Still no goals for hapless Everton attack

I hope we start with the team that will likely start against Palace:

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Gomes Delph
Richarlison Sigurdsson Bernard
Calvert-Lewin

Unless perhaps he decides to start Schneiderlin.

I think that's a decent team though we will miss Gueye's energy in the middle and Zouma's pace at the back. Calvert-Lewin obviously needs to show he can put away some more chances otherwise he will be replaced with Kean sooner rather than later.

Totally agree with you Sam - time to get the 11 on the pitch he expects to play next weekend.

Why is Gbamin not eligible? Surely, as it's only a friendly, it makes sense for him to be able to get some minutes before the season starts - silly rule!

Sam - That's basically the same side as last year, which despite finishing strong struggled for large parts of the season for creativity.

The Keane - Mina partnership will be interesting to watch as there really is a lack of pace there. They're going to need to build up a decent understanding quickly to compensate.

You'd think Mina can get a few goals from set-pieces too, which gives us another threat.

Bernard and Calvert-Lewin won't score many so still crying put for a decent striker.

Ineligible for a friendly?! That's bizarre.

Denis @3, yes, I expect creativity to be an issue this season like last. And I too worry about the CB pairing.

I think it's actually a weaker team than last season when Zouma and Gueye were standouts. I'm prepared for an underwhelming start to the season. A lot may depend on which players come in this week. I'd have liked Malcom as he brings a lot of creativity (plus goals) and Zaha would be a game-changer. I wonder if Ziyech could be an option, he brings a lot of creativity.

Sam - against Palace I'd play Kean, Zaha and Zouma (and Messi if fit).

We'll play our best players.

I'm not sure about Mina, haven't seen enough of him to make a proper judgement of him, Keane frightens the life out of me, not just his lack of pace, he is hardly ever aware of were he is and it usually is too late when he is, he'll miss the pace of Zouma along side him that's for sure.

Jim, only if they're match fit and ready. I'd be very surprised if Kean starts vs Palace. Bench maybe.

Still few, if any, goals in that lot. The sooner Kean is available the better. Not expecting much for the first few games.

Surely Davies and Schneiderlin will see some action today, with one of them likely to leave on loan or sale before the close of the window. Holgate also might get to show the boss something. Still so many players to show the door, or window if it's big enough.

David, the last time Schneiderlin saw any action was when he went to the Movies. Although I will give credit where due, there were a couple of performances late on in the season when he looked to have improved... but, considering the immoral fee paid and the even more wages he is on, he is nothing short of a let-down.

Maybe not all his fault, but a bit of effort on his part would at least atone for it.

Try some fringe and some new 4-4-2:

Lössl
Coleman Holgate Mina Digne
Walcott Davies Schneiderlin Delph
Calvert-Lewin Niasse

Just a thought...

Sam #1: Completely agree with that lineup though wouldn't be surprised if Schneiderlin starts alongside Delph.

We need to start with the players who will start the Palace game.

I'm doubting Schneiderlin will get much of a look in. I recon Gbamin is more a replacement for his role as much as Gana's, sitting at the back... but faster. We shall see.

Good that we start this season with less changes than the last few. We have Charlie back in the team so let's hope we kick off the season with a win and something to build on before we bring the new signings in off the bench. We would do a lot better if Walcott and Bernard find their shooting boots.

Mina needs a good outing, as his short tenure has somewhat sputtered so far after a great World Cup.

Everton need that solidarity in central defence if they are to challenge for the top and a good understanding between the pair is essential.

A pity all the new guys and for that matter Kean if he had signed are not available with this being the last warm-up game but I am sure there are a few youngsters chomping at the bit to stake a claim.

Delph lasted long.

I think I'd have more confidence in Frank Spencer in defence, than Mina.. him and Keane (Who's a footballing zombie) will be an atrocious combination.

So Delph is off injured already? How surprising!!!

Let's be honest about this here, there's huge pressure on the young lad Kean (if he signs) because there's no goals in this team whatsoever especially in tight games where chances fall at a premium.

We are currently still as punchless as ever.

Over to you young Moise Kean, I can only hope that you are up to our expectations.

I at least expected Delph to get to the start of the season before he got injured... this signing makes no sense to me given we already have x number of injury-prone midfielders of the wrong age!

And Charlie shot in the chest. That's him out for a while.

0-0 with Gbamin waiting to add steel to defensive midfield. With him added we might be able to get an extra nil. 0-0-0. Throw in an RB and CB and we will be racking up 0. COYB

Kean, on seeing our pre-season, his jet will be bunny-hopping on Manchester's runway, saying 'Oop! ('up')...oop!...no EvartOn...nada...nada, oop!

Positives: I thought Keane and Mina looked pretty solid. Seamus and Digne had a good game.

Negatives: We look awful going forward with no midfield engine and only the fullbacks creating anything. Bernard had his worst game since joining us, Sigurdsson was unusually ineffective, Delph confirmed the injury-prone reputation is not unfounded, and Schneiderlin and Gomes were caught on the ball so often, it is worrying what will happen at Premier League pace. No comments needed on our centre-forward pair.

Nothing worse than criticising Everton players, until you have seen them play a few real competitive games for the club imo.

Sounds like we created chances though?

Hopefully means we will stick plenty away next week!

Also, may hopefully speed up the signings of attacking players...

To move on to the next level we need at least three players hitting well into double figures as we don't possess a 20 goals a season striker right now. (Kean? Who knows... Big ask, though.)

At the moment, I'd only marginally back Richarlison to get double figures, even that's not a given.

Sigurdsson I feel will struggle more for goals this season rather than last, probably 6/7 at best!

Calvert-Lewin and Walcott offer nothing more than 10 between the two of them combined.

Bernard's head falls off as soon as a scoring chance presents itself.

Gomes, Davies, Schneiderlin and from what I've heard on Gbamin will offer zero goal input, let's be true to topic.

It's gonna be a long hard drill again at this rate.

Tony, agreed. The report seemed overly keen to criticise and ridicule our own players. A 0-0 away in Germany would be regarded as a very good result in European competition. Anyone who has ever seen a pre-season friendly should know that there is never the same feeling of competitiveness in the game and indeed this is always apparent from the very muted celebrations from the crowd if a goal is scored.

I, like most others, would love to see us bang in a shed load of goals in pre-season but at least we are looking solid at the back. I am sure that the competitive edge will be there next week bolstered by the new boys.

I think we will be okay.

I would take 0-0 right now v Palace as we are clearly nowhere near ready for the start of the season!

The problem with bringing in new players is they need time to settle in, and to go for the top 6, time is not in our hands.

We have a reasonable start of the season where we need to pick up as many points as possible, as around Xmas time, it gets tougher. It has taken over 2 years to replace Lukaku and the player we are supposed to sign, at 19 years of age, may take a while to get going.

We may have just been playing friendlies but performance still counts.

William @30,

Spot on.

It's pre-season we know, same every year, so why expect anything different until the league games settle matters down?

I still think that we may yet have a goal scorer in Cenk Tosun. The lad can finish but, like many strikers from abroad, they take time to adapt to the Premier League, but now it's this season that he has to deliver or its goodbye for him. The man seems determined to try and succeed and I hope he does; he may yet surprise us.

Same as last year – just not prepared for the start of the season. It reminds me of when Martinez turned up and it was only the buying of Lukaku that got us out of the shit. What are they doing in training? Not a lot by the looks of things.

Got to be a bit worried about a lack of goals, pre-season or not. It's been shocking.

Silva should tinker with the shape, though l doubt it. Hopefully Kean is confirmed by Monday. And then hopefully we have our eyes on another forward too.

Still loving the negativity on here... jeez it's a friendly it means absolutely Jack shit other than fitness and a pass about.

Walk away with a two nil win next week and you will all be talking up out top 4 chances!

Joking aside... please just consider that Palace will also be “rusty” as will most other sides. The red shite have been terrible pre season but similarly it means jack... although I would love that form to continue.

Things are looking up in all aspects so talking us down constantly just drives negativity and that is not what we should be about.

Some say, "He's only young"; some say "Give him time" (How much? Not sure...) But give Calvert-Lewin a Banjo and put him in a field full of cows, I can guarantee that not one of those cows will have a sore bottom.

I really do feel his level is not even in League One.

Just you watch... Next week at Palace will probably end up 4-4.

3 concerns for me:

1. Creativity - Similar to last season we are not creating a huge amount. The likes of Bernard, Sigurdsson and Gomes have to do more.

2. Finishing - If you don't create a lot you have to be clinical when you do. Calvert-Lewin is not a natural finisher, as we know. We can't keep relying on Sigurdsson and Richarlison. Hopefully Kean and a new right-winger will help.

3. The centre-back pairing of Mina and Keane did okay but, the few times the (not rapid) Bremen attack ran at or, worse, got behind them, they looked awkward. High line and 2 centre-backs lacking acceleration is not ideal.

I expect an underwhelming start to the season. Same team as last season minus two of our best players. Kean and Gbamin will take time to settle. Much may depend on the 2-4 more players we bring in this week.

Calvert-Lewin was coming together well at the end of last season. The lad has a great work rate. I think it will click into place this season for him. Despite some comments on here, he was getting a lot of praise from the pundits a few months ago.

Dale he was, but no goals. Remember Palace away towards the end of the season. We just can't afford passengers.

Dave Williams #28 – well said.

The lads were simply playing a pre-season game. Not up to speed, nothing on the game and no need to get injured. Let's judge them at Palace.

What Everton fans will have learnt from all the friendlies played, Everton lack a cutting edge, plus, a third season in a row, a striker to replace Lukaku. So, it does appear, where Everton are concerned, strikers are as rare as hen's teeth.

I think we are being unfair with Calvert-Lewin.

We knew Lukaku was leaving the day we signed him. Every chance he and his staff got was to say we were a stepping stone.

At no time did we even attempt to replace him, even when Man Utd paid us the money.

Everything was really put on Calvert-Lewin's shoulders, especially when we went through our bad times with Koeman's ending, Big Sam, and Silva's horror start.

Had we had a winning team with lots of creativity, then I think introducing Calvert-Lewin would have seen a more accurate reflection.

Throwing the youngsters in during that time – Calvert-Lewin, Davies, Kenny, Holgate – put too much pressure on them too quickly.

Dale, he was playing better in build up but he never threatens in the box and never looks like scoring. Subsequently he has completely lost confidence in front of goal and needs a loan spell at a lower level.

Unless it all comes together, à la Leicester a couple of years ago, then the best we can hope for is 7th to 9th-ish unless one of the top 6 have a meltdown. Without top, top players, we aren't breaking the top 4.

We looked solid enough but uninspired. No creativity, very few chances, and a striker with bags of energy and lots of talent, but lacking the crucial ability to be in the right place at the right time and stick it in the back of the net.

I think this is pretty much the team that will start next Saturday – perhaps with Gbamin for Delph if Silva feels like taking a punt – and I can't see us doing better than a 0-0 at Palace. Having said that, Palace might be even more rusty than us and we'll nick it.

I'm not full of confidence but I'm not slitting my wrists either. I'm just wondering if we need a new Number 10 as much as a new striker?

Sam #38, disagree with your third point. I thought the center-back pairing looked great. Neither slow nor awkward in my view.

Tosun was supposed to be shouldering the goal-scoring burden after Lukaku left. And Sandro. And Niasse. And Rooney. And various other established or semi-established players who cost significant money in transfer fees and wages.

We should be hugely thankful for Calvert-Lewin; he may not be scoring as many goals as we'd all like but he's showed up for the challenge of leading our line when everyone else was lacking, has looked a good young player with a decent career ahead of him, and some fans slag him off because he's not the finished article with 20 goals a season in his back-pocket.

If he does start scoring those goals, then no doubt he'll end up at one of the world's prestige clubs as his all-round play has already impressed much of the watching world.

Anthony @ 47.

For me, Everton are miles away from challenging for the top four, this season anyway. We need a settled side who know each other inside out, and at least one top-class striker.

I think a realistic view would be top eight for us and give the cups a real go.

Mike @50, they did look solid for long periods but there were occasions when Bremen got in behind that concerned me. They are both good defenders but I do doubt, over the season in the pacy Premier League and playing a high line, whether they are well suited as a pair.

I think we are still under powered in attack. Even when Moise Kean comes in, he may hit the ground running and be the answer to all our prayers, but at 19 surely he will need a bit of time to settle in and acclimatise. Here's hoping he doesn't need it!

I'd say Arsenal are our closest rivals for a top 6 spot, their defence / midfield and goalie I would say we have better. In attack they have Aubamayang, Lacazette and Pepe, they will leak a few more goals than us but have more goals in them than us to compensate.

It just beggars belief that Arsenal can go and buy Lacazette and Aubamayang yet, after nearly 4 years, we fail to fucking buy a striker... how hard can it be???? Nearly 4 years!!!!!!!!!!!!

Andrew @51,

"We should be hugely thankful for Calvert-Lewin;"

And that is why we are where we are today. Our motto says we do not accept anything but the best... But a lot of our fans have accepted anything but for a long time now.

If we want to be with the big boys, we have to be ruthless and remove underperforming players and replace them with ones who do.

Sam #53,

On a different subject, we were talking about Philip Billing a few months ago, and about how a lower/mid club would buy him from Huddersfield and double their money. Bournemouth paid 㾻M; it will be interesting to see how he progresses this season.

Silva's comments after the game didn't impress me at all. Talking about how down to the bare bones we are, it's rubbish.

He's got the same team as last season minus Gana who he has replaced with Gbamin and Delph. It was always a big ask to get Zouma, but he shouldn't be complaining about a combo of Mina and Keane.

Get them on the training ground and get them flying, Marco, instead of bitching about what a crap squad it is.

Anyone know what the state of play is with Moise Kean? It's all gone very quiet!!

Maybe the club are waiting to announce Moise Kean as a way of playing with people's OTT reaction? Nah... that would never work!

Dave #60

Daniel Levy probably buying him an organic fillet steak and a glass of Chateau Lafite, as we speak.

Still a counter-attack team, we pressed very well as in the first half. Several times less than 20 yards from the goal turned it over and couldn't finish our dinner from there.

Preseason or not, our centre-forward needs one good touch then a shooting mentality, goals and rebounds when you play that way. Calvert-Lewin has maybe 10 games to get goals, it is do or die for the lad.

We still look utterly bereft of how to dominate a game against poorer sides.

Keane and Mina looked what they are, the same type of centre-back. Aerially proficient but when either of them got into trouble on the deck the other didn't sense the danger and pace exposed Keane for sure, Mina less so.

That 10 yards they play deeper to protect themselves gives the opponent more time on the ball and leaves us further from goal when we turn it over.

What can I say? People will happily accept they are okay as a pair but, without the pace to play a high line, it fundamentally affects the positions of others, especially the full backs and centre-midfielders.

No amount of coaching, will stop them dropping deeper under that threat, it just sucks the team back. Ironically both are at their best when they know they can be aggressive with cover in behind.

A pacy covering centre-back is essential.

Tony @57, yes, a very good and sensible signing for them at that price. I would happily have got him for us though I'm excited to see what Gbamin, who is more mobile, can bring.

Tony #62 – don't!! You've spoilt my appetite now!
Surely this one will happen?

Geoff (56) - I take your point, but when we have players like Niasse, Sandro and Tosun under contract, I think that Calvert-Lewin is the “best” we have available, and I'd like to see people supporting him rather than repeatedly pointing out that he's not banging in goals for fun.

We are still a team in transition, and Calvert-Lewin works flat out while players like Walcott and Schneiderlin trot around like playing for Everton is a pension scheme and not a week-in, week-out battle. I know who I am dissatisfied with, and it is not our 22-year-old striker playing in front of a misfiring midfield.

Tend to agree with most of the comments above, it's a bit worrying going into the new season, unless a lot happens in this coming week with incomings.

We can't rely on Calvert-Lewin to be our main threat up front, as much as I like the lad, he will never be a prolific striker, and his timing is way out for any chance that comes his way.

Just as worrying as the Moise Kean situation which has dragged on for too long now... just what is happening on that one beggars an explanation from someone in the know.

Another aspect of today's game which was patently obvious, and has been for quite some time now, if Calvert-Lewin doesn't score for reasons stated before, there is little promise of goal threat from any other department, any successful side should have goals coming from different sources.

I have said it before and will repeat myself: Silva does not exude any confidence in me, if things aren't happening that is pretty much it, arms are folded and the watch is regularly examined as the clock ticks down.

We saw both sides of Michael Keane today - read the game well and made good interceptions but he had his hands full with the quick lad with the English name. I hope that Zaha has left Palace before next weekend as he could be a real problem if he gets one on one with either of our center backs.

Geoff@56, praise the lord for someone who gets what I get.

You can talk about defence, creativity, but the be all and end all is putting the ball in the back of the net regular and sadly Calvert Lewin is not going to get those goals on a regular basis.

He has had all last season and seasons before that, yes great and holding the ball up, but for any striker it is about scoring goals.

I will no doubt get flack saying he's still young, he needs support, he works his plums off, so did Strach, but you cannot keep giving the guy chances.

We need to be ruthless like you say, get a couple of strikers in and send Calvert out on loan.

I did read one rumour that Kean was at Carrington this morning.

I think it is probably bullshit but it is worrying that noone has reported he has arrived at FF for his medical and the media frenzy has died down.

Why should we expect to be as good as we were last season (and we were crap for much of that ! ) when two of our better players have gone ?

I suspect that just like last year we shall have to wait until deep winter before we see much from any new signings although how can we pin all our hopes on a teenage striker with far less experience than DCL ?

Expect to see Silva gone by Christmas and 'the magic' of his boss, Brands, looking decidedly tarnished !

This Calvert-Lewin lark is dragging on. One said he was League One level, which I agree with. One said that pundits were giving him praise at the end of the season — of course they were, we are Everton! Anything to make us believe we're okay...

Along with Davies, both are not good enough... Hopefully the new guys will be up to scratch.

I thought Mina had a good game today.

Get all your money on Silva being the first managerial casualty of this season because that unfit, shapeless mess hasn't got a chance of challenging for anything no matter what side we put out.
They haven't got a fckn clue no matter what gloss or excuse anyone puts on it.

Some rather silly responses I think.

If it makes anyone feel better Crystal Palace we're beaten 4-0 at home today by a German team that finished a good few places lower than Bremen.

It's pre-season folks. Save your doom-mongering for the real thing.

Sam, obviously most managers want to mould their own team, over a period of time, but surely should be getting the maximum out of all players at his disposal.

It has been so evident in all of the pre-season games, that there has been little sign of change from last season, and while I appreciate the results are not paramount, the style of play doesn't augur well in terms of the season start being only a week away.

Unless there is an influx of players these next few days, I can't see us being either entertaining or gaining many points along the way. Even if players do come in, it will likely be too late for them to be acclimatised and ready to slot in straight away.

Derek, I'm all for seeking the max from every manager but Silva is and always has been cursed with some right dross at Finch Farm, some of which have been got rid leaving more than a few still stinking the place out on absurd contracts no other club will match.

Did, nt take long for the Silva out brigade to rear it, s ugly head!!Not a great pre-season by any means, but it is just that, pre-season!I must admit to being a touch worried about the seemingly lack of movement on the Kean transfer though.
Whilst I agree our build up slow looked slow and ponderous at times I don, t think we are as bad as some would have us believe. Still a huge lack of creativity for me though. As I have stated before, i would like to see Bernard given a run out in Siggi, s position.
Fingers crossed that the Kean deal is finally completed soon and we surprise everyone with a thumping win at Palace!!

Annika,

I think Bernard should be given a chance in the middle too but only if he has players ahead of him with movement and finishing abiltiy. Otherwise, we've just lost Sigurdsson's goals.

Silva has to tinker; however, he should have a Plan B by now. And he hasn't. Palace look poor, though... and l can't see them scoring against us... unless Zaha plays!

A little over the top I think, this doom and gloom.

As Annika says, it's preseason. It means absolutely nothing. There's cause for concern, but it's not "the sky is falling" in any way, shape, or form.

Let's see what happens next week, when we are playing for keeps. Our first five games are all winnable, so I'm keeping the powder dry until I see us next Saturday. If we fare well in our first five, confidence will increase and we'll be off to a good start.

Glass half-full.

Derek@76, it doesn't augur well and I'm expecting an underwhelming start to the season but these are some big changes that are being made. It's a shame we could not get in more players sooner but that's the way it is often when aiming high.

Let's see who we buy and how we play for the first few months before getting too down on stuff.

Sam (75) is right - so many fans live in a bubble. Palace have had an awful preseason, they should be a lot more worried than us.

Calvert-Lewin has been cursed by those who think of him as a failed striker. His physique, speed and stamina lead me to think of him as a possibly a very good defender. Before he is inevitably ditched, I would like to see him tried in one of those positions.

Pre-season is nothing more than a series of training run-outs against non-squad opposition. A variation from Finch Farm and opportunities for plenty of bonding. No great crunch, in-depth pre-game analysis of the opposition. Plenty of data plugged into the fitness database for the training staff to work with.

If we won every single pre-season game 0-23, would that guarantee us an opening day away 3 pts at Palace? No.

Our TW "Negative Neddies" can find the sharp end of a needle in a haystack of good news. Because they set out to do precisely that with their "Mental Detectors" and "Shit Magnets".

For this post, just anticipate Me to be labelled a "Happy Crapper".

Truthfully? I'm pleased enough so far with the close season already, but that will likely improve a fair old bit, before tea-time on Thursday.

We are absolutely crying out for a player like Zaha and any striker that can finish as Calvert-Lewin just can't, it's pitiful watching him in front of goal

David @79,

I am with you on those points; we do need more movement up front – someone to give the creative players options. To me, Bernard is wasted out wide; I feel he could offer so much more from a central position. But, as you quite rightly point out, we then lose the potential for goals that Sigurdsson offers.

Here's hoping for some further positive moves on the transfer front before the Palace game.

I'm a bit concerned that Silva seems to be shitting himself in the interview, desperate to get some bodies in next week. Doesn't bode well. Just hope it's his poor English making it sound so bad.

Yes, Dick.

Left off or right off. Plus we need defenders that can chip in with a few goals.

So what is it? All about the fitness or all about the result?

Or is it a 0-0 away vs a decent Bundesliga team that everybody would be happy with in the Europa League?

All in the context, I suppose, so I'd call it 'All of the Above'.

Wouldn't be the worst result – if a trifle dull for the travelling fans – next week against Palace either.

I always get optimistic at the start of the season, but I think we'll thrash them, no matter which team Zaha is playing for.

Annika #89, it's also worth pointing out that Bernard has never played in a central position in his entire career. He has always been a wide player.

In my opinion, he doesn't have the physical strength to maintain possession with multiple defenders around him, which is a skill required of a #10. I believe that's why he naturally gravitates to the touchline.

Mike & Annika,

Bernard frustrates me. He is brilliant until he enters the opposition box. It has to be a mental problem because his technique is so good otherwise that I can't believe he never learned how to shoot.

Yes, you have Sigurdsson types who blast in worldies but even simple placed shots seem to elude him. And yes he is small but Silva, Kinkladze, etc were small too but they still produced in the box. I seriously think he is one for the sports psychologist.

Personally, I think he is one for the bench, Kieran. His goalscoring record is appalling and we need a contribution from the 3 attacking players.

With him and Calvert-Lewin up front, we are totally reliant on Richarlison and Sigurdsson for goals.

We desperately need 2 goalscoring forwards and a midfield player who can contribute around 10 goals a season. Until we get that, we will never trouble the top 4, let alone finish 6th.

Can't disagree Jay

Bernard suffers from Osman's disease. A complete inability to kick the football harder than a toddler. Pienaar also had a bad case of this.

It's a shame because he has other areas of his game which make me think he can be a great player for us. Unfortunately in his mid-twenties he is not now going to learn how to shoot.

He's a good little player though and I'd happily see him in the team if he's creating opportunities.

Osman's disease

Link

Link

Yeah, once every six years he struck one nicely.

In 2012 / 13 Osman was in the top 10 for long range goals!

Phil, give it up. Ossie could belt a shot and did so often enough and brilliantly enough that everybody remembers it. You just picked the wrong comparison, so let it go.

You are correct, however, about Bernard. He has never been able to shoot, save the one screamer against Man City.

We still find room for the posts bashing Ossie after what three years since he retired?

Ok.. my take on last nights game.. (9pm-11pm here).
1. Good defence.. Mina and Keane looked solid till the later got nutmegged. Coleman and Digne were bombing forward but really I don't see any good replacement on the bench.
2. Our Midfield of Gomes & Schneirdelin did ok as defence but not much help going forward.
3. Our no 10.. Siggy. Never showed any interest the whole preseason. very frustrating player. Kept missing simple passes to him and hardly won any ball back or created except for the cutback to Walcott.
4. Bernard.. weak.
5. DCL... I've supported this lad all this while but looks like he's not good enough for PL.
6. Davies was a lot better and Gomes and Siggy.
We need a proven goalscorer upfront cause whoever we have not ain't good enough.
Prediction for 2019-2020.. 8-10 placing at best.
Please prove me wrong dear Footballing Gods.

Mike@93, Kieran@94 and Jay@95, i do understand what you are saying but don, t fully agree with all the comments. But, until he has a go there, which I doubt he will ever get, none of us can say with any real certainty that he would, nt be a success there. Or a failure of course.
Unlike most posters on here, i am not a huge fan of Siggi, despite all of his goals. In my opinion, if we have to go into the new season with him as our chief creator, then we are going to have a long, hard season. DCL quite rightly gets criticism for his lack of goals, yet Siggi gets a free pass no matter how poorly he plays and he was awful yesterday.
Still it, s all about opinions. Although it does, nt look at all likely, i would really like to see a direct rival to Siggi be brought in.

I'm not ‘bashing' him. I actually really liked him as a player. He scored some very good goals too.

There's videos of Bernard lashing in goals in Brazil and Ukraine but I'd still say that his shooting is generally very weak.

Nothing too controversial I wouldn't think.

With the fact that he has a goal scoring record in Serie A, as young as he is. I hope Kean has been bought as a starter, not as back up to DCL. He has a championship medal with Juve and needs regular game time with us to develop as a PL striker. He's quoted somewhere as saying he's chosen Everton for the chance of first team football, so I hope that's got some truth in it.

For those who would say he's too young, remember the old phrase, "if you're good enough, you're old enough."

Applying the same phrase to DCL then, as much as I like the lad, he just isn't good enough as a striker, to hold down the #9 position.

As for Mina, given a good run in the side, I think he'll prove to be a good buy in time. His confidence will surely grow if he can think of himself as a regular first choice centre back. But Keane, oh my, he still displays all his old shortcomings. Too slow on reaction time and easily turned and left floundering.

The Bernard dilemma is interesting. Cracking player but definitely not enough end product. He does work very hard defensively though. I wonder if there's a world in which he could play further back in a more attacking box to box role? Having someone to ball carry and pick passes in the middle is useful and he seems to have good defensive instincts.

Creativity is a big issue for this team at the moment and relies too much on Dignes crossing and Sigurdsson having a good day. I've long said that Gomes does not create enough and I'm curious to see what our midfield will look like once the transfer window is shut and everyone is fit.

Thanks for them links Eric, two great goals and with both feet as well!

Agree about Bernard, because he's the player I like watching the most, but it's not power he needs, it's more composure, (what a contradiction?) and that's why strikers cost the most money, because putting the ball into the back of the net is sometimes the hardest thing to do.

Similar DCL, is all-round game is really good, but if strikers can't score enough goals, then they are not going to stay in the team, even if everyone else starts scoring around him.

Tosun is shite. He just spends his time trying to wrestle on the shoulder of defenders, then falls over complaining. Honestly, he's shite.

DCL - seems like a genuinely lovely bloke, works hard, athletic etc, but he's just not a finisher. You've either got it or you ain't and unfortunately he ain't.

Destined to end up at Derby or Blackburn. We need to buy a striker.

Oh, and Niasse. Yeah, that's enough said on him.

Great links Eric. Ossie was a good player. Excellent first touch constantly on the move and a hard lad. Had the ability to turn as he controlled it to make space which made up for his lack of pace.
Bernard will not score enough goals because he doesn't make incisive runs into the box when the ball is on the way in there unlike Charlie who busts a gut to do that and gets his rewards. The lack of composure on the few chances he has had man u away Chelsea away is alarming given his talent.

Annika- I'm with you re Siggi. Yes he scored goals last season but he doesn't create anywhere near enough and whilst he works hard he doesn't take control of a game.
If we get a goal scorer I see Siggy place under threat

I think Sigurdsson goes under the radar sometimes. He doesn't go past players, he doesn't really have different gears, but he works his socks off for the team, and does possess a lot of quality with the ball.

His final pass could be better sometimes, but he is still productive, which doesn't always stand out.

He is definitely more functional than flash, a lot more methodical than eye-catching, and although I can see what some people are alluding to, I definitely wouldn't right of Sigurdsson off, and wouldn't be surprised to see him score even more goals next season?

I hope we sign Dacoure, because having more quality, will also help us to rotate and refresh, instead of having to play the same players every week, even when they lose a bit of freshness or form.

If this Kean transfer is not confirmed today I fear he turns up in a UTD or Spurs shirt. Don't trust that agent not to have used Brands skills to negotiate the deal that agrees the terms to get him out of Juve - then tout the player for a bigger salary at his UTD love in Or we see Spurs act like a magpie as usual. To quote a number... 99.999% sure it's my paranoia taking over!!!!!!

Well he's definitely in the city.

Tony@112, that, s an excellent description of Siggi!. I agree with just about everything you have written, except for the bit about the goals. I have a feeling his goals scored column will decrease this season.
Which is when I feel he will be little more than a hard working passenger. Without the goals I think his importance to the team dwindles considerably. I would prefer to see the forwards banging in the chances being created rather than our midfield maestro scoring, but creating little.
As I said earlier, i was hoping for a quality attacking midfielder being brought in to, at least, apply some pressure to Siggi. Because I don, t believe he has the quality to take us to another level

I've mentioned on other threads that I once read an interview with DCL where he said that he started out as a midfielder and was converted to a striker by Sheff. Utd.

Perhaps his natural role, as has been suggested above, is more in line with Gbamin's than anyone else.

Breaking news Kean has signed.

Were you guys discussing this Bernard?

Check out the power at 2:10 and the last one is a header.

It's ridiculous to say he can't kick the ball harder than a toddler. He's never been consistent with his shooting, he's a more creative player than a finisher, but he can smack the ball, as all pros can. It's all in the technique and timing.

When Siggy was at Swansea, his creativity was the reason Llorente scored most of his goals, as well as being on the score sheet himself, so hopefully with Kean signed, could be a great partnership.

Any links for the charity shield lads? Missed Allison's clanger haha

In actual fact Christy@120, the majority of goals created by Siggi whilst at Swansea came via free kick and corners. As reported by Sky when we first bought him. The dead ball chances he created far outweighed the open play one, s.
Yet most of his dead ball kicks for us have been poor, including his penalties. If we are relying on Siggi to provide most of the chances for Kean, then I feel we are going to be mightily disappointed.

Steve @119, well said, Sir!!I I fully concur.