Pienaar in a pinch

davek · February 22, 2009

This season has been all about players slotting into unaccustomed roles. This was mentioned elsewhere on another Everton forum, but I wonder if Pienaar could sit there in the middle in Arteta's likely long absence and pull the strings for us? Just looking on Ajax forums and it seems Pienaar played a season or two with distinction there for the Dutch side (maybe Dutch Toffee could confirm?).

HalewoodBlue_ver.2.0 · February 22, 2009

davek said:
This season has been all about players slotting into unaccustomed roles. This was mentioned elsewhere on another Everton forum, but I wonder if Pienaar could sit there in the middle in Arteta's likely long absence and pull the strings for us? Just looking on Ajax forums and it seems Pienaar played a season or two with distinction for the Dutch side (maybe Dutch Toffee could confirm?).

Dont think he is that type of player to be honest

Royal Blue Jersey · February 22, 2009

Osman can do that job, he was excellent last season with Carsley behind him, just desperately need Ossie back fit.
Pienaar can play there but I'd definately prefer him out wide.

Brownie · February 22, 2009

Possibly, he wouldn't look out of place there. Personally I think we need Rodders to play every single week and hopefully get better and better. He's the only player we've got that could potentially run a midfield like Mikel does.

Jamo Martinez · February 22, 2009

I saw a fair bit of the Dutch league when Steevie came into the team and he was playing centrally but not sitting as deep as Arteta has been doing. I do think he would be able to fill in better than any alternative we have at the moment

davek · February 22, 2009

HalewoodBlue_ver.2.0 said:
Dont think he is that type of player to be honest

I could see it, to be honest. Be interesting to see what the Dutch lads think. One things for sure, we cant dream of putting the ponderous Castillo in there or Neville.

kenada_blue · February 22, 2009

I mention Pienaar. He has that creativity that Arteta has.

But remember Arteta being out for a month around the Florentina games? We did well without him.

Ossie or Pienaar playing will make us more solid.

Arteta is a MASSIVE blow but I cant see us fuucking up this season when injured and suspended players come back.

davek · February 22, 2009

James Martin said:
I saw a fair bit of the Dutch league when Steevie came into the team and he was playing centrally but not sitting as deep as Arteta has been doing. I do think he would be able to fill in better than any alternative we have at the moment

Cheers mate. Sounds like an option from what you say.

ToxtethBlue · February 22, 2009

He can play there, more attacking than Arteta though. He'd probably be like an upgrade on Osman in there. I'm sure he could do well but it takes something away from the wings.

We have no one who can replace him outwide unless you put one of Louis Saha or Jo on the left.

ToxtethBlue · February 22, 2009

I just pray that he doesn't use two defensive midfielders, Neville needs someone alongside him that has a bit of creativity and craft. Someone who's willing to get on the ball and be positive.

Osman for me. Maybe him and Pienaar interchanging positions during games so we can try and find the right balance.

If he moves Fellaini or Castillo in there then where ****ed, simple as really.

Namdrater · February 22, 2009

He could do that, hes played centrally for South Africa before as well

davek · February 22, 2009

ToxtethBlue said:
I just pray that he doesn't use two defensive midfielders, Neville needs someone alongside him that has a bit of creativity and craft. Someone who's willing to get on the ball and be positive.

Osman for me. Maybe him and Pienaar interchanging positions during games so we can try and find the right balance.

If he moves Fellaini or Castillo in there then where ****ed, simple as really.

Agreed. Certainly Castillo cant hack it in there.

davek · February 22, 2009

Namdrater said:
He could do that, hes played centrally for South Africa before as well

How does he cope with the physical side of it in there? Arteta screens the ball so well as you have to in that position. That would be my question mark over him, tbh. He's got vision and his work rate is prodigious.

ToxtethBlue · February 22, 2009

davek said:
How does he cope with the physical side of it in there? Arteta screens the ball so well as you have to in that position. That would be my question mark over him, tbh. He's got vision and his work rate is prodigious.

He's a little battler, he'd be fine in there. Osman did a decent job in there last season and I'd argue that Pienaar is more tenacious and stronger.

Keeping hold of the ball isn't Pienaar's thing, he's more of a pass and move player. He'd offer something different to Arteta, he'd play a more attacking role I reckon.

davek · February 22, 2009

ToxtethBlue said:
He's a little battler, he'd be fine in there. Osman did a decent job in there last season and I'd argue that Pienaar is more tenacious and stronger.

Keeping hold of the ball isn't Pienaar's thing, he's more of a pass and move player. He'd offer something different to Arteta, he'd play a more attacking role I reckon.

Sounds good enough for me. It's at times like these you appreciate Moyes signing players who have experience playing different positions...and we've certainly had to exploit it this season!!!!