Moving Forward

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

Totally agree with Mick on the Cahill absentee yesterday. Yak can't have to many days like yesterday and even want to stay here. It's very evident we need a Cahill like box to box player that can damage defenses from set plays. That should be high on our shopping list. Neville & Cars were being raped in the first half. Counter attacks all the [Poor language removed] did was attack Hibbo with the dutchman on the flank. Yesterdays game should show were we need additional help.

 

[TX Bill]

yes I thought it was funny though you saying he can't stop scoring and in his latest match he hadn't scored.

15 Goals is some haul for a midfielder though I agree with you there.

Isn't he being touted as a Carsley replacement.? Where does he play if he's deep lying then 15 goals is a very good return indeed.

That's the position he's playing for the US National Team and quite effectively I might add.

I think's he's a bit more forward for Heerenveen but I could be mistaken. I haven't seen any of their matches this year.

 

[caught]

I think a player like Kallstrom would be excellent as a deep-lying central midfielder - strong on the ball, good passing range, aggressive. We also lack a player who can run effectively at defenders. Arteta isn't that player and Ossie and Pienaar haven't quite got the strength or pace to do so against good players. A rapid outlet down the flank is something we've been crying out for all season. See the way RS use Babel, firing quick balls forward to him from their defensive third and his pace turns defense into attack very quickly, even if he isn't that great a player. Looking at how often we play ourselves into a rut in the middle against well organised midfields, I hope it's something that Moyes addresses in the summer.

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

I liked that also. Kallstrom would be ideal for us. Will he want to come is the question.

 

[TX Bill]

Good points Caught and I really like Babel. I think he'd be very, very good for us in that role.

That said, I felt that was one of Fernandes' strengths (running at players) and why I was big on us bringing him back.

Unfortunately, he really hasn't shown us that side of his game since his return.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Manny is part of a devilish plan concocted by The Ginger One, whereby he plays poop for a few months and Valencia are so relieved that we'll offer any money for him they bite our hands off. He then turns into Roy of the Rovers.

 

[micknick]

Thought Manny was the one shining light on Sunday did well when he came on.

Whats this Bradley fella like then?

 

[monty]

Manny is part of a devilish plan concocted by The Ginger One, whereby he plays poop for a few months and Valencia are so relieved that we'll offer any money for him they bite our hands off. He then turns into Roy of the Rovers.

Wake up Bruce its time for work you've been sleep typing again

 

[Bruce Wayne]

It could happen. Him and Riquelme in midfield next season b)

 

[monty]

It could happen. Him and Riquelme in midfield next season b)

If that happened Bruce I'll retrire, for good

 

[Great Dane]

I agree with most of the posters in this thread. There are questionmarks to be put on Hibbert, Neville, Wessels, Osman, and Carsley. None should be in fully fit starting 11.

I would not sell them either and especially think that Osman would be good coming of the bench, and Hibbert and Carsley would be good to have around for those dogs-of-war matches that every season has.

IMO we must hold on to Cahill as previously stated by other posters we play the best football when he's around supporting Yakubu. The overriding problem is that there is no plan B for when Cahill is injured. I believe that Moyes must adapt a similar 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 system as it is much more flexible and creates two stronger groupings than the three in a classic 4-4-2.

We have players who will thrive in this formation: Cahill, Piennar, Fernandes, Arteta and Yakubu. Osman, Neville and Carsley will fit in as well when called upon. What we really need is the pitbull-in-the-center (Fernandes will be our deep schemer (thank you for that word Bruce )). The one that sets an example with his tackling, drive and guts. A man who feels at home on the right is also needed to put pressure on Arteta and to make sure that there is someone who can play instead of Arteta playing through the pain barrier week-in-week out. However I would sell Arteta if offered around £12-15 mio.

In defence we really need to transform Jags into a natural right back, so that we can use a back four of Jags - Yobo - Lescott - Baines. All pacey defenders and players who can move the ball forward without launching a rocket towards the oppositions goal.

So Moyes here´s what to do in the summer:
- Sign up Piennar
- Sign up Fernandes
- Re-school Jags into a right back
- Sign a pitbull - could be in the form of Lorik Cana
- Sign a right winger - Quaresma might be a stretch, but a cheeky bid for Mancini of Roma could perhaps work.
- Sign a back-up central defender
- Extend Carsley's contract for another year.

Simple right

 

[Bundy]

We need to take a hard look at the team and what is required to take the next step. We have done well this year and Im confident we will finish 5th on the back of a carling cup semi and a decent run in Europe. But....

There is a reason we dont take points off the big boys very often and that is because we dont have the right set up from the midfield. You will very rarely see one of the top four playing 4-5-1 you may say what about Chelsea but in reality they are more like a 4-3-3 because they have the right midfielders in the centre of the park.

For us to compete we need to change the midfield and maybe for the better of the team sacrifice some of our Goodison favourites. I believe we have to be ruthless and cut some of the players that we have held in high regard for so long.

Carsley- The guy has had a good season but at the end of the day we are never going to break into the top four or beyond with someone who hasnt got the fitness or passing ability of a younger player.

Osman- I like ossie I really do but what is his best position?! Behind the front man- in the middle?! For us to go forward I dont think we can have him in our starting 11. He is lightweight and gets found out when we play the top sides.

Neville (in Midfield) It just doesnt work does it?! I think hes a decent enough right back but just not what we need in midfield. I think Hibbert offers good tackling ability but not much else. I would play Neville at Right back but no where else.

Now I might get shot for this and im even suprised Im saying it but what about Cahill?! We build our system around the guy and when hes on form and we play 4-5-1 the team plays well and it flows but when hes injured or off form we suffer. The fact that he is getting more and more injuries is worrying and we need to cover all areas.

I think the answer lies in what alot of us have been saying- we need to invest in the midfield and without a shadow of a doubt should sign a 'complete' central midfielder. I probably dont know enough about World Football to suggest anyone that hasnt already been mentioned.

The criteria is simple but all too rare- Strong on the ball, range of passing, good in the air and strong in the tackle. Someone who can grab the game by the scruff of the neck and drive the team on. Who this is I dont know but we need to look for someone in the summer.

I think the defence and attack is sorted but i believe heavy investment is needed for us to enable the team to play 4-4-2 and take the challenge to the top four without this I seriously believe teams like Villa, Spurs and even Pompey could see us off next year.

Moyes was reading this all those years ago.