tadao
Player Valuation: £25m
Siege mentality seemed to work ok for Ferguson for the 200 years he managed utd.
- Status
Siege mentality seemed to work ok for Ferguson for the 200 years he managed utd.
Canuck Darryl
Player Valuation: £2.5m
The media doesn't hate us. The simply don't give a crap about us, is all. We're not at the top; we're not at the bottom. Nothing to see here. Move along.
TraffordBlue
Player Valuation: £30m
The media have their favourites. The 'Big 4' created by SKY are still their elite group: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United. Then it is City and Spurs. City and Spurs themselves, despite being ahead of Liverpool in recent times (with City actually winning titles) still aren't in their elite quartet.
Then you have to consider why? For me, with City, it's because of Manchester United's influence. What about Tottenham? Because of Arsenal's media presence. Us, LFC. They had no choice with Chelsea in the early 00's as they were happy to see another club join the challenge, and Chelsea have Abramovic and have won every trophy there is to win since he came, so command that respect in this era. Obviously being London based helps too.
I think you will see a change when we start to prove ourselves on the pitch. If all goes to plan, when we become a part of the 'Big 7', it will be broken down in to two tiers in terms of favouritism and we will go in to 7th spot behind City and Spurs.
Until the RS' influence dies down after more years of no success for them, they will have an automatic spot ahead of clubs that actually win things and challenge for titles.
The ones that amaze me are Newcastle and West Ham. Get far more attention and respect than they deserve that clubs like Sunderland and Villa don't seem to get, even though they're both a similar size to Newcastle and bigger than West Ham for me. West Ham are a London club so that explains them though.
Then you have to consider why? For me, with City, it's because of Manchester United's influence. What about Tottenham? Because of Arsenal's media presence. Us, LFC. They had no choice with Chelsea in the early 00's as they were happy to see another club join the challenge, and Chelsea have Abramovic and have won every trophy there is to win since he came, so command that respect in this era. Obviously being London based helps too.
I think you will see a change when we start to prove ourselves on the pitch. If all goes to plan, when we become a part of the 'Big 7', it will be broken down in to two tiers in terms of favouritism and we will go in to 7th spot behind City and Spurs.
Until the RS' influence dies down after more years of no success for them, they will have an automatic spot ahead of clubs that actually win things and challenge for titles.
The ones that amaze me are Newcastle and West Ham. Get far more attention and respect than they deserve that clubs like Sunderland and Villa don't seem to get, even though they're both a similar size to Newcastle and bigger than West Ham for me. West Ham are a London club so that explains them though.
BlueIsTheColour
Player Valuation: £8m
shut up Murphy, don't tell our players to leave, are you going to say the same about Countinho when Liverpool don't get top 4 too?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39521532
Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea would be a no-brainer for Everton striker - Danny Murphy
By Danny Murphy
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku could have a big decision to make in the summer.
He is a fantastic athlete who scores lots of goals but he is still learning the game and, under the right coach and around better players, he is going to get better - the question is, where?
Everton are an ambitious club and a fantastic platform for Lukaku to continue his development but if a Champions League side come in for him and tell him he is going to be first choice, there is not much of an argument for him stay.
Lukaku has scored 83 goals in 159 games in all competitions for Everton since 2013 and is the Premier League's top scorer this season with 21 goals in 30 league games
That is a big 'if' because he comes with a £60m price tag, but there is already plenty of speculation about Lukaku's next move.
The obvious club to splash out and throw the 23-year-old Belgian straight in the team would be his former side, Chelsea, if they were to sell Diego Costa.
Lukaku has already said he will not sign a new contract at Everton and, if he does get an offer from Chelsea at the end of the season, then it would be a no-brainer - he has to do it.
He would be Chelsea's main striker, playing in the Champions League and challenging for the title in a team which will give him lots of chances, which is exactly where he wants to be.
Lukaku joined Chelsea from Anderlecht for around £20m in August 2011 but he made only one Premier League start during three years at Stamford Bridge and was loaned out to West Brom and then Everton before joining the Toffees permanently in 2014 for a club record £28m fee
What he doesn't want is to be stuck on the bench somewhere. For example, if Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs for another year at Manchester United and they come in for Lukaku, then he would be thinking: why would I go there now when I won't be playing every week?
Whichever club you name, if Lukaku joins them for next season and plays 45 games, scores 25 goals and wins a trophy, then he will have made the right choice. If he doesn't, then the argument will be that he should have stayed at Everton for another year, where he will definitely play and his stock could rise even higher.
It is a case of seeing who wants him, having that conversation with them about what his role would be and making a decision. As a player it is hard to know what the right choice is sometimes, but it is not a bad situation for him to be in, really.
'He can work on his touch but goalscoring is a gift'
Lukaku is the Premier League's leading scorer with 21 goals but his hold-up play still gets criticised when people question how good he is.
I actually think his touch is OK - yes it could be better, but there are not many top-flight strikers who are brilliant at link-up play. Costa can also be a bit sloppy at times, and Tottenham's Harry Kane is probably the best at it.
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
https://www.grandoldteam.com/forum/javascript:void(0);
Lukaku wonder goal helps Everton beat Chelsea
In any case, it is something that Lukaku can work on, along with his awareness. He will have to - the bigger the team you play for, the more packed defences you face and the less space you have to operate in.
But he is still young - he turns 24 next month - and those are the parts of your game that you can improve.
It is not just something that comes with age either. That development comes with playing with better players, who give you better quality balls from closer range.
His main asset as a striker, though, is his ability to score goals - with his right foot, left foot and his head.
That is a gift, and he does it so well that I really don't think the other parts of his game are a weakness, or would be a worry for any club buying him.
A flat-track bully? So are most strikers
Another claim I hear about Lukaku is that he does not perform against the big teams, and it is true that most of his goals this season have come against lesser sides.
But that is true for most Premier League strikers, and there is a logical reason why.
When Everton play the top teams they do not have as much possession or create as many chances, and Lukaku is up against better defenders too.
He scored against Tottenham last month, but he is not going to go White Hart Lane and cause Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld as many problems as he does when he faces Sunderland's defence at the Stadium of Light, playing two centre-halves who are low on confidence and with Everton seeing loads of the ball.
The time when questions come is when you are a striker playing in a top team and you are not scoring against the other top teams.
But it is hard to judge Lukaku like that because he has not played against many big teams while being on an equal footing.
That is the opportunity a move to, say, Chelsea would provide him with - the step-up to play for a team that is going to give you more chances in every game, whoever the opposition.
There is nothing wrong with having that ambition. In fact, it is completely normal.
Lukaku scored a hat-trick against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in September, and scored against the Black Cats again at Goodison Park in February. He has also hit four goals against Bournemouth this season, all of them in the same game.
'I didn't see a Lukaku who wasn't trying for his team'
Lukaku's refusal to sign a new Everton contract has been well publicised, and it means that when he plays people are looking for evidence that he is not happy, or does not care.
I don't think that is the case, and I don't agree with the claims he did not try hard enough in Tuesday's draw with Manchester United.
The on-pitch argument that Lukaku had with Ashley Williams seemed to start with Williams asking him to chase the ball more - my understanding from watching it was that he wanted Lukaku to get across the pitch when a couple of clearances went on the opposite side to where he was standing.
What I would say in Lukaku's defence was that he was very isolated and he could not really win, especially because many of the balls up to him were generally pretty poor - there is only so much pressing you can do when you are outnumbered.
I certainly didn't see a Lukaku who wasn't trying for his team.
Lukaku ran 8.67km and made 50 sprints in Everton's 4-0 win over Hull on 18 March, when he scored twice. He had 36 touches against the Tigers (left-hand graphic) and six shots - four of which were on target. Against United on Tuesday, he had 47 touches (right-hand graphic). None of his five shots at Old Trafford were on target but he ran 8.77km and made 58 sprints.
Yes, he lost the ball too easily sometimes, and of course that means you are going to get a volley off the players behind you, because they want a rest. "Get hold of it, man" is the kind of thing they would be shouting.
But in terms of his work ethic and his running, then it looked to me like he was giving the same physical output as I've seen from him in games where he has played well and scored.
'I had lots of rows but a handshake and a hug, and everything is fine'
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
https://www.grandoldteam.com/forum/javascript:void(0);
Man Utd's late equaliser 'hard to take' - Koeman
Lukaku's fall-out with Williams at Old Trafford was a mountain out of a mole-hill as far as I am concerned, because that sort of thing happens all the time.
Yes, Lukaku shushing him was a little bit condescending, but I have been shushed before and I have probably shushed people myself. It is not the end of the world.
It does not mean there is a serious rift between the pair of them. Quite the opposite, probably.
As a player, I had loads of rows with my team-mates during games and you quickly forget about it. When you have calmed down you have a handshake and a hug and everything is fine.
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
https://www.grandoldteam.com/forum/javascript:void(0);
Lukaku could be world's best number nine - Martinez
I remember one with Steven Gerrard when I was at Liverpool in a game against Leeds. He was my room-mate at the time and we were best buddies, but I had messed up in midfield and lost the ball after dwelling on it, and he had a right good go at me.
It was along the lines of "sort yourself out and get yourself going quickly" but not in those exact words, and I responded, very defensively, along similar lines without registering that he was actually right.
Even though the way I acted was poor, the volley he gave me actually did get me going, and I realised that after the game.
I apologised for coming back at him the way I did, and told him he was right but he just said don't worry, it is done with now - and that was that.
That is the way it should be, and I would be shocked if Williams and Lukaku had not sorted things out in the dressing room after the match or, at the very latest, in training the next day.
It didn't really matter who was right, and who was wrong, but I actually saw Lukaku's reaction as a positive. He cares, and wants to do well for the team.
That sort of passion is part of the game and it would be more of a worry for Everton - or any prospective buyers - if he didn't show any.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39521532
Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea would be a no-brainer for Everton striker - Danny Murphy
By Danny Murphy
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku could have a big decision to make in the summer.
He is a fantastic athlete who scores lots of goals but he is still learning the game and, under the right coach and around better players, he is going to get better - the question is, where?
Everton are an ambitious club and a fantastic platform for Lukaku to continue his development but if a Champions League side come in for him and tell him he is going to be first choice, there is not much of an argument for him stay.
Lukaku has scored 83 goals in 159 games in all competitions for Everton since 2013 and is the Premier League's top scorer this season with 21 goals in 30 league games
That is a big 'if' because he comes with a £60m price tag, but there is already plenty of speculation about Lukaku's next move.
The obvious club to splash out and throw the 23-year-old Belgian straight in the team would be his former side, Chelsea, if they were to sell Diego Costa.
Lukaku has already said he will not sign a new contract at Everton and, if he does get an offer from Chelsea at the end of the season, then it would be a no-brainer - he has to do it.
He would be Chelsea's main striker, playing in the Champions League and challenging for the title in a team which will give him lots of chances, which is exactly where he wants to be.
Lukaku joined Chelsea from Anderlecht for around £20m in August 2011 but he made only one Premier League start during three years at Stamford Bridge and was loaned out to West Brom and then Everton before joining the Toffees permanently in 2014 for a club record £28m fee
What he doesn't want is to be stuck on the bench somewhere. For example, if Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs for another year at Manchester United and they come in for Lukaku, then he would be thinking: why would I go there now when I won't be playing every week?
Whichever club you name, if Lukaku joins them for next season and plays 45 games, scores 25 goals and wins a trophy, then he will have made the right choice. If he doesn't, then the argument will be that he should have stayed at Everton for another year, where he will definitely play and his stock could rise even higher.
It is a case of seeing who wants him, having that conversation with them about what his role would be and making a decision. As a player it is hard to know what the right choice is sometimes, but it is not a bad situation for him to be in, really.
'He can work on his touch but goalscoring is a gift'
Lukaku is the Premier League's leading scorer with 21 goals but his hold-up play still gets criticised when people question how good he is.
I actually think his touch is OK - yes it could be better, but there are not many top-flight strikers who are brilliant at link-up play. Costa can also be a bit sloppy at times, and Tottenham's Harry Kane is probably the best at it.
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
https://www.grandoldteam.com/forum/javascript:void(0);
Lukaku wonder goal helps Everton beat Chelsea
In any case, it is something that Lukaku can work on, along with his awareness. He will have to - the bigger the team you play for, the more packed defences you face and the less space you have to operate in.
But he is still young - he turns 24 next month - and those are the parts of your game that you can improve.
It is not just something that comes with age either. That development comes with playing with better players, who give you better quality balls from closer range.
His main asset as a striker, though, is his ability to score goals - with his right foot, left foot and his head.
That is a gift, and he does it so well that I really don't think the other parts of his game are a weakness, or would be a worry for any club buying him.
A flat-track bully? So are most strikers
Another claim I hear about Lukaku is that he does not perform against the big teams, and it is true that most of his goals this season have come against lesser sides.
But that is true for most Premier League strikers, and there is a logical reason why.
When Everton play the top teams they do not have as much possession or create as many chances, and Lukaku is up against better defenders too.
He scored against Tottenham last month, but he is not going to go White Hart Lane and cause Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld as many problems as he does when he faces Sunderland's defence at the Stadium of Light, playing two centre-halves who are low on confidence and with Everton seeing loads of the ball.
The time when questions come is when you are a striker playing in a top team and you are not scoring against the other top teams.
But it is hard to judge Lukaku like that because he has not played against many big teams while being on an equal footing.
That is the opportunity a move to, say, Chelsea would provide him with - the step-up to play for a team that is going to give you more chances in every game, whoever the opposition.
There is nothing wrong with having that ambition. In fact, it is completely normal.
Lukaku scored a hat-trick against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in September, and scored against the Black Cats again at Goodison Park in February. He has also hit four goals against Bournemouth this season, all of them in the same game.
'I didn't see a Lukaku who wasn't trying for his team'
Lukaku's refusal to sign a new Everton contract has been well publicised, and it means that when he plays people are looking for evidence that he is not happy, or does not care.
I don't think that is the case, and I don't agree with the claims he did not try hard enough in Tuesday's draw with Manchester United.
The on-pitch argument that Lukaku had with Ashley Williams seemed to start with Williams asking him to chase the ball more - my understanding from watching it was that he wanted Lukaku to get across the pitch when a couple of clearances went on the opposite side to where he was standing.
What I would say in Lukaku's defence was that he was very isolated and he could not really win, especially because many of the balls up to him were generally pretty poor - there is only so much pressing you can do when you are outnumbered.
I certainly didn't see a Lukaku who wasn't trying for his team.
Lukaku ran 8.67km and made 50 sprints in Everton's 4-0 win over Hull on 18 March, when he scored twice. He had 36 touches against the Tigers (left-hand graphic) and six shots - four of which were on target. Against United on Tuesday, he had 47 touches (right-hand graphic). None of his five shots at Old Trafford were on target but he ran 8.77km and made 58 sprints.
Yes, he lost the ball too easily sometimes, and of course that means you are going to get a volley off the players behind you, because they want a rest. "Get hold of it, man" is the kind of thing they would be shouting.
But in terms of his work ethic and his running, then it looked to me like he was giving the same physical output as I've seen from him in games where he has played well and scored.
'I had lots of rows but a handshake and a hug, and everything is fine'
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
https://www.grandoldteam.com/forum/javascript:void(0);
Man Utd's late equaliser 'hard to take' - Koeman
Lukaku's fall-out with Williams at Old Trafford was a mountain out of a mole-hill as far as I am concerned, because that sort of thing happens all the time.
Yes, Lukaku shushing him was a little bit condescending, but I have been shushed before and I have probably shushed people myself. It is not the end of the world.
It does not mean there is a serious rift between the pair of them. Quite the opposite, probably.
As a player, I had loads of rows with my team-mates during games and you quickly forget about it. When you have calmed down you have a handshake and a hug and everything is fine.
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
https://www.grandoldteam.com/forum/javascript:void(0);
Lukaku could be world's best number nine - Martinez
I remember one with Steven Gerrard when I was at Liverpool in a game against Leeds. He was my room-mate at the time and we were best buddies, but I had messed up in midfield and lost the ball after dwelling on it, and he had a right good go at me.
It was along the lines of "sort yourself out and get yourself going quickly" but not in those exact words, and I responded, very defensively, along similar lines without registering that he was actually right.
Even though the way I acted was poor, the volley he gave me actually did get me going, and I realised that after the game.
I apologised for coming back at him the way I did, and told him he was right but he just said don't worry, it is done with now - and that was that.
That is the way it should be, and I would be shocked if Williams and Lukaku had not sorted things out in the dressing room after the match or, at the very latest, in training the next day.
It didn't really matter who was right, and who was wrong, but I actually saw Lukaku's reaction as a positive. He cares, and wants to do well for the team.
That sort of passion is part of the game and it would be more of a worry for Everton - or any prospective buyers - if he didn't show any.
anton66
Player Valuation: £50m
Danny who?shut up Murphy, don't tell our players to leave, are you going to say the same about Countinho when Liverpool don't get top 4 too?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39521532
Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea would be a no-brainer for Everton striker - Danny Murphy
By Danny Murphy
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku could have a big decision to make in the summer.
He is a fantastic athlete who scores lots of goals but he is still learning the game and, under the right coach and around better players, he is going to get better - the question is, where?
Everton are an ambitious club and a fantastic platform for Lukaku to continue his development but if a Champions League side come in for him and tell him he is going to be first choice, there is not much of an argument for him stay.
Lukaku has scored 83 goals in 159 games in all competitions for Everton since 2013 and is the Premier League's top scorer this season with 21 goals in 30 league games
That is a big 'if' because he comes with a £60m price tag, but there is already plenty of speculation about Lukaku's next move.
The obvious club to splash out and throw the 23-year-old Belgian straight in the team would be his former side, Chelsea, if they were to sell Diego Costa.
Lukaku has already said he will not sign a new contract at Everton and, if he does get an offer from Chelsea at the end of the season, then it would be a no-brainer - he has to do it.
He would be Chelsea's main striker, playing in the Champions League and challenging for the title in a team which will give him lots of chances, which is exactly where he wants to be.
Lukaku joined Chelsea from Anderlecht for around £20m in August 2011 but he made only one Premier League start during three years at Stamford Bridge and was loaned out to West Brom and then Everton before joining the Toffees permanently in 2014 for a club record £28m fee
What he doesn't want is to be stuck on the bench somewhere. For example, if Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs for another year at Manchester United and they come in for Lukaku, then he would be thinking: why would I go there now when I won't be playing every week?
Whichever club you name, if Lukaku joins them for next season and plays 45 games, scores 25 goals and wins a trophy, then he will have made the right choice. If he doesn't, then the argument will be that he should have stayed at Everton for another year, where he will definitely play and his stock could rise even higher.
It is a case of seeing who wants him, having that conversation with them about what his role would be and making a decision. As a player it is hard to know what the right choice is sometimes, but it is not a bad situation for him to be in, really.
'He can work on his touch but goalscoring is a gift'
Lukaku is the Premier League's leading scorer with 21 goals but his hold-up play still gets criticised when people question how good he is.
I actually think his touch is OK - yes it could be better, but there are not many top-flight strikers who are brilliant at link-up play. Costa can also be a bit sloppy at times, and Tottenham's Harry Kane is probably the best at it.
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Lukaku wonder goal helps Everton beat Chelsea
In any case, it is something that Lukaku can work on, along with his awareness. He will have to - the bigger the team you play for, the more packed defences you face and the less space you have to operate in.
But he is still young - he turns 24 next month - and those are the parts of your game that you can improve.
It is not just something that comes with age either. That development comes with playing with better players, who give you better quality balls from closer range.
His main asset as a striker, though, is his ability to score goals - with his right foot, left foot and his head.
That is a gift, and he does it so well that I really don't think the other parts of his game are a weakness, or would be a worry for any club buying him.
A flat-track bully? So are most strikers
Another claim I hear about Lukaku is that he does not perform against the big teams, and it is true that most of his goals this season have come against lesser sides.
But that is true for most Premier League strikers, and there is a logical reason why.
When Everton play the top teams they do not have as much possession or create as many chances, and Lukaku is up against better defenders too.
He scored against Tottenham last month, but he is not going to go White Hart Lane and cause Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld as many problems as he does when he faces Sunderland's defence at the Stadium of Light, playing two centre-halves who are low on confidence and with Everton seeing loads of the ball.
The time when questions come is when you are a striker playing in a top team and you are not scoring against the other top teams.
But it is hard to judge Lukaku like that because he has not played against many big teams while being on an equal footing.
That is the opportunity a move to, say, Chelsea would provide him with - the step-up to play for a team that is going to give you more chances in every game, whoever the opposition.
There is nothing wrong with having that ambition. In fact, it is completely normal.
Lukaku scored a hat-trick against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in September, and scored against the Black Cats again at Goodison Park in February. He has also hit four goals against Bournemouth this season, all of them in the same game.
'I didn't see a Lukaku who wasn't trying for his team'
Lukaku's refusal to sign a new Everton contract has been well publicised, and it means that when he plays people are looking for evidence that he is not happy, or does not care.
I don't think that is the case, and I don't agree with the claims he did not try hard enough in Tuesday's draw with Manchester United.
The on-pitch argument that Lukaku had with Ashley Williams seemed to start with Williams asking him to chase the ball more - my understanding from watching it was that he wanted Lukaku to get across the pitch when a couple of clearances went on the opposite side to where he was standing.
What I would say in Lukaku's defence was that he was very isolated and he could not really win, especially because many of the balls up to him were generally pretty poor - there is only so much pressing you can do when you are outnumbered.
I certainly didn't see a Lukaku who wasn't trying for his team.
Lukaku ran 8.67km and made 50 sprints in Everton's 4-0 win over Hull on 18 March, when he scored twice. He had 36 touches against the Tigers (left-hand graphic) and six shots - four of which were on target. Against United on Tuesday, he had 47 touches (right-hand graphic). None of his five shots at Old Trafford were on target but he ran 8.77km and made 58 sprints.
Yes, he lost the ball too easily sometimes, and of course that means you are going to get a volley off the players behind you, because they want a rest. "Get hold of it, man" is the kind of thing they would be shouting.
But in terms of his work ethic and his running, then it looked to me like he was giving the same physical output as I've seen from him in games where he has played well and scored.
'I had lots of rows but a handshake and a hug, and everything is fine'
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Man Utd's late equaliser 'hard to take' - Koeman
Lukaku's fall-out with Williams at Old Trafford was a mountain out of a mole-hill as far as I am concerned, because that sort of thing happens all the time.
Yes, Lukaku shushing him was a little bit condescending, but I have been shushed before and I have probably shushed people myself. It is not the end of the world.
It does not mean there is a serious rift between the pair of them. Quite the opposite, probably.
As a player, I had loads of rows with my team-mates during games and you quickly forget about it. When you have calmed down you have a handshake and a hug and everything is fine.
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Lukaku could be world's best number nine - Martinez
I remember one with Steven Gerrard when I was at Liverpool in a game against Leeds. He was my room-mate at the time and we were best buddies, but I had messed up in midfield and lost the ball after dwelling on it, and he had a right good go at me.
It was along the lines of "sort yourself out and get yourself going quickly" but not in those exact words, and I responded, very defensively, along similar lines without registering that he was actually right.
Even though the way I acted was poor, the volley he gave me actually did get me going, and I realised that after the game.
I apologised for coming back at him the way I did, and told him he was right but he just said don't worry, it is done with now - and that was that.
That is the way it should be, and I would be shocked if Williams and Lukaku had not sorted things out in the dressing room after the match or, at the very latest, in training the next day.
It didn't really matter who was right, and who was wrong, but I actually saw Lukaku's reaction as a positive. He cares, and wants to do well for the team.
That sort of passion is part of the game and it would be more of a worry for Everton - or any prospective buyers - if he didn't show any.
Saint Domingo
Player Valuation: £90m
shut up Murphy, don't tell our players to leave, are you going to say the same about Countinho when Liverpool don't get top 4 too?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39521532
Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea would be a no-brainer for Everton striker - Danny Murphy
By Danny Murphy
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku could have a big decision to make in the summer.
He is a fantastic athlete who scores lots of goals but he is still learning the game and, under the right coach and around better players, he is going to get better - the question is, where?
Everton are an ambitious club and a fantastic platform for Lukaku to continue his development but if a Champions League side come in for him and tell him he is going to be first choice, there is not much of an argument for him stay.
Lukaku has scored 83 goals in 159 games in all competitions for Everton since 2013 and is the Premier League's top scorer this season with 21 goals in 30 league games
That is a big 'if' because he comes with a £60m price tag, but there is already plenty of speculation about Lukaku's next move.
The obvious club to splash out and throw the 23-year-old Belgian straight in the team would be his former side, Chelsea, if they were to sell Diego Costa.
Lukaku has already said he will not sign a new contract at Everton and, if he does get an offer from Chelsea at the end of the season, then it would be a no-brainer - he has to do it.
He would be Chelsea's main striker, playing in the Champions League and challenging for the title in a team which will give him lots of chances, which is exactly where he wants to be.
Lukaku joined Chelsea from Anderlecht for around £20m in August 2011 but he made only one Premier League start during three years at Stamford Bridge and was loaned out to West Brom and then Everton before joining the Toffees permanently in 2014 for a club record £28m fee
What he doesn't want is to be stuck on the bench somewhere. For example, if Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs for another year at Manchester United and they come in for Lukaku, then he would be thinking: why would I go there now when I won't be playing every week?
Whichever club you name, if Lukaku joins them for next season and plays 45 games, scores 25 goals and wins a trophy, then he will have made the right choice. If he doesn't, then the argument will be that he should have stayed at Everton for another year, where he will definitely play and his stock could rise even higher.
It is a case of seeing who wants him, having that conversation with them about what his role would be and making a decision. As a player it is hard to know what the right choice is sometimes, but it is not a bad situation for him to be in, really.
'He can work on his touch but goalscoring is a gift'
Lukaku is the Premier League's leading scorer with 21 goals but his hold-up play still gets criticised when people question how good he is.
I actually think his touch is OK - yes it could be better, but there are not many top-flight strikers who are brilliant at link-up play. Costa can also be a bit sloppy at times, and Tottenham's Harry Kane is probably the best at it.
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Lukaku wonder goal helps Everton beat Chelsea
In any case, it is something that Lukaku can work on, along with his awareness. He will have to - the bigger the team you play for, the more packed defences you face and the less space you have to operate in.
But he is still young - he turns 24 next month - and those are the parts of your game that you can improve.
It is not just something that comes with age either. That development comes with playing with better players, who give you better quality balls from closer range.
His main asset as a striker, though, is his ability to score goals - with his right foot, left foot and his head.
That is a gift, and he does it so well that I really don't think the other parts of his game are a weakness, or would be a worry for any club buying him.
A flat-track bully? So are most strikers
Another claim I hear about Lukaku is that he does not perform against the big teams, and it is true that most of his goals this season have come against lesser sides.
But that is true for most Premier League strikers, and there is a logical reason why.
When Everton play the top teams they do not have as much possession or create as many chances, and Lukaku is up against better defenders too.
He scored against Tottenham last month, but he is not going to go White Hart Lane and cause Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld as many problems as he does when he faces Sunderland's defence at the Stadium of Light, playing two centre-halves who are low on confidence and with Everton seeing loads of the ball.
The time when questions come is when you are a striker playing in a top team and you are not scoring against the other top teams.
But it is hard to judge Lukaku like that because he has not played against many big teams while being on an equal footing.
That is the opportunity a move to, say, Chelsea would provide him with - the step-up to play for a team that is going to give you more chances in every game, whoever the opposition.
There is nothing wrong with having that ambition. In fact, it is completely normal.
Lukaku scored a hat-trick against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in September, and scored against the Black Cats again at Goodison Park in February. He has also hit four goals against Bournemouth this season, all of them in the same game.
'I didn't see a Lukaku who wasn't trying for his team'
Lukaku's refusal to sign a new Everton contract has been well publicised, and it means that when he plays people are looking for evidence that he is not happy, or does not care.
I don't think that is the case, and I don't agree with the claims he did not try hard enough in Tuesday's draw with Manchester United.
The on-pitch argument that Lukaku had with Ashley Williams seemed to start with Williams asking him to chase the ball more - my understanding from watching it was that he wanted Lukaku to get across the pitch when a couple of clearances went on the opposite side to where he was standing.
What I would say in Lukaku's defence was that he was very isolated and he could not really win, especially because many of the balls up to him were generally pretty poor - there is only so much pressing you can do when you are outnumbered.
I certainly didn't see a Lukaku who wasn't trying for his team.
Lukaku ran 8.67km and made 50 sprints in Everton's 4-0 win over Hull on 18 March, when he scored twice. He had 36 touches against the Tigers (left-hand graphic) and six shots - four of which were on target. Against United on Tuesday, he had 47 touches (right-hand graphic). None of his five shots at Old Trafford were on target but he ran 8.77km and made 58 sprints.
Yes, he lost the ball too easily sometimes, and of course that means you are going to get a volley off the players behind you, because they want a rest. "Get hold of it, man" is the kind of thing they would be shouting.
But in terms of his work ethic and his running, then it looked to me like he was giving the same physical output as I've seen from him in games where he has played well and scored.
'I had lots of rows but a handshake and a hug, and everything is fine'
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Man Utd's late equaliser 'hard to take' - Koeman
Lukaku's fall-out with Williams at Old Trafford was a mountain out of a mole-hill as far as I am concerned, because that sort of thing happens all the time.
Yes, Lukaku shushing him was a little bit condescending, but I have been shushed before and I have probably shushed people myself. It is not the end of the world.
It does not mean there is a serious rift between the pair of them. Quite the opposite, probably.
As a player, I had loads of rows with my team-mates during games and you quickly forget about it. When you have calmed down you have a handshake and a hug and everything is fine.
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Lukaku could be world's best number nine - Martinez
I remember one with Steven Gerrard when I was at Liverpool in a game against Leeds. He was my room-mate at the time and we were best buddies, but I had messed up in midfield and lost the ball after dwelling on it, and he had a right good go at me.
It was along the lines of "sort yourself out and get yourself going quickly" but not in those exact words, and I responded, very defensively, along similar lines without registering that he was actually right.
Even though the way I acted was poor, the volley he gave me actually did get me going, and I realised that after the game.
I apologised for coming back at him the way I did, and told him he was right but he just said don't worry, it is done with now - and that was that.
That is the way it should be, and I would be shocked if Williams and Lukaku had not sorted things out in the dressing room after the match or, at the very latest, in training the next day.
It didn't really matter who was right, and who was wrong, but I actually saw Lukaku's reaction as a positive. He cares, and wants to do well for the team.
That sort of passion is part of the game and it would be more of a worry for Everton - or any prospective buyers - if he didn't show any.
Another ex RS employed to say nothing more than what your normal bloke in the boozer could come out with. Jobs for the boys. I'd love to see these cowards like Redknapp Murphy David James Mcmanaman etc. in management. They'd be an absolute disaster but pretend they're football geniuses from the sky or bt couches.
...it was a youth team goal in the early 70s and it was rare to video in those days but I'd give anything if somebody did film it. Believe it or not, I scored two belters at Elland Rd around the same time. That was a midweek game and the floodlights went off after my first, the manager said it'll be a shame if the game is abandoned and the goal scratched. Fortunately they got fixed and I smashed an identical 2nd. I don't even have any press cuttings of that game.
SpongeBob brown shoes
Player Valuation: £40m
Now that would be good to see! Have you ever tried going through the the club's where you scored, Leeds might have records of it if you've got a date, or even their local paper at the time, what team was you playing for?
Suppose that's one of the good things with mobiles these days is that any great goal from any level of football can be captured and put on YouTube for all to see
summerisle
The rain, it raineth every day
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football...ters-might-just-buck-english-trend-live-hype/
Why Everton's youngsters might just buck the English trend and live up to the hype
You must be cautious when using the phrase 'golden generation' in English football. Such has been the false promises at international level the description is in danger of contamination.
Ronald Koeman selected seven under-23 players in his squad against Liverpool and Manchester United over the past week. One of them, defender Matthew Pennington, responded with a derby goal and signed a new two-year contract on Saturday. He is likely to deputise for the suspended Ashley Williams against Leicester on Sunday.
Tom Davies, 18, has emerged as one of the country’s most exciting talents. Ademola Lookman (19), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (20) and Mason Holgate (20) have become regulars in the squad since being recruited, while homegrown 20-year-olds Jonjoe Kenny and Joe Williams were on the bench at Old Trafford. Even the highest profile academy graduate, Ross Barkley, is only 23.
Regardless of whether many of these call-ups materialised through injury or suspension, for David Unsworth, manager of the under-23s, there is immense professional satisfaction that those he championed have found a pathway to Koeman’s squad.
“I feel it is a really special group. It’s a long journey for these boys and I have the privilege of seeing them right on the cusp of it, which can be the hardest bit. The final hurdle is usually the biggest one. But they are a quality group and a privilege to coach every day.
“The opportunity will always be there for young players here but once they get in they have to stay in. It is not enough for me when I see all these players getting a chance. You can’t understate how fantastic that is. But now my challenge to these players is to do what Tom has done, and when you get in, stay in every week and sign new contracts. Once you get that shirt you have to keep it.”
It is has not all been serene progress. Everton’s academy has been shaken up recently. The former academy director, Dr Peter Vint, left two weeks ago because his analytical approach proved too much of an intrusion rather than a complement to the footballing ideals.
“All you need to look at is the success these lads are having on the pitch. That is what we are all about,” says Unsworth. “Historically, we have always given opportunities to young players. What you need at any given time is a courageous manager to throw these lads in.
“Last season I played a couple of games so the injury halted my progress,” said the 22-year-old. “With the change of manager you want to impress, but you can’t impress from the treatment room. I had to get fit and show him what I could do.”
Pennington has forces his way into Ronald Koeman's first team plans Credit: REX
The last seven days could prove to have been career-defining.
“It’s been a bit of a crazy week,” he said. “I knew I was playing in the derby on the Friday when we did the team shape. I was just excited to play and was hoping for that chance. I’d been playing in the under-23s and hoping to show what I can.
“To get back playing with the first team has been good, although obviously the results were not good in the end. First the derby, and then although the Manchester United result looks good on paper it was not the result we wanted after the game or after the performance. So it was not the week we wanted.”
“The majority of these lads have come through together,” says Unsworth. “We have added at different times. The board have been brilliant affording us the opportunity to bring in Brendan [Galloway], Mason and Dominic when we felt it was right to bring a player from a certain position.
Why Everton's youngsters might just buck the English trend and live up to the hype
You must be cautious when using the phrase 'golden generation' in English football. Such has been the false promises at international level the description is in danger of contamination.
Ronald Koeman selected seven under-23 players in his squad against Liverpool and Manchester United over the past week. One of them, defender Matthew Pennington, responded with a derby goal and signed a new two-year contract on Saturday. He is likely to deputise for the suspended Ashley Williams against Leicester on Sunday.
Tom Davies, 18, has emerged as one of the country’s most exciting talents. Ademola Lookman (19), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (20) and Mason Holgate (20) have become regulars in the squad since being recruited, while homegrown 20-year-olds Jonjoe Kenny and Joe Williams were on the bench at Old Trafford. Even the highest profile academy graduate, Ross Barkley, is only 23.
Regardless of whether many of these call-ups materialised through injury or suspension, for David Unsworth, manager of the under-23s, there is immense professional satisfaction that those he championed have found a pathway to Koeman’s squad.
“I feel it is a really special group. It’s a long journey for these boys and I have the privilege of seeing them right on the cusp of it, which can be the hardest bit. The final hurdle is usually the biggest one. But they are a quality group and a privilege to coach every day.
“The opportunity will always be there for young players here but once they get in they have to stay in. It is not enough for me when I see all these players getting a chance. You can’t understate how fantastic that is. But now my challenge to these players is to do what Tom has done, and when you get in, stay in every week and sign new contracts. Once you get that shirt you have to keep it.”
It is has not all been serene progress. Everton’s academy has been shaken up recently. The former academy director, Dr Peter Vint, left two weeks ago because his analytical approach proved too much of an intrusion rather than a complement to the footballing ideals.
“All you need to look at is the success these lads are having on the pitch. That is what we are all about,” says Unsworth. “Historically, we have always given opportunities to young players. What you need at any given time is a courageous manager to throw these lads in.
“Last season I played a couple of games so the injury halted my progress,” said the 22-year-old. “With the change of manager you want to impress, but you can’t impress from the treatment room. I had to get fit and show him what I could do.”
Pennington has forces his way into Ronald Koeman's first team plans Credit: REX
The last seven days could prove to have been career-defining.
“It’s been a bit of a crazy week,” he said. “I knew I was playing in the derby on the Friday when we did the team shape. I was just excited to play and was hoping for that chance. I’d been playing in the under-23s and hoping to show what I can.
“To get back playing with the first team has been good, although obviously the results were not good in the end. First the derby, and then although the Manchester United result looks good on paper it was not the result we wanted after the game or after the performance. So it was not the week we wanted.”
“The majority of these lads have come through together,” says Unsworth. “We have added at different times. The board have been brilliant affording us the opportunity to bring in Brendan [Galloway], Mason and Dominic when we felt it was right to bring a player from a certain position.
4737carlin
Player Valuation: £90m
With no major summer comp for the media to talk about in the summer, nonsense articles like that one by Murphy are going to be frequent in the summer. With Lukaku being one of the best Premier League players and outside the CL spots its going to be a easy story for a poor jurno who hasnt got anything relevant to write.
We have had it a lot of the years, Stones...ect but I think this one will be on another level again, they will go all out to shift him, brace yourself lads!!
We have had it a lot of the years, Stones...ect but I think this one will be on another level again, they will go all out to shift him, brace yourself lads!!
Saint Domingo
Player Valuation: £90m
Jags calling the media out on the whole big 6 thing. He then undoes the hooks work by saying we finished 14th last season.
ianefc
Player Valuation: £70m
It probably felt like it.
The media hates us
The referee always gives us nothing
The referee always give the other team dodgy penalties and free kicks
Our players should be proud to play for the greatest club in the world
...said every football fan ever
The referee always gives us nothing
The referee always give the other team dodgy penalties and free kicks
Our players should be proud to play for the greatest club in the world
...said every football fan ever
Woolly Blue
Player Valuation: £80m
Yep, the Mail ran it.
who did you play for eggs and I'll have a look on YouTube to see if any of your goals are on there
- Status
