Left Midfield

[dano195]

This positon will suffer in the sense that I reckon we'll probably spend the least on this one than any of the others

GK, Attack and probably second striker will have more spent on them than LM, just because the money needs to be spread out

For example, if we get Mata and Witsel in, I can't see us spending big on a winger

We'll probably be shopping in the 5-10 Million range, which should get us a good hand, but no one particularly exciting

agree with you there mate. Probably positions in which we need to strengthen more however still needs to be addressed.

 

[Eggs]

Like the lad, he gives it his all and will always remember the OT goal.

I think since his injury he has lost something, not sure what but its understandable. Don't think he is dynamic enough to be a winger full time, and don't think he is strong enough to be our full time left back.

I would be encouraging offers this summer!

....some players just look like they have brittle legs. I know a very well established football medic who said the horrific break he sustained was almost certainly a result of a weakness or an injury he was carrying.

 

[chazzle_dazzle]

I'd keep him because he's probably not on much, is a good hand and is versatile

Every team needs a Bryan Oviedo type player who they can plug in to the side in an emergency

Seeing as we've culled a few veterans, it makes sense to keep Bry on the pay roll as back up, provided he can stay healthy and can put up with not getting that many first team minutes

Don't get me wrong, i see the merit of having him there, bit of experience has some ability and lots of energy. I just don't see where he fits in long term. Especially long term enough to get a contract.

I suppose i always thought that with Oviedo though, always hoped there would be more to come, don't think there is he has regressed a bit since his injury.

Can see some mid table team in Spain coming for him tbh.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

....we are a football club not a charity.

How is giving Oviedo a job charity?

Lad always works for the cause and has pulled his weight when he's played

Only issue is his fitness, which wasn't helped by Martinez rushing him back at the start of last season due to all our full backs getting injured

120 minutes at Barsnley followed by a full 90 at Tottenham a few days later was always going to end in tears

 

[Eggs]

How is giving Oviedo a job charity?

Lad always works for the cause and has pulled his weight when he's played

Only issue is his fitness, which wasn't helped by Martinez rushing him back at the start of last season due to all our full backs getting injured

120 minutes at Barsnley followed by a full 90 at Tottenham a few days later was always going to end in tears

.....we can't give contracts to players because they are nice blokes. We shouldn't appoint coaches because they pulled their weight on the pitch, we should appoint coaches because they are great in that role. I like Oviedo but he gets handsomely rewarded for his efforts.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

agree with you there mate. Probably positions in which we need to strengthen more however still needs to be addressed.

It's probably the "least" important, in the sense that Mirallas can play there and even Barkley in an absolute emergency situation

To be honest, despite the jokes, Robbie Brady at something like 7 Million wouldn't be the worst choice

He did well in a pretty rubbish Norwich team last season, so surrounded with better players you'd assume he'd do even better

Again, he's hardly the calibre of player we're going to get excited over signing, but if we're making 4-5 really good signings in other areas of the park, there's nothing wrong with cutting our cloth accordingly when it comes to the LM position

If we end the window with Mata, Witsel, Top Goalkeeper, a good back up striker and Brady, we'll have done alright

 

[Raino85]

Try out Oviedo there in pre-season

He's a versatile player and I reckon he'd do well in that position

& if that dosent work give young conor mcaleny a go

 

[Nymzee]

Erm Mirallas.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Erm Mirallas.

Even with Kev, we could do with some back up, as if he gets hurt we're left with Cleverley and Barkley as options, who aren't wingers

One more winger as back up would be ideal

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Re the youth ranks, have we got any good wingers coming through?

It's mostly defenders and CM's at the moment

 

[CahillsCornerFlag]

Whilst I like Oviedo and think he's a useful squad player, I think this sexy new Everton need to be looking at buying someone to come in and nail down the position. Mata perhaps though I'd prefer him behind the striker. Him and Baines could do some naughty things to teams though. Perhaps he views that Grosicki as our new left, I hope not as that would be underwhelming.

 

[Nymzee]

Re the youth ranks, have we got any good wingers coming through?

It's mostly defenders and CM's at the moment

Not in the U21's as of last season, no. Dowell can do a job out wide but better on the right. McAleny can play there but he's dreadful.

I'd make Kev first choice and get a cheapish back-up in.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

I'd make Kev first choice and get a cheapish back-up in.

As would I

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

https://www.grandoldteam.com/forum/threads/this-is-your-chance-boys.56780/page-5#post-2010812

This is how far back I've been beating the "Oviedo as an LM" drum

Over 3 years

I'm stubborn, you can give me that much

 

[Hellerad]

Yep. Let Kev have a shot with RM gone.

Need a back up though. Youth would be fine.

Maybe lock Zat in this thread to figure it out.