Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian
The Unobstructed View
nah it's..... John Willem Neeskins Heemskerk Dijk Van Heitinga II
- Status
That works.
Hayee
Player Valuation: £40m
thanks babe x
Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian
The Unobstructed View
John Gijsbert Alan Heitinga
thats the real one, but we'll ignore that.
knew a dutch lad in n.z. that had the Ajax 1970 team as his middle names, he was born in about 1982 though ffs.
thats the real one, but we'll ignore that.
knew a dutch lad in n.z. that had the Ajax 1970 team as his middle names, he was born in about 1982 though ffs.
Alan is great, no need to change as that suits him superbly.
We need consistencey in our central defence partnership, as much as i like Jonny - we have had more clean sheets in other seasons - the jury is still out on all our defenders this season for me.
That's super that.
Midfeild man?
Midfeild man?
WITH Everton trailing Tottenham by two goals at half-time last weekend, David Moyes shuffled his pack.
Off came the previous week’s man-of-the-match, Leon Osman, replaced by Phil Jagielka, with Johnny Heitinga pushing up into midfield.
It was one of those substitutions that leaves you scratching your head, puzzled at how it will make a difference.
As it happened, it was a switch that helped change the dynamics of a match that went from lost cause to fighting chance for Everton.
As Heitinga provided the presence and poise that had previously been lacking, Everton got a foothold in the game and were unlucky not to come away with at least a point.
The Dutchman has been feted for his performances at the heart of the defence this season but reminded those at White Hart Lane that he has plenty more in his locker.
“He’s done really well at centre-half for us this season,” said Moyes.
“But Johnny helped us last week when he went into midfield.
“We were needing something different, which we might do from now on with losing Fellaini.
“With Fellaini and Cahill out we missed that little bit of strength against Spurs.
“We didn’t need it in the Man United game. Folk might have thought we’d have needed it there, but we didn’t. In the end, we needed it at Tottenham.”
Heitinga was back in central defence for Holland’s 2-1 win over the USA in midweek, displaying a versatility that harks back to his schooling at the world renowned Ajax academy.
“He has that ability to adapt,” continues Moyes.
“He can do a couple of jobs and do them well.
“He’s given us that steadying influence. He’s gone quietly about his job and done very well.
“He came in at a difficult time for us.
“When he joined I thought the best way would be to settle him in midfield, to introduce him to the Premier League from there.
“He had a couple of games there but then had to move back because of injuries to other players.
“He just settled there nicely. It’s one of those decisions now where we might use him as a holding midfielder in some games while in others we can play him at centre-back.”
The general assumption is that a fully fit Jagielka will slot back in at centre-half.
That, of course, implies there will be a fall guy.
On current form it would be difficult to justify a reason to dislodge Heitinga, who has also played at right-back this season.
“He gives us composure but he’s also got a very good football brain,” says Moyes.
“He understands and reads the game very well.
“That’s why, when he’s played at the back, he’s done the job well for us.
“He’s a good all round footballer who can play in two or three holes for us.
“It’s probably helped him settle in to the Premier League now by giving him 10 or 12 games at the back.
“I’m sure he feels he’s done okay.”
Contrary to earlier this season when Moyes’ squad was decimated by injuries, competition for places is hotting up.
But with Heitinga stating a good case for a place at the back, last week’s midfield foray could also see him pushing the likes of Jack Rodwell and Mikel Arteta too.
“We’ve got a strong squad,” adds Moyes.
“We’re maybe a little short here and there but if we can get them all fit we’ve got a real chance.
“I know we can be a match for the best teams.
“But there has been the odd game like Sporting Lisbon away, or Birmingham City in the FA Cup, where I didn’t see it coming.
“We weren’t in a bad run so where did it come from?
“Maybe it comes down to a bit of complacency from one or two players
“That’s why if we have everybody fit it’ll be some job picking the team. But it will be some job getting in the team too.”
Having the ability to produce the goods in a variety of positions can only enhance Heitinga’s chances of making the cut.
Midfeild man?
WITH Everton trailing Tottenham by two goals at half-time last weekend, David Moyes shuffled his pack.
Off came the previous week’s man-of-the-match, Leon Osman, replaced by Phil Jagielka, with Johnny Heitinga pushing up into midfield.
It was one of those substitutions that leaves you scratching your head, puzzled at how it will make a difference.
As it happened, it was a switch that helped change the dynamics of a match that went from lost cause to fighting chance for Everton.
As Heitinga provided the presence and poise that had previously been lacking, Everton got a foothold in the game and were unlucky not to come away with at least a point.
The Dutchman has been feted for his performances at the heart of the defence this season but reminded those at White Hart Lane that he has plenty more in his locker.
“He’s done really well at centre-half for us this season,” said Moyes.
“But Johnny helped us last week when he went into midfield.
“We were needing something different, which we might do from now on with losing Fellaini.
“With Fellaini and Cahill out we missed that little bit of strength against Spurs.
“We didn’t need it in the Man United game. Folk might have thought we’d have needed it there, but we didn’t. In the end, we needed it at Tottenham.”
Heitinga was back in central defence for Holland’s 2-1 win over the USA in midweek, displaying a versatility that harks back to his schooling at the world renowned Ajax academy.
“He has that ability to adapt,” continues Moyes.
“He can do a couple of jobs and do them well.
“He’s given us that steadying influence. He’s gone quietly about his job and done very well.
“He came in at a difficult time for us.
“When he joined I thought the best way would be to settle him in midfield, to introduce him to the Premier League from there.
“He had a couple of games there but then had to move back because of injuries to other players.
“He just settled there nicely. It’s one of those decisions now where we might use him as a holding midfielder in some games while in others we can play him at centre-back.”
The general assumption is that a fully fit Jagielka will slot back in at centre-half.
That, of course, implies there will be a fall guy.
On current form it would be difficult to justify a reason to dislodge Heitinga, who has also played at right-back this season.
“He gives us composure but he’s also got a very good football brain,” says Moyes.
“He understands and reads the game very well.
“That’s why, when he’s played at the back, he’s done the job well for us.
“He’s a good all round footballer who can play in two or three holes for us.
“It’s probably helped him settle in to the Premier League now by giving him 10 or 12 games at the back.
“I’m sure he feels he’s done okay.”
Contrary to earlier this season when Moyes’ squad was decimated by injuries, competition for places is hotting up.
But with Heitinga stating a good case for a place at the back, last week’s midfield foray could also see him pushing the likes of Jack Rodwell and Mikel Arteta too.
“We’ve got a strong squad,” adds Moyes.
“We’re maybe a little short here and there but if we can get them all fit we’ve got a real chance.
“I know we can be a match for the best teams.
“But there has been the odd game like Sporting Lisbon away, or Birmingham City in the FA Cup, where I didn’t see it coming.
“We weren’t in a bad run so where did it come from?
“Maybe it comes down to a bit of complacency from one or two players
“That’s why if we have everybody fit it’ll be some job picking the team. But it will be some job getting in the team too.”
Having the ability to produce the goods in a variety of positions can only enhance Heitinga’s chances of making the cut.
I thought Heitinga played really well in DMF last week. Gave it more of a shape, put himself about a bit and won quite a few tackles so that the defense didn't have to, so that Jags didn't have to hurl himself in at this early stage of his comeback. I think he should play there again to be honest, in the sort of Fellaini role. Now that we're getting more cover in defense I think we can afford to test Heitinga out in midfield for a few matches.
The way jonny had rooney in his pocket cannt be under estimated- the leagues run away player of the year kept deadly quiet by the dutch man. Add in our player of the year last year then you have the possibility of a formidable partnership.
I do kind of agree with neiler though- we could be missing a bit of filth in that central midfield, jonny could certainly muddy it up a bit in there.
I do kind of agree with neiler though- we could be missing a bit of filth in that central midfield, jonny could certainly muddy it up a bit in there.
kenada_blue
Welcome to Barcelonaton FC
My player of the season.
moyes_bringin_it_back
Player Valuation: £950k
He's certainly pushing Fellaini for it.
He's my (other than Arteta) fav because he gives alot of effort to the team.
Delighted Moyes bought him
kenada_blue
Welcome to Barcelonaton FC
I would've said Fellaini but he's out for the season.
Heitinga, minus the 1st couple of games where he was settling, has been consistantly solid all season, never had a poor game, played in a number of positions, and has been a rock at the back when others (Distin, Yobo, Neil buggering off) have all had shockers.
Has a leader sense about him, not scared of a tackle, doesnt moan, can be a rat at times (which is a good thing) and is an all round top international player IMO.
Quality signing for 6mill.
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