Age of the squad

[Deco]

It's been brought up many times before, with the average age of our team being generally high, although what I've realised is that the team is actually beginning to get a really good balance of age - with players that are already in the squad that are capable of replacing the older lot when needed and are likely to become brilliant by the time the older players leave.

With the likes of Coleman for Hibbert, Mirallas for Pienaar (yes I know that Mirallas plays in CAM/RM when he's fit but he's naturally a LM and will in time take it for himself as Pienaar gets older), Barkley for Osman etc.. It's starting to look quite positive and with a few more acquisitions we can really have a team that can last for years even without any real investment. Looking at our squad people seem to say we'll be ruined in a few years time but it seems as if Moyes is really looking to the next generation, he may not give them as many chances as some may like but I trust that he's doing the right thing as without him who knows where we would be today.

 

[Brennan]

Doesn't concern me tbh.

In 2011-12 the youngest average squad age was Norwich with 25, oldest was Stoke with 28.42, we were 11th in the 'table' with 26.41.

 

[electricblue]

We've a good blend of youth and experience - both are a must.

 

[Deco]

Doesn't concern me tbh.

In 2011-12 the youngest average squad age was Norwich with 25, oldest was Stoke with 28.42, we were 11th in the 'table' with 26.41.

We've a good blend of youth and experience - both are a must.

Yeah exactly, I do see many people saying "what happens when the likes of Osman and Hibbert become too old to play?", but the squad is looking quite strong at the moment.

 

[Brennan]

Yeah exactly, I do see many people saying "what happens when the likes of Osman and Hibbert become too old to play?", but the squad is looking quite strong at the moment.

To that i'd say we've got a good young RB in Coleman and our CM problems will most likely be addressed with the unfortunate sale of Fellaini in the Summer.

Also, Osman has never been one who relies on pace so as long as he's played in the middle rather than the wing i can see him doing a job for a couple of years yet.

 

[Deco]

To that i'd say we've got a good young RB in Coleman and our CM problems will most likely be addressed with the unfortunate sale of Fellaini in the Summer.

Also, Osman has never been one who relies on pace so as long as he's played in the middle rather than the wing i can see him doing a job for a couple of years yet.

Agree with that, Osman is looking brilliant and seems to be fit and improving with age. Although I hate to say it, selling Fellaini might be the best thing for the club - we've done brilliantly during his suspension and I think that if we can get £30m for him (ignoring any clause) then we could get 4 or 5 brilliant players and completely changed the club into a top 4 competitor (more so).

 

[Brennan]

Agree with that, Osman is looking brilliant and seems to be fit and improving with age. Although I hate to say it, selling Fellaini might be the best thing for the club - we've done brilliantly during his suspension and I think that if we can get £30m for him (ignoring any clause) then we could get 4 or 5 brilliant players and completely changed the club into a top 4 competitor (more so).

Only problem with that is we'd need the club to back the purchase of multiple players with a wage fund

 

[Deco]

Only problem with that is we'd need the club to back the purchase of multiple players with a wage fund

Yeah I exaggerated a bit with the 4 or 5 players haha, but 3 players should be realistic enough.

 

[Stend]

Doesn't concern me tbh.

In 2011-12 the youngest average squad age was Norwich with 25, oldest was Stoke with 28.42, we were 11th in the 'table' with 26.41.

Doesnt concern you?

To be honest. We're the type of club that can't replace 5 players like for like in one go.

Not majorly concerning but would be nice to get some younger lads in.

 

[Brennan]

Doesnt concern you?

To be honest. We're the type of club that can't replace 5 players like for like in one go.

Not majorly concerning but would be nice to get some younger lads in.

In comparison to our total lack of off the field assets, the bunch of morons running the club, and the fact that Moyes could leave in the Summer along with one of our best players no, our average squad age doesn't really concern me.

Young players (27 or under): Oviedo, Vellios, Duffy, Anichebe, Coleman, Mirallas, Fellaini, Gibson, Jelavic, Naismith

I'm more concerned about the poor food available at Goodison tbh.

 

[Joao Moutinho]

It's a good mix, could go either way.

Look at Villa - too many young players

Look at the likes of QPR & Reading - too many older players

 

[Deco]

Doesnt concern you?

To be honest. We're the type of club that can't replace 5 players like for like in one go.

Not majorly concerning but would be nice to get some younger lads in.

I don't think we'd be in that situation, the older players in the squad who are most likely going to end their careers in a couple of seasons are Neville, Hibbert, Distin - two of which we have replacements for (Nev and Hibbert), the other being a CB who Duffy can grow into or even if we do get Forren who is young then that situation is sorted.

 

[Stend]

Neville - 1 year
Distin - 1-2
Hitzlsperger - 1
Hibbert - 2
Osman - 2/3
Pienaar - 2/3

Based on competing at the top of the premiership

 

[Brennan]

Neville - 1 year
Distin - 1-2
Hitzlsperger - 1
Hibbert - 2
Osman - 2/3
Pienaar - 2/3

Based on competing at the top of the premiership

That doesn't make sense to me. Hitzlsperger is 30, why does he only have a year left ? Pienaar has never relied on pace, i don't see there being any problem with him remaining good for 3 seasons at least, never mind 2.

Hibbert is 31, Neville is 35. Why does the latter have a season left but the former only 2 ?

 

[Joao Moutinho]

Neville - 1 year
Distin - 1-2
Hitzlsperger - 1
Hibbert - 2
Osman - 2/3
Pienaar - 2/3

Based on competing at the top of the premiership

pienaar and osman could easily play at least 3 more in the centre of midfield