Richarlison eyeing progression at Everton

Tuesday, 28 July, 2020 217comments  |  Jump to most recent

Richarlison says he sees himself staying at Everton for at least another season as Carlo Ancelotti plans for his first full campaign in charge but hints that there are no guarantees he will stay.

The Brazilian forward is easily the club's most valuable asset and, as such, speculation over his future is never far away, particularly given how poor the Blues were in 2019-20.

Richarlison weighed in with 13 league goals, matching the tally of the player who eventually became his strike partner, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, after Duncan Ferguson opted for 4-4-2 during his caretaker spell and Ancelotti retained the formation for most of the rest of the season.

Ancelotti has committed to ensuring that Everton will be a better team next season and Richarlison would be central to those plans. There are no guarantees that he will be at Goodison Park next season, however, but he indicated in an interview with Globo Esporte that he is willing to see what happens.

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“I evolved a lot here at Everton, so much that I managed to make it to the national team. I believe it was one of my greatest achievements,” Richarlison said of his time on Merseyside following a £40m move from Watford in 2018.

“So I just have to evolve. Now with the arrival of Ancelotti I will grow even more. He's a guy who talks to me a lot on a daily basis. So now it's about evolving and keeping scoring goals and helping my team.”

In terms of his future, Richarlison has been linked in the past with a big-money move to Barcelona and while that chatter has since died down, there would be a number of interested parties should he become available, even if Everton would start the bidding at double what they paid for him.

“Everything has been talked about,” the 23-year-old explained. “[Ancelotti] already told me he's counting on me for another season. He asked me to hold on a little.

“But it all depends. If a good proposal arrives, we sit down and talk. It's part of football. We are still talking about these details, sorting it out. He's bringing in new players. And then let's sit down and talk. But I think I can hold on for another season.”

 

Reader Comments (217)

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Brian Williams
1 Posted 28/07/2020 at 16:51:10
Tony #89.

Not sure we should bank on who Richarlison wants at the club after reading the latest interview he's done with a foreign paper. Sounds very much to me like the lad wants out after our shocking season, and who can blame him?

Brent Stephens
2 Posted 28/07/2020 at 16:53:44
Brian, "If a good proposal arrives, we sit down and talk."

That could cut both ways.

Brian Williams
3 Posted 28/07/2020 at 16:57:17
How do you mean, Brent?
Brent Stephens
4 Posted 28/07/2020 at 17:16:59
Brian, I was thinking that a "good proposal" could be good for us not just from his perspective. I'd rather hang onto him though. I think he gets all the nasty attention from defenders; if we had other players of his calibre up front, it would take some of the attention of defenders away from him. And he gets through a hell of a lot of effective work tracking back, covering, regaining the ball.
Brian Williams
5 Posted 28/07/2020 at 17:25:06
Brent. I think from what Ancelotti's said to him (according to Richie himself) he's got no intention of selling him!

I know every player has his price but there'd be uproar if we let our only class player go. I mean, we've never done it before...

Brent Stephens
6 Posted 28/07/2020 at 17:27:57
Brian "I know every player has his price but there'd be uproar if we let our only class player go." Yes, agree.

"I mean we've never done it before." How could anybody think we could have!

Darren Hind
7 Posted 28/07/2020 at 17:41:40
Richarlison has bundles of potential, but this claim that he takes more stick than other forwards is just cringe-worthy.

If he wants to be considered in the same bracket as people like Ings, Kane and Mane, he will need to learn to stand up to rough stuff and give it back. Not act like a complete fanny every time he feels the merest of touches.

Brian Williams
8 Posted 28/07/2020 at 17:46:51
Richarlison's the fifth most fouled forward in the Premier League this past season.
Patrick McFarlane
9 Posted 28/07/2020 at 17:55:02
Darren,

Richarlison might not be our problem soon as a Brazilian outlet are saying that although Carlo wants him to stay for another season, if the right deal comes along, off he'll go to some protected club where the officials will protect him by sending off the various culprits.

If that's what he wants then goodbye! We can use the money to build the team until our next prima donna arrives and the cycle begins all over again.

Tony McNulty
10 Posted 28/07/2020 at 19:09:37
Brian, yes indeed. Regardless of whether or not that story is fake news, he is too good a player to remain with a substandard mid-table outfit, if that is our future.

Wasn't there a tale a while back in which he confirmed he had had a Barcelona offer last year or early this?

Alan Johnson
11 Posted 28/07/2020 at 19:29:30
Was only a matter of time.
Max Murphy
12 Posted 28/07/2020 at 19:36:12
If I was you lad, I'd get out as soon as possible!

I was watching Cardiff vs Fulham last night – if either of them are promoted, they'll thrash Everton. There was more exciting football played in that game in 5 minutes, than I've seen in Everton's last 6 games.

Everton are going nowhere. Richarlison – go somewhere and save your career.

Drew O'Neall
13 Posted 28/07/2020 at 19:43:07
Got his name and number on my lad's new replica shirt... Richarlison may have gone before he ever sees him in it.
Tony Everan
14 Posted 28/07/2020 at 19:45:57
He is saying in no uncertain terms;

‘’Get some decent quality players in so we can challenge, or I will encourage Barcelona, etc, etc to come in for me.”

He has had enough of the never ending struggle, us having a dysfunctional non-existent midfield and is laying it on he line.

Joe McMahon
15 Posted 28/07/2020 at 19:48:56
Can't blame him. He only has one football career and wants to progress, and is certainly good enough for Champions League clubs.
Len Hawkins
16 Posted 28/07/2020 at 19:56:47
Nice of you to drop by, pity you can't see yourself improving WITH the team. If you don't really want to play for us hopefully we can treble your purchase price. I must be getting too old thinking the word 'loyalty' is still in the dictionary.

The idea used to be Everton bought a player – if he was good enough, he stayed; if not, he was sold.

Tony Twist
17 Posted 28/07/2020 at 19:56:47
I don't blame him in the slightest wanting progression as this club has been a shambles where no-one, including Ancelotti (if his quest for getting an almost past-it expensive footballer (Allan) is true) is exempt from blame.

Maybe I am being harsh there on Carlo and the inclusion of another one of Richarlison's countrymen is to dampen any feelings about leaving. Like when we had Lukaku, Everton are never keen on getting more than one shining star.

Tony Hill
18 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:03:01
A good player but not yet a very good one, still less in the top echelon. But we just have to wait and see. There is no predicting anything about our club and this sort of muttering is inevitable.
Tony Abrahams
19 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:05:58
He says he’s evolved at Everton, and Ancellotti is going to help him evolve even more.

I’d say the last part is an honest kid, just telling it like it is, and probably just answering a sideways question about his long term future, in a very straightforward way.

Graham Hammond
20 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:08:09
Good players like Richarlison will never want to play in a team with shit players around them, nor will they want to play in a team with players lacking hunger, passion, drive and ability. One point from three home games to finish the season against Bournemouth, Southampton and Villa is pathetic given the money Everton have spent.

Carlo seems unable to motivate this current crop of players and so for that reason alone needs to make wholesale changes. We need to put hunger and desire back into the Everton shirt, if Carlo believes ability alone is enough in the Premier League then better he walks right now.

If we do actually get another twelve months out of Richarlison then his presence has to be used to recruit new players, those at the club currently are mostly unfit for purpose – as well as being unfit too.

Joe McMahon
21 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:12:06
Len, to be fair Everton are his employer, he's not tied to the Northwest of England. Leighton Baines and David Unsworth are rare as they have family in the area and stayed. I remember Unsworth and his family couldn't settle down south when he was at West Ham or Birmingham when he never even played a game for Villa.

You cannot expect Richarlison to stay at Everton for the rest of his days. He is a Brazilian international, he plays with Neymar on international duty and Tom Davies with his club. If Everton do progress next season, he may stay longer.

Peter Mills
22 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:14:36
He is a good player who will improve. I hope it is at our club with better players next season.
Tommy Surgenor
23 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:28:07
To be expected and in totally different circumstances to the big Belgian who couldn't wait to get away.

Richarlison always represents us well and speaks positively about the club.

It's a warning shot to the board: "You've got the manager, now get the players – or I'll win my trophies elsewhere."

Barry Rathbone
24 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:28:46
Same message Stones and Rom gave Bobby and that ended well.

Carlo needs to realise it's now or never ambitious quality players won't give more than a year when better options abound.

This debilitating circle of the occasional decent player appearing only to be spirited away in an instant will only be broken by producing a challenging team almost immediately.

Brent Stephens
25 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:36:20
Joe #11,

“You cannot [expect] Richarlison to stay at Everton for the rest of his days. He is a Brazilian international, he plays with Neymar on international duty and Tom Davies with his club. If Everton do progress next season, he may stay longer.“

Agree. I want him here a wee bit longer. Hopefully Carlo can attract some better players to line up alongside him. Maybe not Neymar but...

Kase Chow
26 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:37:49
Really wouldn't blame him if he left.

The football is so turgid that I can't even be bothered to watch it. Must be crap to play for such a disgraceful team.

Alan McGuffog
27 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:41:26
A decent player who will probably leave. Never destined to be a "legend" ... whatever that is.

If we could get top dollar, I'd accept it philosophically. Maybe we could send a delegation across the park to see how selling contracted players should be done?

Kieran Kinsella
28 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:51:10
Kevin Mirallas talking today about how he almost joined Atletico Madrid or Spurs during the 2014-15 season but promised Everton he would wait until the end of the season. Gosh, whatta mistake to make, we should have flogged that joker while we had the chance.

Not suggesting Richarlison is comparable but the trend seems to be anyone half decent gets twitchy feet within about 2 years. Seen it all my life from Lineker, through Barmby, through to now Richarlison, and every joker in between. Even Tomas Radzinski, bloody Carl Tyler and Craig Short mouthed off about leaving for "bigger" clubs

Bill Gall
29 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:56:29
The sad thing about this is clubs have very little control over players even under a contract. Players now have agents and their lawyers looking after them, and will always look to make more money for themselves and the player.

Richarlison with a few seasons in the Premier League with a couple of struggling clubs can see his future in a better club and I admire him for a least saying he will stay for another season, and I hope Everton have a large buyout clause in his present contract.

Is this expected? No, and this is a warning that he may not be the last. Supporters instead of saying, "If he doesn't want to play for us we don't want him", should be asking "Why doesn't he want to play for us?"

The days of players staying at one club is long gone, players today are ambitious, and can see if you are skillful enough and willing to move, you can earn lots and win trophies. Richarlison is simply letting the club know that he is ambitious and, unless the club match his ambitions, he will move on.

The ball is in your court Brands, Ancelotti and the Owner and Board of Everton FC.

Danny O’Neill
30 Posted 28/07/2020 at 20:59:48
He's only calling it how it is. He's only saying in a very diplomatic way what most of us say on here. I've seen the frustration in him building, as I'm sure others have.

Feels a bit like the Lukaku 2016 summer, where I have on good hand that he agreed to give it another season to see where we were.

We need a midfield that can actually service the front players. I bang the drum again, you can play with 2 strikers all day long and they can be top quality strikers. But if they have an average midfield behind them, they will not succeed.

Generally and, in my experience, games are won and lost in midfield. Only this current Liverpool team seem to buck that trend with play broadly going from their full-backs to the space behind for their explosive front 3 to exploit, so their midfield is not as crucial.

We need major surgery on the midfield, but that's me just stating what many on here already know, as does Richarlison. He needs better players behind and around him for him and Everton to fully realise his potential.

Dave Abrahams
31 Posted 28/07/2020 at 21:00:43
Kieran,

I don't think Lineker had any desire to leave Everton when he did. Kendall decided to change the shape of the team and took a very good price off Barcelona when they came in for him.

I agree, he didn't argue too much about going but, when one of the top clubs in Europe call you, you go.

I can't see any of the top clubs calling Richarlison.

Danny O’Neill
32 Posted 28/07/2020 at 21:14:37
Correct, Dave.

Lineker had joined and just finished what was to be his one season with the then English champions who narrowly missed out on retaining their title in the last weeks of the season when it was in their control. He didn't angle for a move or indicate he was restless in my recollection.

As you say, Barcelona approached and you don't turn those opportunities down as a player. I would say Barcelona's approach was influenced by having an English manager at the helm (Venables).

Ian Riley
33 Posted 28/07/2020 at 21:19:04
I think having Carlo is what is keeping him here for one more season. Sad reality is players want more. Everton are mid table at best. Actually scoring over ten goals is an achievement with our midfield. More quality is needed and that bite in midfield. Need to get a move on signing players.
Kieran Kinsella
34 Posted 28/07/2020 at 21:24:21
Dave @21,

Fair enough. I guess I'm still bitter because Lineker was my favourite player when I was 9.

Patrick McFarlane
35 Posted 28/07/2020 at 21:32:11
I like Richarlison and although he has his well-documented issues he's a match-winner and lord knows where this current Everton team would be without him. However, football is a team game and every member is important to the team.

Unfortunately, Evertonians have seen this well-trodden path too many times. The club is in need of cash, the team requires re-building, the easiest path is to sell your crown-jewels and hope that you can plug the gap. Richarlison is contracted to Everton until 2023, not next year, nor the year after. If the lad wants to leave, then so be it, but not for a derisory fee like so many before him have been sold.

There's little point to holding on to a player if he's set on leaving, we can't build a team around a player who has his focus elsewhere, so Danny Ings or similar it is then – unless of course there's a budding Marcus Bent available on a free!

Will Mabon
36 Posted 28/07/2020 at 21:32:23
Is this why the Zaha talk has resurfaced?
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

37 Posted 28/07/2020 at 21:37:11
Always interesting comparing the spoken word in context with the written word as it gets reported.

I saw this interview on TV before TW reported it.

It was a 3-way Zoom call with Richarlison Man City's Fernadinho and an ex-footballer, now commentator, Caio - possibly my favourite observer of the game on Brazilian TV. He always gives excellent tactical analysis of a game and players.

It's a mixture of serious and playful stuff. As reported in the opening post it doesn't capture or truly reflect the flow of the interview.

Richarlison first recalls with gratitude his roots starting professional football with America Mineiro and Fluminese before moving to England.

He brushes over Watford and speaks well of Everton and how much he has evolved at the club to the point where he got selected for the Brazil national team. He also speaks well of Ancelotti who speaks with him every day and who has continued his improvement.

He speaks honestly about how the majority of Blues view the season just ended, that we didn't achieve our objectives and there was a fall in standards. He adds that Carlo intends to improve the team next season and Richarlison personally hopes he also improves and continues to score even more goals.

Pause.

Caio the interviewer then asks the leading question: "Has Ancelotti spoken with you about next season because you are the key player at Everton, and Barcelona are after you, the big European clubs are after you, do you see yourself staying at Everton, or could you suddenly move to new pastures?"

Before giving Richarlison's reply, you must remember this was for a domestic Brazilian audience. Richarlison is hugely liked and admired in Brazil. And Brazilians want their best players playing for the best clubs, and for most that means Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Richarlison flat bats it away. 'Lots to talk about. He counts on me for next season. But... it depends. If there is a good offer... we sit and talk. It's all part of football. We are still talking about this and resolving things. He is bringing new players to the club. We will sit down and talk about this, but I will stay next season.'

In the context of the interview, it sounded to me the conversation is with Everton, not other clubs, possibly about giving him an improved contract. He makes no reference as enticed by the interviewer to Barcelona or other 'big clubs'.

He is also asked about his 'pipocada' with Van Dijk. That is 'popcorn fight' with Van Dijk when Richarlison said some dismissive things about him as a defender.

Richarison laughs it off. He talks about Silva's last game when there was a coming together of the two players in the derby, when a number of Red players tried it on with him. He went face to face with Van Dijk and asked him (in Portuguese, he laughingly admits!) "Who the hell do you think you are?" "Just defending my team colours and he was defending his."

He also talked of his desire to be Brazil's Number 9 because that is his own preferred position, playing close to and facing the goal.

The boy was NOT agitating for a move, but he is ambitious and I don't begrudge him that. We need more like him that strive to be the very best with the top clubs if we ourselves intend to progress.

Dave Abrahams
38 Posted 28/07/2020 at 21:38:42
Kieran, I understand how you felt.

Davie Hickson was my favourite player when he was sold to Aston Villa, although Davie definitely didn't want to leave the Blues. I was 14 at the time, thought it was the end of the world!!!

Danny O’Neill
39 Posted 28/07/2020 at 21:41:10
Thanks, Jay. I read all of your analysis, but your last paragraph is spot on.
Danny O’Neill
40 Posted 28/07/2020 at 21:47:40
Dave, Kieran, strangely I don't recall a player leaving moment like that. Although I did have that end-of-world feeling when Howard announced he was leaving as manager to go to Bilbao.

My father always spoke similarly of when Alan Ball was sold.

Also, whilst I wasn't a huge Duncan fan and more in the Joe Royle camp of him becoming the legend before becoming the player, my best friend (god bless, RIP Dave) was devastated. He likened it to having your girlfriend go off with your best mate – I think he had a soft spot for Newcastle!!

Joe McMahon
41 Posted 28/07/2020 at 21:54:53
On this players leaving subject, in the 90s I was very disappointed we sold Peter Beardsley and Gary Speed. I was also disappointed when we sold Tony Cottee near his 100 goals tally, he still had goals in him.
James Newcombe
42 Posted 28/07/2020 at 22:01:46
I really like Richarlison, he has a very good attitude and is a top talent. If we sold him, it would leave a huge hole in the team; but that doesn’t concern me as much as the overpriced dross we’d no doubt waste the money on!
Tim Kelly
43 Posted 28/07/2020 at 22:04:44
Like so many others in 1970, as a kid I finally got a pair of fantastic white boots (didn't realise his were actually Adidas painted until much later...)

Next thing, he was pictured in an Arsenal shirt and I couldn't remotely understand the man going... again until much later.

I mention this because my eldest had really started to love the blues and particularly one Nick Barmby, signed picture in pride of place and...

There is a definite pattern here, hadn't thought of this till tonight.

Anthony Jones
44 Posted 28/07/2020 at 22:06:56
Translation:

"I am available if Barca or another top 10 club want me, but I will think about sticking around for a year if Everton increase my weekly salary from £90k to £120k+. Bernard gets £120k and he is not on my level."

Fran Mitchell
45 Posted 28/07/2020 at 22:10:57
The lad is quality and he's loved in his own country. If you look at his Instagram page, it's filled with comments in Portuguese saying

"Join a decent team lad, this one is dragging you down"

"Join Barça/Bayern/PSG lad"

"Brazil needs you in the Champions League lad, this club can't even get in the Europa"

Hundreds of comments, on every post he does.

He also responds to many of the comments on his page (not these ones), so he is obviously aware of these comments. And that is just Instagram.

Imagine his Brazil team mates – join me at Juve, join me at PSG etc. Then his agent and others around him.

What we say about Sigurdsson, Davies etc I'm sure they say the same things.

One thing is for sure: he loves Everton, that's clear to see, but he wants to win things. We must improve if we want to keep him.

Sam Hoare
46 Posted 28/07/2020 at 22:11:42
Our best players will keep leaving until we are in Europe regularly. Preferably in the Champions League. And I think we're probably a good few years off that. At best.

Enjoy him while he lasts. And let's hope the Richarlison money is spent better than the Lukaku money. £100M on Sigurdson, Schneiderlin and Bolasie. With a resale of maybe £10M if we're lucky. Yikes!

Robert Tressell
47 Posted 28/07/2020 at 22:14:22
Richarlison is probably giving it one more season. He might just stay beyond that if we get into Europe. I've said before he's one of the few in world football who could replace Aguero or Suarez. It'll be a big fee...

However, as we found with Lukaku, it's hard to buy someone as good as the player you've just sold. It's also very easy to spend a big fee yet somehow make the team worse.

We really should be looking at bringing in Richarlison's replacement before he inevitably departs.

Teenagers with exceptional quality that get a year or two to settle in before we introduce them to the first team. Anyone?

Paul Hewitt
48 Posted 28/07/2020 at 22:21:53
Really can't blame him. Who wants to stop at a club going nowhere?
Jerome Shields
49 Posted 28/07/2020 at 23:13:49
Not surprised. He had to make a statement now. He is long enough at Everton now to know that Ancelotti has a difficult job and knows that he is the only marked man on the Everton team that is getting attention because of his strengths.

Probably looking at a wage increase in the meantime. There are poorer players getting more money.

Brent Stephens
50 Posted 28/07/2020 at 23:30:02
Jerome: “He is long enough at Everton now to know that Ancelotti has a difficult job and knows that he is the only marked man on the Everton team that is getting attention because of his strengths.“

Yes, that's fair comment. If we can bring in some stronger players to support him it will take some of the attention away from him.

Tom Bowers
51 Posted 28/07/2020 at 23:32:01
I would think that Richarlison would be a little disconcerted with what's gone on around him since he came. It could be worse as he could still be with Watford. However, I think his goals tally would be a lot higher with the right assistance and more creative midfield so we will have to see what improvements Carlo can bring for next season.

So many team mates have flattered to deceive and I am sure he feels he could achieve more with a better club. The likes of Bernard, Walcott and Iwobi have done little to improve Everton's firepower along with Sigurdsson who has been very inconsistent also.

Bernard may be on his way soon as he appears unhappy but there will be others, I'm sure.

Simon Harrison
52 Posted 28/07/2020 at 23:33:38
I'd hate to see him go. However, if he makes his mind up, that he wants financial and sporting success in the immediate future, I don't think that Everton FC can offer him that.

I don't know how other posters feel, but; if we were offered £90m+ for him, I'd take it.

As for replacements, why aren't we sniffing around Chelsea's and Man City's academies; looking for the 'next' Lukaku, De Bruyne, Salah, Mount and Abrahams..?

Surely, we could do what other clubs, including ourselves with Rom, can do?

Kieran Kinsella
53 Posted 28/07/2020 at 23:34:50
Danny O'Neill,

I was worried when Kendall left too but then my mind was put at ease because Sir Philip Carter did an interview on TV and basically said Colin Harvey would have the same success. That was good enough for me, aged 10.

By the age of 11, I was becoming more cynical... a continuing trend ever since.

Brent Stephens
54 Posted 28/07/2020 at 23:38:00
“I don't know how other posters feel, but; if we were offered £90m+ for him, I'd take it.“

Absolutely. And when we're offered the same amount for Calvert-Lewin, take that as well.

Dave Long
55 Posted 28/07/2020 at 23:55:21
I have a Brazilian mate playing for the top team here in Japan. He's not a supporter of the team, him and his wife are just trying to take care of their financial situation before his career his over. Same for Richarlison.

BTW, he would be a decent shout for Everton!

Brian Wilkinson
56 Posted 28/07/2020 at 00:04:42
Kieran @44, I think a lot of us thought Harvey would continue the success, after all he came in when Everton were struggling and Kendall was getting nothing from the team.

A couple of shrewd signings and Colin on board and everything clicked into place.

I for one thought we would have had some success with Colin.

Mike Gaynes
57 Posted 29/07/2020 at 00:18:28
Sam #37, I don't think we're "a good few years" off contending for the Champions League. A good few players is all.

The Premier League just isn't that deep; if we do things right in the next couple transfer windows and Carlo pulls our shit together, there's no reason in the world we can't match up with clubs like Leicester, Chelsea, Wolves and Spurs. They're simply not that good.

Rob Dolby
58 Posted 29/07/2020 at 00:29:54
It would more or less mean relegation if Richarlison was to leave without us buying a replacement no matter how much we got for him.

Start of the transfer season. Is it true we are linked with Ivanovic... dear oh dear.

Tony Twist
59 Posted 29/07/2020 at 00:46:17
I think losing Richarlison wouldn't be as hard as the impact of losing Lukaku.

What troubles me is the apparent attitude coming from the club which is disengage the brain and ignore glaring deficiencies in the players' fitness levels, the re-occurring amount of injuries and the total lack of ability of players that cost a fortune and try and buy success.

We really are at the cliff's edge, continuing with trying a short cut route to the top could be catastrophic.

Paul Jones
60 Posted 29/07/2020 at 00:53:39
Brazilian / South America football players tend to be treated as a commodity with little personal choice in their movement. Hence why there are many in far flung places that were formerly part of the USSR.
Kieran Kinsella
61 Posted 29/07/2020 at 01:09:58
Brian 47,

I guess Harvey was unlucky with ageing players like Reid and Ratcliffe, injuries Brace and Snod, then the Euro ban saw Trev and Gary lured away

Derek Thomas
62 Posted 29/07/2020 at 01:28:37
He's spot on.
Bill Gall
63 Posted 29/07/2020 at 02:38:57
In a way, Richarlison is asking for the same thing that we as supporters are asking. He is stating that he will play next season, he believes in the talks with Ancelotti that the cub will bring in new players and he wants to stay for another season to help the club progress.

I am sure that Richarlison is aware that he has the talent to move to one of the bigger clubs in the future, and Ancelotti is sure that by holding on to him. it is another advantage in bringing in new players.

Like it or not, there is no way we can bring in 6 or7 new quality players, so the club has to take advantage of holding onto one of their finer players, and not by refusing him a transfer if he asked, but being told that he will be here next season.

The quicker Brands and Ancelotti start bringing in players, the type and quality they bring in will show the club's ambitions. It should also show the players kept on, the standard they will have to play at.

Mike Gaynes
64 Posted 29/07/2020 at 03:19:50
Off-topic, but congratulations to Everton's own Adrian Heath, whose Minnesota United just saw off Columbus on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals of the MLS season tournament.
John Maxwell
65 Posted 29/07/2020 at 03:29:08
Arteta, Stones, Lescott, Lukaku, Rooney (and a few more) all left for the same reason.

Richarlison is our best player and it's only a matter of time before he moves on or we match his ambitions.

Jamie Sweet
66 Posted 29/07/2020 at 03:38:44
Richarlison – 13 goals.

Sigurdsson, Walcott, Iwobi, Bernard, Gomes, Davies, Delph, Schneiderlin – 9 goals.

You can't blame the lad if he fancies playing with some better players behind him than that hopeless bunch.

Jay Harris
67 Posted 29/07/2020 at 03:41:42
Wasn't Colin Harvey's worst finishing position 4th which was considered a failure.

Oh for the bad old days.

Kieran Kinsella
68 Posted 29/07/2020 at 04:32:55
Jay Harris

4th was Harvey's best, followed by 6th which earned Moyes an 11-year stay and a great ovation, and his last full season we were 8h, same as Ronald, Sam, Marco over the prior three years — each of whom seemed to regard it as a success.

Darren Hind
69 Posted 29/07/2020 at 06:37:42
He has lots of potential but, at a club where we have a long tradition for over-rating our players, he is probably the most over-rated.

I am at a complete loss to understand the concern that he may be departing. Our entire squad needs upgrading and that includes him.

I could probably name 14 to 15 players who scored more than him last season. Not many, if any, would have started more games.

Clubs like Wolves Southampton and Burnley finished above us because their forwards were miles better than ours... And I bet you could count his assists on one hand too.

I don't want to hear that he doesn't get chances and I don't want to hear any daft-arsed stats. My eyes tell me he misses the target as often as he hits it.

I laugh when I read people complain that he only has Tom Davies to pass to him... Imagine how Davies feels? Imagine how any of our midfield feel. The guy spends half his time on the floor in apparent agony. What sort of an outlet is that?

Very few of the players who have outscored him (by miles in most cases) have anywhere near his ability, but you need to have the full package to be a top forward. The reason players of lesser ability, like Wood, Abraham or Ings, score more than him is because they act like men.

For Richarlison to get into the top ten strikers in this country, he needs to develop as a man. If he can't do that, then I'm afraid the 13 goals and laughable amount of assists will not be nearly as difficult to replace as some are making out.

"Going to one of the top clubs" ... Let's wait and see if he can become top scorer here before we start getting all Daily Star.

I know he's an exotic Brazillian and his 13 goals are worth far more than run-of-the-mill Kiwi Chris Wood's 14. That's why we finished comfortably above Dyche's journeyme... Oh, Hang on a minute.


Jay Woods
70 Posted 29/07/2020 at 07:18:42
Scathing assessment, Darren Hind, but totally correct. We have so many bad players that it's easy for him to shine by comparison, but he's nowhere near an elite player yet and may never reach such dizzying heights, at Everton or elsewhere.
Bobby Mallon
71 Posted 28/07/2020 at 07:23:27
Oh, stop with all this, "I wouldn't blame him" shite. Tell him he's got a contract and he will be staying till it runs out. You all act like he's messy.

He scored the same amount of goals as Calvert-Lewin who puts more of a shift in every game. This is the time we start getting tough with players. Tell him and whoever is left that they fucking got Everton in this mess so can get us out of it.

Tony Abrahams
72 Posted 29/07/2020 at 07:50:56
Brilliant, Darren, and just the type of defiant Evertonian I remember fondly from my childhood.

Hey diddly Dee, said the actor, who wouldn't have lasted 10 minutes when I was a child, and nothing but the best, for plucky little Everton!

Joe McMahon
73 Posted 29/07/2020 at 07:58:52
Darren, he's not playing up top as a striker, half the time he's more an attacking midfielder. Kane or Vardy would not get the same amount of goals playing in this team. The midfield is utter dross.
Steve Shave
74 Posted 29/07/2020 at 08:01:44
Some fair points made Darren and I concur to some degree but I personally don't believe our strikers are the problem. We all know how bad our midfield is (and please don't hear that as a direct assault on Davies, it's not).

I for one would like to see players shipped and three new midfielders purchased. I believe we will then see a huge upturn in our fortunes (obviously this depends on the quality of personnel brought in).

Same goes for defence, if we could only sign three players this summer, I for one am praying they are all midfielders. For all his prancing about and rolling around, Richarlison offers us panache and industry, he is also fantastic in the air. He will leave for a king's ransom in a years time, I'm sure of it.

Bob Parrington
75 Posted 29/07/2020 at 08:15:54
Not sure that shipping in 6 new players would do anything more than last two seasons. Too many changes at once IMO.

As far as the Richarlison situation, isn't this pretty well the same way the Lukaku saga started. Same start rumour but different names?

Tony Abrahams
76 Posted 29/07/2020 at 08:32:54
Six might be too many, but not if they are all good players though Bob?

I keep reading different links, and Everton must be linked with around 20 players at the moment, so the only thing I personally choose to believe, is the report claiming Ancelotti, is asking for significant funds because he underestimated the size of the job!

Trevor Birch lasted about six weeks once he told Kenwright to sell our only asset. I wonder how long Carlo, will last, if Moshiri doesn't give him the funds that we desperately need?

If we spent money like a kid in a sweet-shop, the wages we have paid can only be described as, “like confetti”. All part of a master plan (Everton being the only club not voting against Man City) or just a very badly run football club?

Martin Berry
77 Posted 29/07/2020 at 08:48:56
Careers can be short and he wants to win trophies so I understand his position.

I cannot see us making a radical jump in 12 months to put us in a trophy-winning position; 2 or 3 years possibly.

He will go, I am resigned to it, I just want an astronomical fee and wish him well.

Martin Reppion
78 Posted 29/07/2020 at 09:11:27
I can never understand getting a shirt with a player's name on. Unless it was '9 Royle' or '1 Southall'. Or any other club legend who is not going to leave at the first mega bucks deal his agent can drum up.

I remember a Leeds Utd fan who had 'Cantona' tattooed around his head. He learned the hard way that players come and go. It's just the fans that remain. Perhaps I should get a shirt with 'Stan from Row G' on the back.

Jerome Shields
79 Posted 29/07/2020 at 09:24:29
Darren #60,

The one problem I have with Richarlison is his passing. His pass completion rate is poor, his inter-passing is poor in the final third attack and he looks lost when his run is blocked and he has to pass.

Though he is the only player that Everton had who looks like a striker up till the last game. Kean did look like a striker against Bournemouth.

I was brought up to believe that a Brazilian footballer could automatically always pass a ball well with style, on top of their other skills. Sometimes, I find it hard to believe Richarlison is a Brazilian.

Ajay Gopal
80 Posted 29/07/2020 at 09:33:07
Thanks, Jay (27), for explaining the local (Brazilian) context of this interview. Richarlison has come along well this season, but apart from Calvert-Lewin's sporadic goal-scoring support, he does not really have anybody else to share the scoring burden.

Add to that, the fact that he hardly gets any protection from the Premier League referees (incompetence, playing for an 'unfashionable' club, etc), and I am not surprised that he is thinking of a move to a bigger club.

Ancellotti has set him a target of 30 goals next season, and he is well capable of achieving it provided we strengthen in other areas.

And if he achieves that, and if Everton are still not among the European places, then surely we cannot begrudge him his big move, which would of course net us mega bucks.

Clive Rogers
81 Posted 29/07/2020 at 09:50:34
Jerome, 70, yes he loses the ball far too often either through poor passing or being tackled. I can't see Barca being interested as keeping possession is a must for them.

The pairing of him and Calvert-Lewin is not right either. There is very little interaction between them, very few passes from one to the other.

I expect Carlo to bring a new striker in as I don't think he is happy with Dom.

Tony Abrahams
82 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:01:37
Agreed Clive, as bad as we have been at times, a proper centre-forward pairing should have been able to get hold of the ball sometimes and look to play together, especially because they are both quick and mobile.

I personally hope we bring in better forwards, because I definitely prefer Richarlison out wide at the minute.

Darren Hind
83 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:03:29
Jay @61,

I did not intend to be quite so scathing. Richarlison has lots of talent and I have high hopes of him realising his potential in an Everton shirt. I guess post was a response to the fan boys who never miss an opportunity to have a dig at academy boys.

Joe Mc Mahon

You do paint yourself into some corners. You would save yourself a lot of embarrassment if you didn't try to shoe-horn academy players into every debate so you could attack them.

According to you; The reason your superstar Brazilian hasn't scored more than the "Championship standard" Calvert-Lewin, or any of the top 14-15 scorers, is because he plays in midfield too.

Meanwhile; according to you also, the reason we don't score enough is because our midfield (which you claim Richarlison is part of) is "utter dross".

FYI, Richarlison doesn't come back to help out his beleaguered and out numbered midfield. He often plays wide, like Mane and Salah (both of whom outscore him every year) but he is an out-and-out forward. He just hasn't gotten to the same level as all those forwards who have scored more than him.

You use this thread for your now customary bash of Davies. You suggest that playing with Davies would be a reason for his leaving.

Think on this; Davies looked an awful lot better before Richarlison got here. He looked an awful lot better when he came into the team and was playing behind a forward who scored goals.

Playing next to Neymar? It's not that long ago when your exotic superstar had his hands full trying to keep Troy Deeney out of the team.

Richarlison has potential. No more. No less. Lets not start talking about him as if he had already realised it.

Dave Abrahams
84 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:04:07
I can understand Richarlison wanting a move or a better deal off Everton, if he can get it. He's a big fish in a small pond at Everton. If, and it's a very big if, he gets a move to a top club, he'll be a very small fish in a much larger pool.
Joe McMahon
85 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:26:03
Darren, That's not exactly what I said. I don't always try to shoehorn your beloved Academy players into all criticism. For example I do want Calvert-Lewin to become a better player, and I think he will. I mentioned Tom Davies in context only, as Richarlison could certainly thrive with better quality midfield support, and as Jay refers to they know this in Brazil.

Don't come back with more, I can't be arsed, let's just wait for future development on the pitch.

Jay@27, thanks for that very useful insight. Very interesting.

Brent Stephens
86 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:31:42
Jay #27 - useful information. Thanks.
Steve Shave
87 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:41:02
I have to say, Jay, it's very useful having a 'mole' in Brazil! I appreciate the additional info and context as always. Whilst you are at it, can you just sort out our recruitment and recommend some gems from the Brazillian league we could sign for buttons?
Danny Broderick
88 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:41:11
Ancelotti has set Richarlison a goalscoring target for next season. Hopefully he will do the same for the amount of time he spends on his arse rolling around in agony...
Sam Hoare
89 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:44:44
People asking for 6 new players I think are failing to see why we've gone backwards rather than forwards these last few years. Good teams require consistency. And to show their best, most players need to get used to a system and their teammates.

We've suffered hugely from being in ‘transition' for about 5 years. In that time we've had about 6 different managers and a rotating door of players.

I'd say 3-4 new players (for first team) at max and then hopefully only 1-2 next summer. One, hopefully talented, manager needs time to really shape a team and an identity. It looks like Ancelotti is that man. Evolution not constant revolution.

Kevin Molloy
90 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:46:26
The miracle about this, is that he's been here two full years as our best player, No 9 for Brazil and this is the first even sideways comment he's made.

Dixie Dean would be sitting down with his agent after that finish, and this sort of stuff goes on at all clubs save Real and Barca. Look at Liverpool, Salah's 'not sure what the future holds'.

And if Carlo can get £100M for him and bring in the players he wants as a result, then maybe that's best for everyone.

Darren Hind
91 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:46:40
Joe

You had a whole squad from which to choose from "in context only"
Once again you chose Davies. For years you hammered Calvert-Lewin as "Championship at best" and now you have turned to Davies.

That's your choice, but if you are going to use the Academy boys to big up your expensive signings, don't complain when the flaws in your argument are exposed. Don't get all upset when people point out to you that these expensive signings you lavish your praise on are doing no better (see post 64).

BTW: The Brazilians think Richarlison would be better with better players around him? Wow. Who'd have thought? ... Hold on a minute... Doesn't that apply to just about every player who ever put a pair of boots on???

Alan Johnson
92 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:58:06
Immobile?
Nick Page
93 Posted 29/07/2020 at 10:59:47
Imagine thinking Ancelotti selling Richarlison “to buy players he wants” is actually a good thing. Because that strategy has worked well in the past. The mentality of the fans at this football club is beginning to mirror that of the boardroom.
Paul Tran
94 Posted 29/07/2020 at 11:08:25
He's a good player that could be anything. Lovely pace and work ethic when he's up for it. Knows where the goal is – all strikers miss chances. Needs to stay on his feet more and get up quicker when he doesn't. Needs to stop that habit of looking pissed off and drifting out of games.

All of that is his responsibility. He can do that first, then expect better service.

I'll be surprised if he's still here this time next year. If we have another disappointing summer of recruitment, he'll be sold to pay for next year's.

Kim Vivian
96 Posted 29/07/2020 at 11:12:46
Dave @21,

I clearly remember Terry Venables (managing Barca at the time) effectively "tapping up" Lineker when working as a pundit for the World Cup. I thought "fuck" at the time and sure enough, off he went. It is ironic that, through those '80s halcyon days, Lineker never won a trophy with us.

If we do not pull our socks up in every department in the next 12 months, from the top to the bottom, it is not unreasonable for Richarlison to look to greener pastures and I wouldn't blame him. Hopefully we can make good progress and he remains to be part of that. I'm not risking me lunch money on it though.

ps: Darren, I can't stand the bloke, and he spends half the time on the ground and making miraculous recoveries from gunshots, but I would have Neymar in our team if he could fit.

Joe McMahon
97 Posted 29/07/2020 at 11:13:59
Darren, I don't lavish praise on expensive signings. I never lavish praise on any highly paid footballer! Kevin De Bruyne is on a different footballing planet but I would never "lavish praise" (as you put it). Everton's high fee players are well below standard anyway. Richarlison aside.

Like I've already posted but you ignored, don't come back.

Kevin Molloy
98 Posted 29/07/2020 at 11:41:02
It didn't pan out too badly for Klopp when he sold Coutinho though, did it, Nick? Every club sells at the right price.
Daniel Thomas
99 Posted 29/07/2020 at 11:42:10
Darren, you lost me when you said Richarlison doesn't work back to help his midfield, like Salah.

Haha — what have you been watching?

Dave Evans
100 Posted 29/07/2020 at 11:47:15
Richarlison is quick and aggressive, with a good work ethic. Most importantly, he knows how to bury a chance. He is still young and improving. That's why the Champions League clubs of Europe, including Barcelona, will be interested in him this year and for a few years to come.

When a good player puts on the blue shirt, it doesn't matter if he is from Bootle, Brazil or Betelgeuse – we need to become a club where good players are happy to ply their trade.

Darren Hind
101 Posted 29/07/2020 at 11:49:37
Joe,

I have never addressed you yet. Not ever. I read your constant bashing of academy players and think to myself: "Why bother?" Why would I bother to address a guy who has the same reason for all our problems?

If you don't want a response from me, the answer is simple: don't address me, because then I will respond.

You didn't like criticism of an expensive signing and you came on challenging me offering excuses. Why? Are my comments allowed to be challenged while your comments not?

And why not have the courage of your convictions? Why deny your numerous digs at academy boys? If that's how you really feel, why deny it? When your criticism is pointed out to you, you say you want Calvert-Lewin to be better and what you believe he will be. Really?

At least you were being true to yourself on another current thread you state you have no hope at all in him...

Brent Stephens
102 Posted 29/07/2020 at 11:51:15
Darren:

"FYI Richarlison doesn't come back to help out his beleaguered and out-numbered midfield."

My eyes tell me otherwise.

Paul Burns
106 Posted 29/07/2020 at 12:06:08
This is just another symptom of the way the club has been mismanaged at every level. He's one of a very few decent players we've got; why would you hang around if you have ambition and the club hasn't?

The possible signings being touted already look like the usual scattergun, expensive, panic signings akin to much of the dross we already have. There's not a hint that anybody at Everton has a clue to even formulate a systematic plan to improve matters apart from the usual fare of rash signings and cheap media soundbites that has been going on for decades and got us into this dire situation already.

Do our board even watch us play or understand anything about football?

Joe McMahon
107 Posted 29/07/2020 at 12:07:44
Darren, we need a pub and a pint(s). Unfortunately we probably live many miles apart.
Steve Brown
108 Posted 29/07/2020 at 12:08:42
Dave @ 55.

"I have a Brazilian mate playing for the top team here in Japan. He's not a supporter of the team, him and his wife are just trying to take care of their financial situation before his career his over. Same for Richarlison. BTW, he would be a decent shout for Everton!"

Come on, you can't leave it at that. Who are you talking about?

Dave Abrahams
109 Posted 29/07/2020 at 12:14:22
Brent (102), yes he comes back to help the midfield, he also gives quite a few stupid fouls away while doing it. You've also got to balance out his work rate by stating how often he loses the ball – very easily, when we are attacking.

I find him good on many occasions and very frustrating on about the same number of occasions with his lack of vision and poor decision-making. We have a good player but I think he is over-rated by many on here.

Mike Powell
110 Posted 29/07/2020 at 12:19:00
Does anyone blame him? He is playing in a piss poor team. The recruitment is a joke, the people who run the club are a joke, for letting it get this far.

How long before Carlo throws in the towel? You can guarantee Kenwright will come out with his usual statement, that a marquee signing is in his way, and we will end up with a Chelsea reject or reserve player. It's every season; it's got to stop now.

Tony Everan
111 Posted 29/07/2020 at 12:28:56
I agree with the 3 or 4 players max. this window

Trying to make too many changes would be counterproductive. Evolution is the best way to go, some of the way this window, then strengthen again next summer.

Højbjerg, Allan, Buendia, Immobile

Bring Kenny back, send Kean on loan for a year to get some much needed guaranteed games under his belt, and sign Ciro Immobile or similar to play up front with Richarlison and give Calvert-Lewin some real competition for that spot. Moise will return better and more ready.

If we can send some players the other way as part of any deal, Brands would be earning his corn.

Such a window would see us a very different team than last season. Essentially, and absolutely as priority No 1, much stronger in midfield, but also more dangerous and more goals up front. Richarlison would be buzzing with that team and kick on.

Big improvement in the team is possible with only 3 or 4 incoming players; with those four signings, I am confident we will be major challengers for both the top six and to win a cup.

Caveat: If we sign the right ones.

Brent Stephens
112 Posted 29/07/2020 at 12:40:13
Dave #109 – yes, I wouldn't want to argue against the flaws in his game.
Jonathan Tasker
113 Posted 29/07/2020 at 12:47:24
This means he’s off
Darren Hind
114 Posted 29/07/2020 at 12:53:34
Is right, Dave.

There isn't a forward alive who hasn't chased back to retrieve a ball in midfield (especially after squandering possession); that is not the same as playing in it. It's not the same as being part of it. It does not boost numbers or stop the midfield from being over-run for the rest of the game.

Incidentally, Richarlison has scored 31 goals in 109 games in the Premier League. Doesn't matter whether you are born in Brazil or Birkenhead, that's still only marginally better than a goal every four games.

If he improves his scoring rate dramatically, he may score as many as Kiwi Chris does for Burnley. As it stands now. he has scored less goals despite starting far more games.

Jonathan Tasker
115 Posted 29/07/2020 at 12:56:32
Chris Wood. Bought for £15M... Just saying.

But we have Brands the magician who would rather waste money on rubbish.

Danny O’Neill
116 Posted 29/07/2020 at 13:16:15
Going back to the Colin Harvey piece (Jay Harris & Kieran), I see your point, 8th being considered success over Colin's 4th & 6th, but the standards and expectations were different. He inherited the Champions, whose previous 4 seasons had seen 2 League Championships, the European Cup-Winners Cup, an FA Cup and 2 FA Cup Final appearances.

Moyes had that problem when he went to Man Utd; different era, different pressures and scenario, but you can't take the Champions to 7th place and expect to avoid scrutiny. And think back in the 80s, only 1st place made Europe's elite competition, so 4th or 6th then was akin to 7th or 8th now. Yes, we were banned at the time; however, the principal was still in place.

The impact of Heysel aside (a key factor in Kendall's decision), Harvey wasn't helped by the onset of poor club management that plagues us to this day. Resting on our laurels and lack of investment. I think that close season, our only recruitment was Ian Wilson (squad player) from Leicester City. If you stand still, you may as well walk backwards, right? Like when we totally failed to spot the Premier League Gravy Train coming. Our board were living in a bygone era.

Also, personal opinion, I think Colin Harvey falls into the category of being a great coach but not one who felt comfortable being a manager. Howard was the manager and knew how to man-manage. Colin carried out his instructions and whipped the team into shape.

Reverting to my military background, Kendall was the Commanding Officer, calm, composed, engaging. Harvey was the Sergeant Major, barking out orders and letting the troops know when standards weren't good enough.

John Keating
117 Posted 29/07/2020 at 13:19:58
Jay @37,

Thanks for the clarification.

Ian Horan
118 Posted 29/07/2020 at 13:20:33
A number of issues are unfolding on this thread: notably, we all have opinions – as such, we should respect those opinions as football is about opinions.

Chris Wood a very good penalty-box player, who has benefitted from Dyche's focus on details in set-pieces; in open play, he is limited, slower than our own Michael Keane in a race. If both he and Richarlison were up for sale at similar prices, who would be snapped up first by one of Europe's elite???

We are all frustrated and very nervous about our team's future but dismissing or assessing players against each other's goals return is very simplistic. We need to consider service they have received, goals from open play, and also all-round game contribution.

Some of the comments on Richarlison appear more akin to those of a spurned lover. Let's get realistic: he is a professional sportsman, albeit appearing very humble... appreciate him whilst he is here.

Collectively, let's hope Carlo gets backed in the transfer market; if he doesn't the repercussions will be catastrophic and Bramley-Moore Dock will be an unfinished white elephant whilst we try to climb back up the divisions. COYBB

Sam Hoare
119 Posted 29/07/2020 at 13:24:38
Darren, work rate seems a strange stick to beat Richarlison with. I know you don't like statistics but he makes ten times as many tackles per game than your Chris Wood over the season! Chris Wood has played every game as an out-and-out striker whereas Richarlison has played half his games as a winger.

Richarlison is an extremely hard-working wide player/forward who is able to score goals out of almost nothing whilst being a good counter-attacker and being very decent in the air.

He definitely has his faults as Dave alludes to and is dispossessed comfortably more than anyone else in our team. He does not always look after the ball well and I wouldn't be surprised if we were able to play more coherent football without him. Equally though, if more of our players were able to chip in with goals, then perhaps he wouldn't have quite so many opposition players giving him close attention.

Given that we will almost definitely sell him in a year or so, I think we should continue over-rating him in the hope that others buy the hype and give us £100M for him!

Kieran Kinsella
120 Posted 29/07/2020 at 13:38:46
Kim Vivian,

Howard Kendall later explained El Tel had already agreed the Lineker deal but it was secret. Laurie McMenemy had a go at him on air as it looked like a tap-up but apparently the deal was already done

Dave Evans
121 Posted 29/07/2020 at 13:46:21
Burnley should hold out for a £100M when Barcelona come knocking for Chris Wood...
Chris Leyland
122 Posted 29/07/2020 at 13:49:37
I find it strange that people criticise Richarlison's work rate and goals record.

He does work back a hell of a lot.

There's also no point comparing his goals to Mane, Salah, Sterling, etc as they play in far better teams and get far more chances that he does.

Compare him to Everton players instead: He is only the second player to score double-figures in the Premier League in back-to-back seasons for us since 1998, Lukaku being the other one.

In the 25 years since we actually won something, only Kanchelskis and Yakubu once and Lukaku (3 times) have scored more league goals in a single season than he has for us.

Carl Manning
123 Posted 29/07/2020 at 13:53:47
And that, Chris, sums Everton Football Club up for the last 25 years! We have always struggled to get strikers who can score 15 or more. We have no issue finding and developing defenders bizarrely!
Darren Hind
124 Posted 29/07/2020 at 14:27:22
Sam

He is not my Chris Wood. He is a bang-average journeyman playing for a bang-average team.

The fact is, the Burnley journeyman who gets a fraction of your Brazilian star's wages not only works harder, he pisses all over him in when you judge them by the criterion all strikers are judged by: goals.

If the Fantasy Football Managers on here are right and we do get offered £100M for Richarlison (we must be throwing Finch Farm into the deal) then we can pocket £85M and go and buy the more prolific journeyman for the other £15M. He would still score more and we still wouldn't finish any lower.

Seriously, Sam, you are not daft and you know what I am doing. I'm trying to add a little bit of perspective to some of the OTT claims regarding Richarlison.

Richarlison can, as PT says, be anything, but let's see if he fulfills his potential before we bracket him with the top forwards and let's not run down the academy boys in order to make him look better than he has actually been.

Sam Hoare
125 Posted 29/07/2020 at 14:54:19
Darren, come on. You can't accuse people of being OTT while simultaneously saying that Chris Wood "pisses all over him."

Wood scored one more goal than him this year. One. And last year the Brazilian scored three more. Plus, as has been said frequently, Wood is a striker rather than winger so gets more chances.

I don't see any evidence that Wood works harder, either with my eyes or in the stats, which very strongly suggest the opposite.

Anyway I agree with you that Richarlison is far from perfect and that certainly we could replace him. He's not yet a top-class striker, but he did score the second-most goals out of any Brazilian in Europe and for some reason that gets people very excited. Which will be a good thing for us.

Dave Abrahams
126 Posted 29/07/2020 at 15:01:58
Danny (116), I’ll always be grateful for those fantastic four years when Howard Kendall gave us our pride back but I think he chose the right moment, like Fergie at United, to pack his bags and head for pastures new,

He went for the money, in my opinion, and I think his days as a Commanding Officer started and finished after those four years, Howard, unfortunately never had success anywhere else after those wonderful four years at Goodison, we all know one of the reasons that was so, and maybe he was specially chosen just to give us fans what it was like to go to nearly every game during that time expecting to win no matter who we played against.

Darren Hind
127 Posted 29/07/2020 at 15:11:24
That's my point, Sam.

I was matching OTT with OTT to demonstrate the absurdity of some of the claims. I did keep it factual though. They have both had three seasons in the Premier League.

Wood has scored 34 in 94 games – better than 1-3. Richarlison has scored 31 in 109 games.

In most sports, one of those records would be deemed as pissing all over the other.

Richarlison, who is unquestionably the better player, goes missing for long periods – sometimes whole games. That's why I say Wood works harder.

Go missing in a Sean Dyche team and you won't be playing in the next game.

Dave Abrahams
128 Posted 29/07/2020 at 15:11:44
Sam (125), I agree with your last paragraph up to a point. Yes, clubs might get excited seeing Richarlison score those goals but, if they are going to spend a large amount of money, they will have a good hard look at him before they open their purse strings, I think they might put their purse back in their pocket.

Going back a long way to when Real Madrid were buying all the best players in the world, they had a good look at one of our all-time idols when he was playing for Hearts. Yes, the “Golden Vision” – they didn't buy him, he didn't come up to their standards. Then again, it might have been because he wasn't a Brazilian!!!

Dave Long
129 Posted 29/07/2020 at 15:25:38
Steve 108 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s_15e-tKvo

Top score in J3, J2...going for J1. Only 23, cheap, worth a punt?

Anthony Murphy
130 Posted 29/07/2020 at 15:34:49
We need to remember the lad is part of a team of which virtually no-one else bar Calvert-Lewin contributed to goals this season – above all else we need to hang on to him for that reason alone.

The contribution to goals from everyone bar those 2 wasn't enough – I hope Ancelotti looks for improvement here

Danny O’Neill
131 Posted 29/07/2020 at 15:55:48
He was never the same again, Dave, you're right. But yes, they were great years. Going to the match expecting to win, almost knowing we would.

And if we didn't, it was a shrug of the shoulders and a blip, expecting we'd be back to normal the following week.

Mike Gaynes
132 Posted 29/07/2020 at 16:04:56
Dave and Darren, sorry guys, but you are both just flat wrong to criticize Richarlison for an alleged failure to help the midfield defensively.

He works his ass off, not just retrieving the ball but tracking attackers back. He is far and away the Premier League leader in tackles by a forward with 70 (2nd is Ayew with 48), and he is one of the few forwards who will mark an opposing midfielder all the way into his own 18-yard box.

As for "stupid" fouls, I categorize those as fouls that give away needless free-kicks around the area -- a particular Gomes specialty -- and Richarlison simply doesn't commit those. He gives fouls around the halfway line or in the attacking end, where the free-kicks pose no danger.

There are flaws in Richarlison's game. Lack of defense or effort are not among them.

James Stewart
133 Posted 29/07/2020 at 16:05:46
However you look at Richarlison's stats, they are highly impressive. He is on the radar of the biggest clubs for a reason. His work rate and pressing from the front stats are up there with the best in Europe.

He has also played the majority of his Premier League games from the wing so the comparison with Chris Wood (a player I actually like) is quite bizarre.

Richarlison's finishing is lethal and he will only continue to score a hell of a lot more played up top, it is imperative we keep him and build the team around him. Only Everton could have Brazil's No 9, a world class manager, and still be shit!

Frank Crewe
134 Posted 29/07/2020 at 16:15:44
Now here's a prime example of the "buy young to sell on" myth. We could easily double the £40 million spent on Richarlison yet the vase majority of blues would be outraged if we sold him as they were when Lukaku and Stones left.

The fact is, this sell-on nonsense sounds like a sensible policy but is anything but. No club wants to sell their best players regardless of what they are offered. Top young players are hard to come by and clubs and fans alike want to hold on to them. We want to add to our squad – not take away from it.

So the next time we want to buy an older player without any sell on value remember what we want is players that can improve the club's chances of success – regardless of their age or sell-on value.

Danny O’Neill
135 Posted 29/07/2020 at 16:27:45
I don't think you can compare him and the Burnley player.

As a more educated poster said above, one is a penalty box striker who suits Dyche's style & tactics. The other is a more fluid player who can drift in from wide to run at defenders or play in a supporting more modern No 10 role rather than as a traditional penalty box striker.

Dare I say, parallels to Salah? A "failed" right-winger who Chelsea didn't know what to do with so loaned him out to Roma and then sold. Look what happened when he got put amongst the right players and used by a manager who knew how to get the best out of him.

Brent Stephens
136 Posted 29/07/2020 at 16:31:37
Mike #132 - my point earlier, though you put it better than me. To say that "Richarlison doesn't come back to help out... midfield" is just bizarre (not that Dave has said this, to be clear). Eyes and stats tell the story.
Dave Abrahams
137 Posted 29/07/2020 at 16:35:29
Mike (132), no not guilty of being “flat out wrong” to criticise Richarlison for not helping out the Everton midfield.

As for him only giving fouls away around the half-way line I don't think you have been watching properly, he gives enough away Gomes-type fouls from behind, one really stupid one was when he chased a Bournemouth player away this season about forty yards, the man was going right down the left flank when Richarlison caught him, from behind, a really daft foul, Pickford picked the free-kick out of the net.

I could go on, Mike, but the bottom line is: you think he is potentially world-class... I don't.

Jason Li
138 Posted 29/07/2020 at 16:43:31
2 outcomes for me:

A) I want Richarlison to stay.

B) However, no down-side if he leaves as we have Carlo as the manager now and he theoretically knows a player based on historical signings.

Using Borussia Dortmund's model, make a good profit and buy the next young superstar... Pulisic to Chelsea, soon Sancho to ? for £100M?

I have no problem doing this every year, selling a top player (doesn't have to be our very best player) at a very good profit, and buying a very good young player or maybe two in. Of course, depends on how good the procurement department is. :)

Paradoxically, this takes you higher up the league over time.

Tony Abrahams
139 Posted 29/07/2020 at 16:46:09
Sam @89, I take your point but don't really agree with you regarding this current Everton squad.

Most of the players have been here for at least two years now which is a very long time in football, imo, mate.

Some look like they just need better players around them, but Ancelotti has quietly already picked up on the lack of desire, the lack of pride in wanting to be better, which results in the total lack of consistency that is required to improve.

The recruitment last year was incredibly poor, a little bit unlucky with Gbamin, but we never replaced Zouma, and looked like we were buying for the future, rather than on concentrating on trying to get into the top 4, despite the way we finished the previous season.

I'd take four good players as a minimum, because we definitely need better players, and it doesn't take good players that long to gel. Without missing any points, surely the recruitment has got to improve.

Nathan Jones
140 Posted 29/07/2020 at 17:24:23
I'm not sure why so many people are up in arms, he is a young and ambitious footballer deserves to be at a team finishing above 12th in the Premier League.

He's not throwing his toys out of the pram; he is saying that he's happy to see if a Carlo and Everton match his ambition. If so, he's happy to stay; if not he'll move on. Seams fair and we'll get a decent fee too.

Brian Harrison
141 Posted 29/07/2020 at 17:30:58
Surely by whichever stats you use to judge Richarlison's effectiveness, he is up there with the most productive in the Premier League.

I know some have used players who have played as out and out centre-forwards all season, but Richarlison has played wide left wide right and in a 2 up front. So seeing as he has played in various positions its unfair to compare to players who have played as the main striker all season. But I would think there are 10 other players who we have to be more concerned about than Richarlison.

Maybe if he had other decent forwards to play alongside he would be even more impressive than he already is, added to the fact that our midfield create very little, it's a wonder he has scored so many.

Just to underline his usefulness to the team, he has scored more in his 2 years than Lukaku did in his. Lukaku played up top and was often criticised on here for lack of effort, something that can't be levelled at Richarlison.

Sam Hoare
142 Posted 29/07/2020 at 17:32:06
Tony @139, certainly if the recruitment is poor then it doesn't matter if you get 2 or 6 new players. I just think we need to let this team settle. Even if some of the players have been here for a while very few of them have had the same manager and team-mates for more than a season.
Robert Tressell
143 Posted 29/07/2020 at 17:37:07
Tony, the trouble with those who have been here circa 2 years - is that they've been a very unsettled 2 years. 2 years in a Moyes squad and you knew your role, your place at the club etc.

We've got a mix of Koeman, Walsh, Silva, Brands signings are are now onto Ancelotti.

That's 2 odd years of uncertainty.

So not only is it overwhelmingly unlikely we'll sign more than 2 or 3 first teamers, that's probably the right thing too.

And finally, I wouldn't say no to Chris Woods as a back-up striker. He's made a good career for himself and credit Dyche for the outstanding job he's doing. But let's see who has most Champions League appearances once they've both hung up their boots.

Jack Convery
144 Posted 29/07/2020 at 17:40:06
If only most of the squad had his attitude when playing. He gives his all, chases lost causes, plays for the shirt, plays for his team mates and gets the shit kicked out of him.

The treatment he got from Spurs was ridiculous and not once did anyone in blue face up to the ref and have a go about the amount of times he got fouled. A deliberate policy from Mourinho, who was obviously very afraid of what Richarlison could do if not constantly fouled.

Get more players in who can score goals and be a threat and Richarlison will have more freedom to play. Right now, he's all we've got going forward and teams can concentrate on him and him alone.

Most of the squad had no intention of trying to get into the Europa League, as it would have made Everton a little more appetising to players to come and join us. If they had made the Europa League (ha), its akin to turkeys voting for Christmas. 3 points v Norwich, 1 point v Villa and Nil points against Bournemouth tells you all you need to know about the current squad and their capabilities - mostly feeble at best.

I see we are supposed to be after Ivanovic. If that is true, it must mean Carlo has had enough of these jokers and is bringing in someone to start cracking heads on his behalf.

Mike Gaynes
145 Posted 29/07/2020 at 17:54:20
Dave #137, not me, must have me mixed up with others here. I have never rated him as "potentially world class"... I see success in him, but not genius.

However, I clearly have a higher opinion of him than you do, and I would very much like to see what he accomplishes with a quality midfield to feed him -- something he has never had.

Steve Brown
146 Posted 29/07/2020 at 17:57:55
Dave @ 129, interesting stats. He is certainly prolific.
Danny O’Neill
147 Posted 29/07/2020 at 18:02:10
Sam, Tony, kind of with you most of the way. Recruitment over the past few years hasn't just been poor, it's been abysmal. Scattergun is being kind. It has to improve and I agree, 2 to 4 quality players who make a difference is obviously a better approach than buying in numbers just to try and demonstrate your "big clubb-ness" because you spend big and satisfy the Sky pundits.

There are good players with potential in this squad who would benefit from having better players around them. Richarlison being one of them (note I say good with potential, not world-class before I get jumped on!!). But, this squad needs serious overhaul and the priority has to be midfield in my opinion. Our attacking potential (Calvert-Lewin & Richarlison included) will only benefit from having an effective and creative midfield behind them.

Spend wisely and that doesn't always mean spending big.

Tony Abrahams
148 Posted 29/07/2020 at 18:30:05
This team has already settled and – without additions to the squad – it hasn't settled in a very good place.
Darren Hind
149 Posted 29/07/2020 at 18:40:07
TW gold this one: "Richarlison doesn't score as many as other forwards because he plays on the wing." – Even though you can count his assists from out there on one hand

"Richarlison does not score as many as other forwards because he plays in midfield" – However, when we deem the midfield as utter shite, he's not really part of it... so we do count him.

Richarlison (who apparently is a forward) has made more tackles than any other forward... Proof-positive that he does play in midfield.

Dave A is absolutely bang on the money. Richarlison does chase back (nearly always with a petulance when he feels hard done by or when he has given it away). But does that constitute playing in midfield? Really?

I gorra ask this: Does anybody seriously think that any coach, anywhere in the world would be interested in a guy because he racked up daft-arsed stats by making daft-arsed sliding tackles?

Is there a coach in the world who would not trade a striker making the kind of ridiculous sliding challenges an 11-year-old wouldn't make, for one who will stand in front of a defender and challenge him to pass?

Does anybody believe that Carlo (or Duncan for that matter) have said to Richarlison before the game. "I want you to play in the middle of the park today. Put your stamp on it"? Do you realise how ill-equipped he is to do that?

Would any future suitors (and I don't mean Daily Star ones) buy Richarlison for his ability to score great goals or for the supposed wing-wizardry which keeps him so busy, it allows all the other fowards to score more than him?

It amuses me when facts and records comparing Richarlison to 14 better marksman are greeted with a stream of yeah-but-no-buts. It amuses me even more when people want to counter those records with daft-arsed meaningless stats.

Stats. A poor apology for facts and records which are only ever offered up by people who want to use other people's arguments to try to substantiate their own feeble offering.

John Keating
150 Posted 29/07/2020 at 18:43:51
Dave 137

Funny you mention world-class players, I was just talking about that today with some lads. Obviously they mentioned Messi, and who can argue.

To my mind the only world-class player is Ronaldo. Messi took, in my opinion, the easy option and never proved himself in other leagues. Ronaldo has proven himself in 3 of the 4 top leagues, won everything or most everything in them.

Had age not been catching him up, he probably would have nipped over to Germany and done it there. Richarlison or Ronaldo? No comparison really.

Kim Vivian
151 Posted 29/07/2020 at 18:52:29
Darren - take your meds, mate

.....Ducks to avoid the china

Sam Hoare
152 Posted 29/07/2020 at 18:52:49
Darren, do you think there's a coach anywhere in the world (who's not been labotomised) who would pick Chris Wood over Richarlison if given the choice? I'm pretty sure even Sean Dyche wouldn't!

The reason people may be unclear as to where he has played is that he's been shunted all over the pitch. He's played CF, LW, RW, RM, LM and as second striker. He's been moved all over. Something I seem to remember you using to explain Calvert-Lewin's up and down scoring record when he was being asked to play out wide frequently.

I'm also interested in how you differentiate between facts and stats?

Darren Hind
153 Posted 29/07/2020 at 19:00:56
I didn't say anybody would choose Wood over Richarlison Sam. I even state Ricahrlison is "undoubtedly" the better player

What I did point out – to your very obvious discomfort – is that the Lancashire journeyman has completely outscored your Brazilian superstar in the scoring stakes. Not as a flash in the pan, but over three full seasons.

I just gave you the facts. Don't shoot the messenger.

Bill Gall
154 Posted 29/07/2020 at 19:05:37
Why do we compare Richarlison with other players in other teams? Other teams play in different formations, so the only comparisons that can be made is the opportunities attempted to opportunities scored, and even that is not a fair comparison as no opportunities are equal.

Everton have used various formations and are favoring the 4-4-2 formation, were the 2 forwards rely on the service from the 2 full-backs and the midfield. the full-backs we have at the moment are Coleman, who is no longer as quick as he used to be and Digne who seems okay. Both full-backs need support from the midfield left and right side midfielders, and so far Iwobi, Walcott Bernard and Siggy not good enough.

Gordon shows potential and Davies's form has deteriorated and could improve with better players around him.

We all realize that Everton are not going to bring in 6/7 new players, but we need a right back with more pace, a ball-winning midfielder, and a quick-moving midfielder at least in this transfer window.

This is Ancelotti's first transfer window and let's see if him and Brands are on the same page. I believe Richarlison's contract is until 2024 so who knows... if Everton show how ambitious they are, we may not have to lose our better players.

Tony Abrahams
155 Posted 29/07/2020 at 19:26:03
I honestly think Dyche would keep Wood, Sam. Maybe not, because Richarlison would be worth more money.

Burnley sell players and then buy another one cheaper, but they do play a certain way and Wood is a very good fit for their system.

Paul Swan
156 Posted 29/07/2020 at 19:34:07
Carlo has apparently asked for more ambition from the players. Well here's a guy showing ambition. We don't like it but he obviously sees us as a steppingstone.

I will put my cards on the table and say I don't like Richarlison and particularly his attitude on the field. Petulant, sulks like a big baby and spends more time rolling around on the ground than the groundsman's Flymo.

Plays only when it suits him and then only for himself with no awareness of teammates witnessed by a lack of any sign of a partnership with anyone playing alongside him.

But then we come back to this question of ambition, so I would say to him to stay another season, play alongside whoever Ancelotti brings in and above all prove that you are worthy of playing on a bigger stage.

One of the biggest problems we have at the club is, and here I do agree with Ancelotti, a lack of ambition. We have too many players who simply aspire to be a Premier League player. Probably explains why so few of the academy players push on.

They get their chance all get the stereotypical photo fit tattoos and haircuts and ponce around like billy big balls but lack the ambition to be better – to be a winner. They don't seem to hurt when they get beat or put in a bad performance. Maybe a few more with ambition is exactly what we need.

Tony Everan
157 Posted 29/07/2020 at 19:46:42
I think that Richarlison needs more support and Calvert-Lewin needs real competition for a starting place. What does next season hold for Moise Keane? I think he needs game time, a full season of it. His progress will be better served getting a full season under his belt on loan with a decent team. He would come back a better player and like a new signing, maybe even ready to take over Richarlison's mantle should he be off to Barcelona.

I think we need more experience up front, a real professional goalscorer. Immobile has been mentioned as being an interest. Ings has been a great signing for Southampton, Vardy would have been a great signing for us when Lukaku left, even though he was 31 back then.

I think signing such a player would give us more goals, an extra dimension in attack and be good overall in sharing duties with Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.

What's your thoughts on the attacking department for next season? Do you think Carlo will be considering something along these lines?

Christy Ring
158 Posted 29/07/2020 at 19:48:43
Richarlison is a world class player, who we definetly can't afford to lose, scored 26 in 71 for Everton; plays striker, left- and right-wing, in a team with a shit midfield and no wingers who create few chances.
Sam Hoare
159 Posted 29/07/2020 at 19:50:58
Darren, happily disagreement is not the same as discomfort, or else I would never come on here!

Also a bit harsh to call Wood a journeyman when he cost £15m in 2017 and remains Burnley's record signing. Facts or stats?

Tony, he does fit their system well but I suspect Dyche would give a lot to have a player who works extremely hard, can beat his man frequently and, crucially, score out of nothing. I think Richarlison would probably do very well at Burnley actually!

Dave Abrahams
160 Posted 29/07/2020 at 19:56:48
Sam (152), being honest, has he really played as a centre midfield player left or right?

I remember him playing as a centre forward for a few games last season, it didn't last long, he wasn't very good there.

As fo stats and facts: facts tell you how many goals he has scored from the amount of games he has played; stats tell you how many tackles he has made...

They don't tell you how many were successful or what sort of tackles they were, good strong tackles, weak tackles, half hearted tackles, well timed tackles or stupid reckless tackles – that's just two examples Sam.

John Pierce
161 Posted 29/07/2020 at 20:03:37
Who cares if we sell Richarlison? He made the utterances because the club is rotten.

Even at our peak, we sold our best players, perhaps only fleeting were we ever the preferred destination of players. There's nothing wrong in that, it's how you prepare and deal with it is the measure of the club.

The only real example of us achieving this was selling Lineker and finding a different way to play, and even then we hardly bought in better players.

It's not about Richarlison or the laughable juxtaposition with Chris Wood, it's the club should be run well enough to know how to get a player in to replace Richarlison or anyone for that matter and sell the asset at its peak.

Saying Richarlison is our only decent player is tantamount to acknowledging how badly run we are. Limes of ‘If we sell him we are nowhere etc‘. If your club revolves around one guy then you've got the lot wrong.

Run the club properly and your players can mouth off all they want, they're not emotionally attached, so the club should do the utmost for itself. They should know they can be sold at a moment's notice if you get a replacement and succession plans sorted. I bet that might even act as a decent ‘carroty-stick'.

We allow our better player to leave on their terms not ours. You cannot stop them just make it favorable to you. We stink at this, abject.

Rom was pilloried for it, I probably even piled on myself! Why did we get so upset because through the cipher of his ‘gobbing off' it told us how badly the club is run.

I'd actually say it wouldn't be horrendous to sell Richarlison. He maybe has one more year before his value peaks? What's the alternative? Maybe run him into the ground and depreciate an unhappy asset? How does that help us?

Like I said, Richarlison's words are the very prism to view the state of the club. I firmly believe if we are to evolve Brands may have to sell him to to move us forward. Look at Coutinho, sold to fund Van Dijk & Alisson.

A big summer for Brands.

Sam Hoare
162 Posted 29/07/2020 at 20:06:45
Dave @160, it's tricky to define. In your example, goals don't tell you which were 30-yard screamers or which came off his knee when he wasn't looking; which are match-winning goals in tough matches and which are the 6th goal in a rout against lower league opponents. Are assists stats or facts?

Certainly there are useful stats and misleading stats but can the same not be said of facts? And there are probably people who make up stats, but no doubt there are prominent people who also make up facts!

Seems to me like there are a few people who use stats as a dirty word when a certain fact does not prop up their argument.

Dave Abrahams
163 Posted 29/07/2020 at 20:18:56
Sam (162), but all goals count as goals – no matter how they are scored.
Dave Abrahams
164 Posted 29/07/2020 at 20:23:31
Mike (145), sorry but on a recent thread, not this one, you said “Richarlison is not world-class — yet.”

Seems to me you are seeing world-class potential or is there some other explanation for that sentence?

Robert Tressell
165 Posted 29/07/2020 at 20:29:15
Once we have a proper midfield, I'm hopefull we will see more of Richarlison running in behind. He does a tremendous job for the team, pressing and working back. It's to his personal detriment but something of a necessity given our lacklustre immobile midfield.

With that fixed, Richarlison can stay higher up the pitch and focus on scoring / making goals. He'd play the Firminho / Benzema role very well – with fast goal-scoring forwards either side and with a 3 man midfield behind.

Seems unlikely we'll see him in that role for us. But he can still really kick on with a decent midfield in a 4-4-2.

Tony Abrahams
167 Posted 29/07/2020 at 20:39:59
I'm not disputing that Richarlison might ‘actually' do very well at Burnley, because good players should fit in anywhere, but do you think Dyche would play Richarlison as a centre-forward before Wood, because I personally don't think he would, Sam?

They might play well together but, if a team plays 4-4-2, they generally want at least one of their forwards to really get hold of the ball, and this is what Wood is very good at, helping Burnley play to their strengths.

Playing to your strengths is how you improve, and I think Ancellotti has already realised that the only way this Everton team is going to improve is by signing some better players.

Jerome Shields
168 Posted 29/07/2020 at 20:45:01
Clive #81,

I agree regarding the pairing with Calvert-Lewin. I used to think that Silva had put an emphasis on a forward shooting in the final third or moving into a shooting position. Final third play was ignored. Everton had the lowest final third passes in the Premier League last season.

In Richarlison's case, this meant running with the ball at the defence to get into a scoring position. In Calvert-Lewin's case, this meant laying off the ball to midfield and the wingers. Calvert-Lewin rarely turned his marker or tried to face goal. Tosun was worse.

Both Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin were always not positioned correctly to receive a cross. They never played one-twos. Teams started to channel Richarlison into blind alleys, knowing that he would only try to pass when his options ran out, often weakly.

Richardson also comes deep to fulfil a similar roll to Calvert-Lewin. In the case of Calvert-Lewin, the opposition defence would push up and compact the midfield. I also observed Richardson played better for Brazil than Everton.

But when Ancelotti came, he wanted more balls through the centre. What he wanted was both Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin to engage in final third play and get themselves into attacking positions and doing the basics right, eg, attacking the defensive line on the near post and following up attacking play in the centre and far post. Both have not consistently shown they could do this.

Kean's performance against Bournemouth actually showed how to do it and Everton had an attacking shape we could all identify. Darren and Clive are right that Richarlison would struggle in a top 4 team in any league, because this is all basic stuff that teams would expect an attacker to have.

Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin need to work harder at the attacking basics. Kean has it and could emerge as Everton's top attacker and worth a lot more in transfer value than either of them, if he can keep improving.

Richarlison probably wants an increase in his wages in the meantime. I doubt other top teams will show an interest.

Stephen Brown
169 Posted 29/07/2020 at 20:48:42
Richarlison just sent out a Love Everton tweet! 👏
Max Murphy
170 Posted 29/07/2020 at 20:56:03
Here we go again – they same old end of season discussions:

"We just need 3 or 4 new players",
"2 midfielders, and another forward...",
"... someone to partner XYZ up front."
"If we have a good transfer window."

Blah! Blah! Blah! Groundhog Day comes to mind.

Robert Tressell
171 Posted 29/07/2020 at 20:57:25
Jerome @168 I found that really interesting. Your observation is certainly right. There has been / is a very poor structure around our attacking play. No partnerships out wide (especially on the right). And no 1-2s amongst the forwards.

Kean did show a bit of that and it was refreshing. We all moaned about Lukaku but he did that too.

Richarlison has certainly got it in his locker but I think he's got too fixated on harassing opponents and lost something in his forward play.

Again, the mythical well-functioning midfield should resolve this...

Sam Hoare
172 Posted 29/07/2020 at 21:04:02
Jerome @168; that makes a lot of sense. Since the lockdown, I've been astonished at how poorly Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin have managed to link up with each other. One of the reasons we have scored so few and struggled so much. It will be interesting to see if Kean can do better in that regard.
Darren Hind
174 Posted 29/07/2020 at 21:13:05
Dave A

Like me you would have looked on in admiration at Sams stuff. His knowledge – particularly of obscure players dotted around the globe – is second to none.

Unfortunately, somewhere down the line, he was beamed up by the dreaded "statto". He's been got at.

This curse of modern sport has infiltrated and distorted opinion right across the known world. Most notably among our American cousins.

I would like to think that one day we can get Sam and indeed all of our American cousins back. That sports fans all around the world will abandon these carefully contrived figures and, once again, think for themselves.

The omens are not good though. 200M Yanks have been in a vice-like grip of "The Stat" for 20 years or more. Free thinking and opinion have long since turned their toes up over there.

We`re are but a small island in comparison... What chance have we got?

Danny O’Neill
175 Posted 29/07/2020 at 21:18:20
Picking up on John Pierce's point about selling our best, even at our peak. Yes, we have: Alan Ball (before my time); the forced selling of Steven & Stevens in the 80s; Lineker, as we have mentioned earlier on this thread; Duncan Ferguson's temporary departure; Nick Barmby; Rooney; Lukaku. The list goes on and I have no doubt missed a few.

But (and there's always one right?), it doesn't always have to be a negative as most clubs operate on that model. I get it; most successful teams keep their best players, but then players have always been bought and sold, regardless of club.

We need only look across the park to see how you can continuously sell prize assets for top dollar and still progress; Torres, Suarez, Coutinho. Tottenham with Modric and Bale. Even Ferguson shifted Kanchelskis, Ince and Beckham when he felt he needed to change things.

I appreciate those clubs, Man Utd especially, were arguably in different circumstances to us, although not too long ago, and when they sold some of those players, Liverpool were in regular 6th/7th territory, as were Tottenham until recent seasons. Take away this awful one and we were not too dissimilar.

I suppose my point is that selling a prize asset to reinvest is common place and not always a bad thing. Providing you reinvest wisely. There lies the reoccurring Everton problem.

Paul Tran
177 Posted 29/07/2020 at 21:40:39
Darren #174, the stats really, seriously annoy me. I love my horse racing stats, but there all the competitors are going in the same direction, starting & finishing at the same point.

The stats don't measure the psychological effects players have on each other; they measure what can be measured, rather than what actually matters. And they too often take people away from using their own eyes, in my view, the best judge of anything football.

Mike Gaynes
178 Posted 29/07/2020 at 21:47:02
Geez, Dave #164, a bit pedantic, that, eh? One word from a past post? Really?

I have neither predicted or dismissed the possibility that he'd be world class. Just said he isn't. That's sufficient on the topic, I think.

Danny O’Neill
179 Posted 29/07/2020 at 21:50:04
Stats can be useful, but they do not take into account all aspects of the game, as you call it, Paul, and can skew one's opinion. The media has led us down the stats-driven view of the game. In that sense, Martinez's Everton were fantastic as they absolutely bossed games with regular "achievements" of 60+ % possession.

Don't get me wrong, I was very vocal in my dismay during Allardyce's tenure and love the beautiful game to be played the right way, but I concur: stats can be misleading and inevitably used or manipulated to convey a point of view either way rather than what is actually being served up.

Kieran Kinsella
180 Posted 29/07/2020 at 21:58:39
Danny,

I think the last time we sold and invested wisely was when Rooney went and we used some of that money to put together Cahill and Co, who finished 4th the very next year.

Funny you mention Spurs and the Bale sale because that was one occasion when they got all it wrong, blowing cash on Saldado etc.

Dave Abrahams
181 Posted 29/07/2020 at 22:06:13
Darren (#174),

Stats stink, in my opinion. I look at some of the stats quoted, not just on here but in newspapers and on TV screens, so and so has made 568 passes for instance... how many are back to the goalie? three or four passes between him and his fellow defender, two-yard passes.

I just think “Does any fan take any notice of this shite?” But they do, and loads of other absolutely boring nonsense. Got to add how does someone sit there and count this rubbish, I'd go round the bend sitting in the match trying to absorb the game and counting passes, free-kicks, corners etc.

Reminds me of a fella who worked in a cake factory. His job, day after day, was sitting there putting one cherry on each cake as it came down the assembly line> It took a few years but he went doo-lally, finished up in Rainhill.

I'm telling you statisticians, it's fuckin' dangerous, lads!

Tony Abrahams
182 Posted 29/07/2020 at 22:08:30
The logic what Sam uses is correct, because if your recruitment is poor then it's definitely better buying less rather than more players.

The problem is that our recruitment was poor last year, the year before wasn't too bad, but over a period of time it has definitely not been anywhere near good enough, and this has left a squad both short on talent, and character.

I understand continuity but a squad with a poor spine, definitely needs at least four good additions. We only have pace out wide if our forward plays there (Walcott being a symbol of the distinct lack of desire) which means either another striker or wide player.

Kenny and Coleman mean we can get away with a right back. Digne needs back-up. Can we afford to get away without another center-back? And our midfield definitely needs reinforcements.

This is what Ancelloti will surely be telling Moshiri, as well as explaining that the only way to improve our better players, is by giving them better players to play with.

Paul Tran
183 Posted 29/07/2020 at 22:20:01
Martinez, Koeman & Silva failed because they failed to give their teams a spine. They all bought peripheral players who would be good if they were next to someone else who could be strong, bail them out, and do their dirty work.

Why not just buy a reliable keeper, strong centre-back & 2 centre-mids that give the team a spine and shape? I'm hoping that the current manager, who had this strange, old-fashioned idea that a centre-forward will do better if he spent more time in the opposition box, will focus on building a spine.

Danny O’Neill
184 Posted 29/07/2020 at 22:29:47
Fair point, Kieran. Where I'm coming from is that both Liverpool and Tottenham used that business model over a period of time to gradually progress from similar positions to where we were.

Yes, Liverpool always had that global brand thing behind them, but in reality, they got to a point where they were 6th/7th plain average.

Danny O’Neill
185 Posted 29/07/2020 at 22:36:40
Dave A and others on the stats thing. The point on the number of passes sums it up. The stats are too metrics based. Again, referring to my military days, that draws you into the objective space.

Stats are a "measure of performance" it's black and/or white, which is not always a true reflection. As opposed to "measure of effect", which is subjective and based on outcomes, the way I've always tended to view football.

Sam Hoare
186 Posted 29/07/2020 at 22:37:41
Dave and Darren, stats are here to stay I'm afraid. They're a massive part of the scouting systems used by all major clubs. The good sense comes in knowing which stats are most useful and balancing them with what the eyes see, what cannot be measured.

But they're all stats. Goals, matches played, clean sheets, corners, assists, yellows, caps etc. Hate to say it but you use them too. There's just some you like more than others.

Jerome Shields
187 Posted 29/07/2020 at 23:57:05
Robert #171 and Sam #172,

Everton's poor midfield is not a help, but coming deep, laying off and chasing the ball, is the Everton midfield equivalent of passing sideways and backwards. It provides no options in attack for a forward pass and never challenges the opposition defence positionally.

What Kean did was to try and turn his marker or face the goal to play a forward pass, creating mobility and movement. On releasing the pass, he did everything possible to get into a challenging forwards position.

Because he had this objective from the start of any play he was involved in, he made up the yard necessary to get into the correct challenging position in front of goal. By leading the defence this way, other players where encouraged to have more movement in their play and pass positively forward, because options where created as a result. This gave Everton an attacking shape, which was very noticable.

In my opinion, Kean was subbed by Ancelotti to see what would happen to Everton's attack. What he got was attackers coming deep, out of position for any attacks, and a comfortable opposition defence, who where able to p!ay a higher defensive line, even able to support attacking p!ay.

Ancelotti coached all these players as he coached Kean, but we have only seem glimpses of them actually putting it into practice.

Why Calvert-Lewin, brought on by Ancelotti, would play like Silva was the Manager, is something that I find difficult to understand. Also, Bernard, who I thought had taken on board Ancelotti's coaching moreso than anyone else prior to the break, has reverted back to his old drag back ways. As a matter of fact, I have watched the Aston Villa, Sheffield Utd and Bournemouth games, only to be impressed how the forwards of these three teams consistently put good technical basics into theiir attacking play, more so than the Everton forwards, except Kean.

The only reason I can think of is a poor level of fittness, where it is easier to put a shift in, coming deep, not worrying about forward positions or providing options, with opposition defenders quite happy for Everton players to do so.

These Everton players are quite capable of getting these basics right and comfortably beating any of the lower teams in doing so. Playing as they do, is like giving the opposition defence a hand. The result would be a foregone conclusion if they did play this way, as it should be.


Don Alexander
188 Posted 30/07/2020 at 01:59:10
Richarlison is a young professional Brazilian international footballer. He obviously wants to secure such a position, because he hasn't yet done so.

To do that, he needs a midfield in his club akin to Brazil's midfield (which isn't that great, admittedly). We're miles off it.

Farhad, what are you going to NOW do about it? Fund your fabulous serially-winning, expensively paid manager, or reduce him and us fans to even more Kenwright-inspired mediocrity in the ever-developing likelihood of relegation, by stripping him of finance for productive signings?

Robert Tressell
189 Posted 30/07/2020 at 05:01:22
Very insightful, Jerome. I enjoyed reading that. There are certainly a lot of bad habits throughout the squad but interesting to see your take on the forwards.

It did strike me that, on post-restart form, Calvert-Lewin would never have been in position to score Kean's tap-in. Like you say, they are all more than good enough to do the basics much, much better.

Ajay Gopal
190 Posted 30/07/2020 at 06:25:17
John Pierce (161) and Jerome Shields (168, 187) – very helpful insights, thank you.

I agree with Jerome, Kean was fantastic in the 1st half against Bournemouth, something I had not seen from Everton all season. Calvert-Lewin's form has dropped off a cliff after the Corona lockdown break, and that is very worrying - he had at least 6-8 very decent chances to score and he was unable to convert a single one, although he worked tirelessly for the cause.

We need someone to give genuine competition to Calvert-Lewin – someone like Troy Deeney, Calum Wilson, Josh King, etc. Man Utd are reportedly cooling their interest in Grealish, he would be very expensive at £60 million at least, but what a coup that would be for Everton!

Also, bring back Gueye from PSG on the cheap, and our midfield would be transformed.

Eddie Dunn
191 Posted 30/07/2020 at 07:57:09
Jerome, I agree that Kean was a breath of fresh air in the first half and he certainly showed some nice touches, good positional play and that he had an eye for a pass.

I have to disagree on your other point about Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin not pulling their weight. Both of these two work their socks off and both are among the fittest players we have.

Richarlison does make the sort of offensive runs you talk about and on the occasion when Walcott opted to shoot at their keeper (trying to meg him), Richarlison was in front of goal unmarked and clearly pissed -off that he wasn't seen.

Calvert-Lewin's form has dropped-off significantly since lockdown. He came back with a fancy hair-do and had probably begun to believe the press he was getting. He has (excuse the pun) taken his eye off the ball.

He is a simple player. He is athletic, has bulked-up and can now physically hold his own with most of the big bruisers. I suspect that big Dunc has been working on that aspect of his game.

He is stronger now but often gives away free kicks in his clumsy efforts to win the ball. For me he is too reliant on others for his chances. Defenders know he hasn't got any tricks, and he has wasted chances when one-on-one, trying to go it alone when teammates have been busting a gut to his right or left for a tap-in.

Watching Josh King for Bournemouth magnified Domenic's shortcomings. He was similarly busy, but his runs were dangerous and his close control (nutmegging Coleman ) was something Calvert-Lewin would only dream of.

I do think Calvert-Lewin can improve and his goals tally prove he is a Premier League player. He is still young but I would think that input from a former striker with a different game to Big Dunc would benefit him.

I cast my mind back to a few years ago when Rooney, Klaason and Calvert-Lewin had a match-off playing one-twos and shooting at Finch Farm. Dom was nowhere near as clinical as the other two. I was shocked at how poor his finishing was. It was a while ago but it demonstrated that he is not a natural finisher.

Richarlison on the other hand has innate ability and some of the goals he has scored of late reveal incredible talent. His problem is his ridiculous falling over screaming.

If I was Carlo, I would snap-up Josh King. Just the sort of competition for the front line.

Hugh Jenkins
192 Posted 30/07/2020 at 08:46:30
I don't know what our obsession is in buying or raising young players and then loaning them out to other clubs to "develop". Most of these youngsters have been playing the game all their lives – they have been coached and trained to the "n-th" degree.

OK - the Premier League is faster and harder.

But, you have the situations like Jordan Sancho who left Man City as he couldn't' see a route to the first team, becomes a star in Germany and is now being "brought back" to the Premier Leaguefor £150m, if rumours are to be believed.

The old adage that, "if you are good enough, you are old enough", still holds true in my view.

A case in point is young Jarrad Braithwaite. Bought from Carlisle as "one for the future", in desperation he is introduced into the first team and performs well. Yes, he might make the odd mistake - but so do seasoned professionals.

In the past we had Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka on our books as youths and let them go as "not good enough", then bought them back for many millions several years later.

This is beginning to sound like a rant - which it isn't intended to be but, at the moment we have, Keane, Mina, Holgate, Braithwaite (and Gibson returning from Fleetwood) as our centre-backs – surely we don't need another (particularly as Gbamin can also (if he recovers) play there as a stop gap. Let's concentrate on the areas of the team the need strengthening.

Let's also start looking at the disaffected players from other sides that are looking for an out – or a quick route to first team football. At the moment, Dortmund seems to be the favoured path... why not Everton?

The Longstaff lads from Newcastle seem to want to move – both are midfielders with lots of promise – can we offer them or any others a home?


Andrew Ellams
193 Posted 30/07/2020 at 08:47:41
Anyone thought that Carlo could be using Richarlison to fire a shot across Moshiri and Brands bows?
Joe McMahon
194 Posted 30/07/2020 at 09:26:49
Eddie @191,

I have often thought that a few coaching sessions from someone like Ian Wright would benefit Calvert-Lewin. Ian was a clinical finisher and he has done a bit of coaching in the past.

Robert Tressell
195 Posted 30/07/2020 at 09:28:03
Hugh, the loan system helps to develop players much better than U-23s.

At Chelsea, Tomori, Mount, James, Abraham have all kicked on from the loan system when the route to the first team was blocked by seasoned professionals. They'd have got very little from an extra couple of seasons in the U23s.

Some kids are good enough to come straight in. Some are lucky enough to find there's a gap in their position the first team. If not, once they've shown they can handle the U23s, it's time to loan them out so they can step up to the next challenge.

Dave Abrahams
196 Posted 30/07/2020 at 09:31:55
Mike (178),

“That's sufficient on this post, I think.”

Yes, that will do me fine. Your word is my command.

Dave Abrahams
197 Posted 30/07/2020 at 09:38:36
Sam (186), yes, I realise that stats are here to stay, and that they are used more and more by most clubs. That's fair enough but regarding watching players, my eyes will always tell me how good or bad a player is. But again, each to their own.
Jerome Shields
198 Posted 30/07/2020 at 09:47:53
Eddie #191,

I agree that Richarlison does make offensive runs, it is his main strength as a player. But in an Everton attack where he is the most recognised forward, this as a threat is too easily dealt with, especially if his passing and interplay in the final third are weak. This extra attention forces him deeper, making him less of a threat and making his runs when he does get on the ball more frequently tackled.

In the case of Calvert-Lewin, he has always been a yard short, against Bournemouth two yards short, of a challenging position in front of goal. When he plays, you can see the centre-back often clear the ball unchallenged.

Adding insult to injury, the centre-back often has time to look around before he brings the ball under control. In the Bournemouth game, near the end, you can see a cross from the right, where the Everton attackers all run to the near post with the centre-back ahead of them positionally, only too see the ball fly over their heads to the far post, with nobody there.

Hugh #192,

Players at Everton are loaned out to reduce the wages bill and as a trial in the hope someone will put in a bid for them. They are not contacted or observed throughout their loan period. There is little development feedback sought by Everton. I would go so far as to say that some are forgotten about.

Chris Coleman as a Manager has stated this publicly while Managing Sunderland about Everton, and Ancelotti has said 'Luke who??????' The latter tells you all you need to know about Everton loanees and those in charge of their development.

Raising Loanees questions on ToffeeWeb was the right thing to do. ToffeeWeb have posters who do know and try to get up-to-date information on loanees with up-to-date analysis. Contacting Everton!!!!! You would only be wasting your time.

Brian Harrison
199 Posted 30/07/2020 at 09:56:30
Funny how some will use stats to back up their argument but, when the stats don't back up their argument, they say stats are meaningless.

Although stats don't always tell the full story, they have to be taken into account. According to Sky, Richarlison was involved in 36% of Everton's goals which was the 6th highest in the Premier League.

Do we use the stat that this season we collected just 1 win from the 12 games against the traditional top 6 as an important stat or just dismiss it?

Do we use the stat that we collected just 7 points from losing positions? Only Norwich, Bournemouth and West Ham retrieved fewer points from a losing position. Again is this just another meaningless stat that we should take no notice of.

Darren Hind
200 Posted 30/07/2020 at 10:11:57
What's really funny is how some people don't seem to be able to differentiate between official records, facts and daft-arsed irrelevant stats dreamed up by people with too much time on their hands.

I love when people hammer Sky for their ridiculous prejudiced biased presentation... then treat their numbers as gospel.

"Involved in" ... Lol!

Patrick McFarlane
201 Posted 30/07/2020 at 10:22:10
I think the major issue is that, due to the thirst of TV companies to have something 'meaningful' to discuss and in order to promote various clubs and players, the use of stats to inform the casual viewer has become ridiculous and, to the ordinary match-going supporter, a complete irrelevance.

Add to this the huge sums of money involved in transfer fees and salaries and the administrators and management at most clubs seek to justify its expenditure via the use of lots and lots of stats.

Football has forgotten that it is supposed to be part of the entertainment industry and therefore the game should not be quantified by numbers apart from the goals scored and the points gained.

Football should be treated as an art form and the performances judged subjectively, therefore it is not an ideal industry to quantify every single moment of each game using pretty useless data.

Obviously data relating to the fitness side of things is useful as a management tool, but the reason that most games we watch today are often unexciting is that the players are over-managed and they are more interested in their own personal stats rather than their actual meaningful contribution to the team and its results.

Everton FC is renowned as the 'School of Science' but deep down the fans want to see artistry and guile. Instead, we are subjected to robotic by-the-numbers football, which may be good for the geeks and those who love statistics, but does not entertain those of us who enjoy the simplicity of the game.

Brian Williams
202 Posted 30/07/2020 at 10:30:58
Relax, lads.... we'll be raking it in for new signings from Dowell's sale to Norwich. ;-)
Jerome Shields
203 Posted 30/07/2020 at 10:50:27
Patrick #201

I agree that some Everton players play according to Stats. That's why you have backward and sideways passing and forwards coming deep to get on the ball.

The 'School of Science' at Finch Farm employs:

Video Analyst
Lead Performance Analyst
Data Analyst
Two Data Scientists

I bet a lot of players enjoy a coffee talking to these guys and it will occur to them when on the pitch, 'There's a good stat to improve my performance' and make the team talks more comfortable. Shots on targets is often swamped with other stats.

As you say, it takes you to actually analyse their play by observation. I myself find I get caught in this trap. It's easier to bring up stats than go forward and back through videos.

I often remember being at games and afterwards watching Jimmy Hills stats analysis. I often shouted at Hill on television to Fuck Off, when he analysed instances near where I was.

I suppose current pundits have more technology available to them. It's a blessing that Jimmy was before all this, because he would have definitely have got himself shot.

Tony Abrahams
204 Posted 30/07/2020 at 11:21:52
I never watched us on Sunday, but what Jerome said about Moise Keane, sounded good to me. It’s why I said I think Dyche, would play Wood over Richarlison, even though our player has a lot more natural ability.

We have been massively defensive since the restart, but one of the things I have been very underwhelmed with is the front pairing.

We have never looked like a team that has got two men up front, because Lewin and Richarlison often run in opposite directions.

This is good when they work as a pair, and one pulls defenders out of position for the other one to exploit (Richarlison against Southampton, maybe? I’m not sure) but most of the time, Richarlison is going towards his own goal, possibly trying to get involved (because of what Robert T says about our disfunctual midfield)

It’s why I prefer our Brazilian out wide, although Robert’s other point about him running in behind is an exciting prospect because it’s also something I think could become one of Richarlison’s major strengths, given time?

Colin Glassar
206 Posted 30/07/2020 at 11:31:35
Personally, I have never warmed to Richarlison. I know he scores goals, but could score more, but his constant pouting, falling over, screaming in agony (I know he gets kicked a lot), theatrics etc just make me roll my eyes and yawn.

If he could cut out this childish behaviour he could become a real player. Until then the jury is still out for me. If we got a ridiculous offer for him (£70M plus) I'd take it.

Rob Dolby
207 Posted 30/07/2020 at 12:23:09
Richarlison is a 22-year-old full Brazilian international. He is by far and away the most talented player we have. He might not be everyone's cup of tea with his sulking and diving but take him away from this squad and the team will get relegated.

His agent will no doubt be touting him around the big boys so, with a bit of luck, we have another 18 months before he will be sold.

Jerome Shields
211 Posted 30/07/2020 at 13:40:37
Brands could be taking more of a interest Tony , since Ancelotti did increase his remit to include academy recruitment. But Brands also his the remit to reduce the wages bill.
Eddie Dunn
213 Posted 30/07/2020 at 13:57:25
Andrew, would you have Stones back?
Dan Nulty
214 Posted 30/07/2020 at 14:03:20
Can you imagine Stones and Pickford in the same team? We'd be watching waiting to see which one was going to drop the next clanger first.

Shame, he has all the attributes to be top class but lacks that 90 minute concentration the best players have.

Kieran Kinsella
215 Posted 30/07/2020 at 14:08:55
Colin 206

I get your point but I think the ratio of good to stroppy improves with Rich this year so hopefully that trend will continue exponentially

Andrew Ellams
216 Posted 30/07/2020 at 14:23:31
Eddie, no. He's an accident waiting to happen and would be a catastrophe of we are going to continue those bizarre goal kick routines.
Andrew Hight
217 Posted 30/07/2020 at 14:30:34
Our fan’s obsession with wanting former players back is mind boggling. Particularly when they’ve been proven not to cut it at the level we are want to aim for.
Sam Hoare
219 Posted 30/07/2020 at 14:43:26
Andrew@223, some of them have been pretty decent though. I reckon this team below would be fun to watch and would do a fair bit better than 12th if they all stayed fit.

Pickford
Coleman Holgate Stones Digne
Barkley Gueye Gomes
Deulofeu Lukaku Richarlison

Maybe an argument for Lundstram or Vlasic to get in for Gomes. And we could use a new right back and GK.

Alan McGuffog
221 Posted 30/07/2020 at 15:34:43
Hope not, Eddie... imagine him and Davies squabbling over a feckin Alice band in the changing room.
Darren Hind
222 Posted 30/07/2020 at 19:29:34
I sincerely hope our two data scientists are not spending too much time trying to work out how Richarlison was "involved" in 36% of the 44 goals we scored. They may be a while.

That stat is a prime example of the ridiculous nature of these crackpot stats. Not only is it wildly inaccurate, it does Richarlison a real disservice. As a forward, he is involved in 100% of the goals scored while he is on the pitch. His mere presence dictates that. He actually put the ball in the net personally for 13 of those 44 goals.

Sixth best in the league? These stattos are having an awful lot of kecks down.

Joseph Mputu
223 Posted 30/07/2020 at 20:34:58
Colin @206, old chap. I totally agree with you in not warming to that surly fellow Richarlison. I cannot abide his cantankerous demeanour which, I think, is reflective of his attitude, ie, that he believes he is much too good for Everton. His comments in this article only serve to confirm my suspicion of supercilious superiority.

Personally, I would rate our super estrela Brasileira as better than our previous left-sided flanker Ronnie Goodlass, but certainly not as effective as Terry Curran.

Barry Jones
224 Posted 31/07/2020 at 14:10:42
Darren #69. Totally agree with your assessment. We have a tendency to over rate certain players and unnecessarily trash others (André Gomes comes to mind). The entire squad needs to go under the microscope, and possibly the scalpel.
Sukhdev Sohal
226 Posted 31/07/2020 at 23:42:35
Darren, your attempts to undermine Richarlison by comparing him to a striker in his prime are terrible. Burnley have been with the same manager since 2012 and we have been chopping and changing managers since then. Richarlison is also in a new position which he hasn't always played but I do agree that, apart from scoring, his general play needs improving.
Mike Corcoran
227 Posted 02/08/2020 at 12:29:31
When the team plays to his strengths, he'll be a monster. To get 15 goals with this team around him is phenomenal.
Allan Board
229 Posted 02/08/2020 at 12:52:56
Personally, I don't give a damn how much time Richarlison spends on the floor or 'not working hard enough'. If he wasn't in such a shit team, he would score twice as many.

Not sure why the fella who scores our goals, wins loads of ball back for us, and actually gives a shit gets grief. Perhaps because he cost a few quid?

If you want to see someone who's downed tools since he got his big contract, take a look at his striking partner. Spends more time checking himself out in his silly tight shorts than doing what he's paid for – and wins no balls back for you and loses it with monotonous regularity. Needs a word in his ear.

Forget the homegrown players to take us to glory; Ancelloti will buy a team to be successful because that's what he excels at... or be happy with 12th most years.

Filipe Torres
230 Posted 04/08/2020 at 21:54:51
Richarlison is showing he wants out, I have to be honest; I'd sell him, cause he has shown he wants out. He and Kean can fuck off!

I love Benrahma, Buendia and Connoly from Brighton, I have watched Leonidas Sergiu from St Gallen and he is an amazing centre-back. I wouldn't care if they aren't as renowned as some other players – I would take them over most of our current players.

And Jordan Pickford can fuck off too, get Pope in there. I like players who grow in the game, that shows talent; players who came from scratch and are still young. I would do a Moneyball with them.

Tom Bowers
231 Posted 04/08/2020 at 22:01:12
I wouldn't blame him for wanting out. He has the talent to do well with other teams so, if he wants a top side now and Euro competition, then he should ask for a transfer and let's move on with the money we get for him rather than see him sulk for another year.
Filipe Torres
232 Posted 04/08/2020 at 22:08:17
Tom @231 and all others;

No, he hasn't, he looks average most of the time, doesn't cross, doesn't dribble and isn't as imaginative as you would think.

I would argue that he is as good as we see it right now, it's not the team around him that increase or decrease his performances.

If he was world class, he would make all the others around him look better.


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