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Agent Blue
Player Valuation: £10m
Looking at our form after playing them away it wasn't a bad result at all really, there were quite a few on here predicting a heavy loss and also using the R word.
A draw will do for now, and if we have a transfer window like last summers with more quality brought in, in the positions that need it we stand a good chance of beating them next season. With Brands at the club there is no reason to believe that recruitment will be the problem it has in the past.
...I think the inclusion of Schneiderlin is more about the team shape than the player himself. A player operating where he does protects the back four more.
catcherintherye
Player Valuation: £80m
To answer your questions they would be.
1) I am not sure. I have my doubts. I hope he is but of the 3 players he's the biggest maverick of the 3 in playing style. The other two have the pace and physicality to contribute when not on their game. That being said they didn't sell him last summer and Brands has referenced him. They could have moved him on in January but it looks like they have resisted. So they see a player in there.
Why doesn't he start over Walcott? I would suggest Walcott does a lot more running off the ball and thus helps our defensive work. His pace and direct running pushes opposition full backs deeper and so helps our team defensively. I suppose that is my doubt over Lookman, he is not a Walcott with more end product.
I would also add though that brands seems very shrewd and can se there is an asset in Lookman who will only increase in value so doesn't want to sell cheap. Hopefully the penny drops for him this summer (which it can with players).
2) I think Schneiderlin has been very good the last 2 games. The numbers don't seem to lie either, lots of good defensive stats and lots of control in midfield. Crucially though has been the "eye test" and I think his positioning in the derby was fantastic and really prevented them getting major quality to the front man past him.
I'll be honest I always wondered what a Gana at his best and Schneiderlin at his best midfield would look like. Both have shown individually (in patches) form where they wouldn't look out of place in a top 4 side. It has never been seen together before the last 2 games. Silva has found a way to get them both to compliment each other which is a major achievement (especially if it lasts beyond 2 games). Both playing at their best, in truth they will offer fantastic protection for our back line and we will greatly reduce the goals we have conceded.
As for the summer I don't massively want to see us doing lots of business. I think players are settling in, or beginning to settle in and "get" what Everton is about. Sunday is the sort of game Keane can become a leader off the back of. I think we need to finalise Zouma and Gomes (presuming the fees are whats suggested) and think both will be better for a pre-season. If Gana is to go and we can attract the next Doucoure type powerhouse I'd be delighted. But if it's not possible I'd be quite happy to see Gana Schneiderlin paired together if they can keep their level of performance.
For me we need at least 1 attacking player. If we offloaded the rubbish and added just Timo Werner I would be very very happy. Werner is unlikely but you get my drift. To me it might be a summer where less is more for us.
catcherintherye
Player Valuation: £80m
He's a natural at protecting the back 4. You can see that's what he enjoys doing and is natural at it. I do wonder if for a long time there's been some confusion between him and Gana as to who primarily does that job. They both do the job well but in different ways. I think Gana has more to his all round game, carries the ball better, has better legs and can press higher more effectively. For the first time they now both look a partnership which has made a big difference.
I always remember Royle saying that introducing the midfielders he did also made Watson a better player. I think it's true with Keane as well. He was fantastic on Sunday but he definitely benefits from shielding ahead of him. Watson became a different player for us in 94/5 when he had Parkinson in front of him.
...it’s why I thought we might genuinely be in the market for a Wilma Barrios type who does just that. It’s not only protecting Keane, it’s also means Zouma is less likely to go putting fires out ahead of him.
Brands hands will be tied by the dross on our books no one wants to buy.
I don’t think Moshiri will have a problem paying the fees for the players Nrands would sign its the wage bill is the problem.
Unless Brands pulls off a miracle and 10/12 players leave this summer I’d say one or two signings is the most we can expect.
A striker has to be the priority.
On the original article I think the last 2 games may have been a false dawn again
Newcastle will not be easy and a loss there will set the team back again
I’d go with
Morgan Gana and Siggy in the middle
Bernard on the left
DCL up top
Ricarlison on the right
With Lookman and Walcott on the bench
A win is a must to keep the small bit of momentum we have going
Also the part the crowd and the atmosphere they created must not be underestimated
We won’t have that on Saturday.
I still have doubts over Silvas ability to organise a defence and 2 clean sheets doesn’t alter that
I read these responses with Arsene Wengers voice in my head and it was brilliant thank you.
catcherintherye
Player Valuation: £80m
I don't think it's even a false dawn yet Brian. What we have shown is an ability to be hard to beat and hard to score against. I suspect tomorrow will be a 0-0. I think both sides will cancel each other out. It's not the worst result. If we can get to the end of the season, being solid, not conceding any, to me it is progress.
I also think funds will be available but Brands will not want to bring so many in. It is illogical. There are players we brought in last summer who still have a lot to offer. Lots of players coming back on loan. The fact Schneiderlin has proven he can come back from the dead, who else may be able too?
The one exception is probably a striker. I do think we will need one of those. I also think, if Gana goes out of the door, we may sign an up and coming machine to go alongside Gomes. They will hopefully try to keep Zouma but may prove difficult. Unless something too good to turn down came about (or younger players are available) that will be our summer business I think. The striker may also be a loan to give Clavert Lewin/Richarlinson another season to develop.
I am happy with that. He watched the 23's last week and I hope he is going to be cajoling Silva about having one or 2 of them involved. I also think some of the lads coming back on loan will have something to add next season. I think Silva can help with that process and be on board with it.
Lets see. It's all to play for. You are right that the next 9 games will be massively instructive as to where we are. If Silva goes it's a big step back for me, wherever we get in. Next season will be another transition. I have us somewhere between 46 to 56 points. Anything half way and better should see Silva comfortably off and potentially even finishing 7th.
catcherintherye
Player Valuation: £80m
Yes I agree with this. In essence this has always been football management. It's not Fifa where you can stick your best 11 rated players on a pitch. Certain players help other players out. I often think managers stumble upon a formula and the best ones are able to see it and learn from it very quickly allowing them to build confidence. That's the challenge for Silva now.
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