I think Arshavin was "just what we needed" when we didn't realise quite how good he was.
I reckon most Evertonians (myself included) thought he was a cracking little attacker who was just not quite made for the very top table... so he was an ideal pick for us. He wasn't young, so a transfer scramble was reasonably unlikely, and he'd mentioned us in an interview. He was someone we could realistically take and would fit into our side rather neatly. "Just what we need."
Now, however, we have all discovered that he's quite a bit better than we thought. This means he's no longer "just what we need". He's not that perfect fit (both on the field, and financially) we all thought he was. He would still light up Goodison Park, but now - in terms of cold hard cash, and this being his 'one big move' - he's a pipe dream in the same way that the world's top players are a pipe dream.
"Just what we need" no more.
The president of the Russian Football Federation has revealed that man-of-the-moment Andrei Arshavin ‘dreams’ of playing for Barcelona.
The little Russian playmaker has been the revelation of Euro 2008, producing man-of-the-match performances in his country’s wins over Sweden and Holland en route to the semi-finals.
Arshavin has been strongly linked with a move to England and Arsenal, Manchester City, Everton and Newcastle are all reportedly interested in the Zenit St Petersburg star who will leave Russia this summer.
However, the 27-year-old’s displays in Austria and Switzerland will have placed him on many a club’s wishlist and a move to Spain could be on the agenda.
Barcelona are looking to overhaul their forward line with Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto’o all on the move and Vitaly Butko claims Arshavin is eyeing a move to Camp Nou.
"Andrei has a dream to play for Barcelona," Butko told Sport. "It is, together with the Russian national team, his favourite team.
"He could easily play and show all his quality at Barcelona. Andrei doesn't have less quality than players like Deco."
Sorry mate, but I find that a little defeatest, although I'm sure its not what you meant.
How can a player be too good for us? Anybody at the moment who is better than what we have is a perfect fit, because that is taking us to the next level, which is what we need.
Turns out we were a little ahead of ourselves.
Just read that myself and i've gotta say i'm gutted. Its sraight from the horses mouth as well so there is no doubt spain is his preferred destination. Fair enough, but it just shows how much utter shyte the papers print, for the last 2 weeks since his first game, all i've heard is how he wants to play in England, really builds you up hoping he'll come but at least now we know it aint gonna happen.