking midfielders is the way we need to go, rather than our 2 central midfielders, with a No 10.

No doubt he has a great range of passing and a bit of vision; I'd love to see him do well.

He's clearly a player with great talent but needs a loan move where he really establishes himself as a starting player, week-in & week-out. I wonder if he'd be suited to a move to Italy or Spain where he'd get a bit more time on the ball for his passing range to shine through. I guess that doesn't really suit our purposes though and the hope is that if he can cut it in the rough and tumble of the Championship then he'll be Premier League ready.

I still remember when Dowell made his first start against Norwich for caretaker Unsworth; him and Davies (best mates) ruled that match and it was such a breath of fresh air. Not sure how many Premier League games the two have started together since.

Dowell has similar attributes, obviously is unfair to compare, but it is a style he could aim to imitate and something we could look to develop.

He has great passing, skill, and is very calm on the ball. He is not a player who will run a marathon every game, and he won't be lunging around Phil Neville style, this is part of his make-up. Either we try to develop him by trying to maximise his skills, then we could have a player. If we try to mold him to do things that aren't, then he'll fail.

Peter, if you see this thread, any chance of an update on Kieran in his time with the Blades?

Appreciated if you can oblige.

And Tony @ 18, I don't think he 'wilted' at Forest. He was wowing them when he first arrived, including getting a classy hat-trick away to Hull. What did for him more than anything was a change of manager mid-season who didn't fancy him and was unwilling to give game time to a loanee over his contracted players.

As for his time at Sheffield, it's a tribute to him that he has made the starting XI on many occasions in a team already in the top 3 of an extremely competitive Championship this year.

Given the number of games they play, it's not surprising the manager rotates his squad with a horses for courses starting XI. Again, not indicative that he has 'wilted'.

None of the 5 expect to start every game and could play anywhere across the line of 3 attacking midfielders.

It would explain why Dowell has popped up on the left wing and in the centre, as well as being on the bench.

He also scored the only goal of the game in a MotM performance against 4th place West Brom (Holgate's team).

Both players did well in a very competitive game. Sheffield look a very impressive outfit.

Kieran's goal reinforces what you say, about him filling in anywhere across the midfield, depending on the opposition and game tactics.

In this game and for his goal he played a more advanced central midfield role. Even in the build-up to the goal, you can see him as the most advanced Sheffield player.

He then checks his run into the West Brom penalty area in anticipation of the cross and pull back, then has the technique and awareness to angle a very precise header across and over the keeper. Neat finish.

Watch it here:

The Premier League is often fast and furious with little time on the ball. Dowell isn't as good at shielding the ball or as strong as Gomes so it's more important he keeps moving to find the space whilst not getting in the way of others.

He's not got the pace to be a winger but could play wide in a Beckham=-style role. Hard work, fitness, great first touch to get away from players and killer pass or cross.

Until he finds the coach, style, team and confidence to play to his strengths it'll be a few more years before he blossoms.

In some ways - and I appreciate the comparison has many flaws - he reminds me of Lineker. He often doesn't look like a natural footballer but he has the knack nonetheless. He's better in the air and, on occasions, has a better football brain.

He will be himself in the end. I am very glad he's ours.