Everton v Lille/Porto Sat/Sun 21/22 July 8pm KO

[Bazlar]

Lads. It was a pre-season friendly. Ffs

 

[Connor]

That was a game for that starting 11, bar Oumar, to impress and only Besic and Connolly did.

Wouldn't be shocked if everyone that started that game bar those three are loaned out or sold before the close of the window.

 

[zzr45]

I can understand why people would doubt any youth team player would become a Premier League regular, very few do. What I don't understand is why some appear so desperate for them not to. He was one of the best players in the first half of the Championship season at 19 years of age, including a cup game against Arsenal where he scored one and made one.

I’m not desperate for him not to be. I saw Danny Cadametri score in a derby, I saw Micheal Branch hailed as the new Dixie Dean based on few prem games, Franny Jeffers hailed as a World Cup winner. Nick Chadwick, James Vaughan etc. We have a way of over hyping academy players who just don’t cut it, I don’t see a Premiership player in Dowell. Sorry.

 

[catcherintherye]

I didn't see the game today, but looks very much a fringe 11 that has drawn with a solid French division side. Being competitive at such a level is no disgrace for a fringe 11.

It's a bit harsh to judge lads on 10 minutes off the bench too in my view.

Nice to see Besic get some praise, he has always been a talented player but had terrible luck with injuries. Who knows with him.

 

[ToffeeTim]

The fringe lads missed their opportunity. Shame but no room for sentiment. I expect to see most of them moved on by this regime.

 

[Papa Shango]

I’m not desperate for him not to be. I saw Danny Cadametri score in a derby, I saw Micheal Branch hailed as the new Dixie Dean based on few prem games, Franny Jeffers hailed as a World Cup winner. Nick Chadwick, James Vaughan etc. We have a way of over hyping academy players who just don’t cut it, I don’t see a Premiership player in Dowell. Sorry.

You may be right, but you (and others) are judging a players ability to play for the first team based on an appearance for the second team.

 

[atrottel]

Niasse is staying, according to Silva. Thought he disappeared in the second half.

Besic made a case for the squad. Sandro and Klaasen not so much, although Sandro's set pieces are better than anyone else these days. If you slowed the game down and didn't use body strength (definition of Dutch league?), Klaasen would probably be decent. As the PL isn't like that, he goes. Williams wasn't bad, although I wouldn't be that sad if he was replaced.

Of the younger players, Kenny deserves a medal for showing well despite having the Croatian waste of space in front of him. Pennington is hardly youth any more but squad player in desperation, ideally transfer to a team such as Stoke or WBA. Connolly, didn't really set the world on fire but wasn't bad. Another loan? Robinson, can see there is a player in there but really lacks experience and judgement.

 

[catcherintherye]

I’m not desperate for him not to be. I saw Danny Cadametri score in a derby, I saw Micheal Branch hailed as the new Dixie Dean based on few prem games, Franny Jeffers hailed as a World Cup winner. Nick Chadwick, James Vaughan etc. We have a way of over hyping academy players who just don’t cut it, I don’t see a Premiership player in Dowell. Sorry.

The issue is though mate he's had 10 minutes off the bench against a decent Lique 1 side tonight and people seem to be writing him off. Others wrote him off after he got about 6 assists in a half the other day. People are entitled to their views but I think some seem very happy to jump to conclusions and not fully consider the context.

I think he was underwhelming against Bury by the way and said as much. If he starts the next game, he will need to to put in a decent showing.

 

[ilikecheese]

That was a game for that starting 11, bar Oumar, to impress and only Besic and Connolly did.

Wouldn't be shocked if everyone that started that game bar those three are loaned out or sold before the close of the window.

I think Kenny isn't going anywhere.

 

[atypicalusername]

Besic did really well tonight. Other than that seems an average performance for most players

 

[Berenger]

That was tough to watch. Lots of players missing but I can't see what the system or plan is. Worried.

Surprised you think that. I thought there was quite a clear plan. Much higher energy. Attacking play was focused either down the wings directly by moving the ball quickly across the back, straight into 9 or 8s' feet and then wide, or with long balls into the channels. High and overlapping full backs with the #6 dropping when we have the ball. Defending we had high closing down by the front 4/5 when it made sense. Standard 4-5 compact at the back without the ball, squeezing the space between the lines and sending them out wide.

Granted the quality wasn't there but you could see the blueprint and the identity Silva wants.

 

[jrj]

Has Niasse ever looked that good when he's started a game ? Usually its as sub that he makes an impact

 

[Slippin Jimmy]

I’m not desperate for him not to be. I saw Danny Cadametri score in a derby, I saw Micheal Branch hailed as the new Dixie Dean based on few prem games, Franny Jeffers hailed as a World Cup winner. Nick Chadwick, James Vaughan etc. We have a way of over hyping academy players who just don’t cut it, I don’t see a Premiership player in Dowell. Sorry.

Dowell looks like Robocop, the first one from the 80's

 

[Connor]

I think Kenny isn't going anywhere.

Forgot he started the game tbh Cheese

Yeah, he'll stay as back-up

 

[MichaelEFC96]

Has Niasse ever looked that good when he's started a game ? Usually its as sub that he makes an impact

That's all he is unfortunately. Don't mind him staying as long as he's a squad player. Need Tosun to do the business.