What is missing?

[Quim]

I have just been thinking about why we haven't been scoring many goals under martinez and can only really come to 2 conclusions. The first is a fairly popular one; Jelavic is crap.
The other conclusion I came to will however be massively unpopular. I honestly believe that the reason we aren't winning any games is because of Ross Barkley.
The reason I say this, is not because I think he is a bad player. Far from it, I think he is a terrific player. I say this because I still don't think he understands the position he plays very well. As an attacking midfielder he needs to be the man that break stubborn defences down. He needs to play the intricate through ball when that option is available ( this might also be Jelavics fault as the pass does need to be available) and needs to be the first man to get into the box behind the striker. I think he has the ability to do both very well but at the moment all of his work is being done outside the box.
I think these problems are easily fixed though and don't see any reason to drop him as I am pretty sure he just needs to be told. Step up Bobby.

I think it could be that the manager is changing styles after 11 years and where only just out of August. Could be either though mate

 

[banno]

I appreciate a lot of you think I am mad criticising Barkley but I get the feeling you all think he is as good as iniesta or xavi. He is no where near but he could be with the right guidance. He cant be exempt from criticism even if he is the new golden boy.

I don't think anyone at all thinks he is as good as Iniesta or Xavi. One thing for certain is he is a GOOD player and we hope he gets better. He has provided through balls (jela against cardiff) and he is looking for through balls. He has also brought in the wide players (in the box) by drawing defenders to him.

Are you actually suggesting we drop him?

 

[Azzurri]

 

[peteblue]

think the three we have brought in are whats missing, leadership, know how, Barry, goals from the big fella and a decent engine in the midfeild and someone who knows the system in mcarthey nothing to worry about its to early

Exactly.....

 

[milkshock]

I have just been thinking about why we haven't been scoring many goals under martinez and can only really come to 2 conclusions. The first is a fairly popular one; Jelavic is crap.
The other conclusion I came to will however be massively unpopular. I honestly believe that the reason we aren't winning any games is because of Ross Barkley.
The reason I say this, is not because I think he is a bad player. Far from it, I think he is a terrific player. I say this because I still don't think he understands the position he plays very well. As an attacking midfielder he needs to be the man that break stubborn defences down. He needs to play the intricate through ball when that option is available ( this might also be Jelavics fault as the pass does need to be available) and needs to be the first man to get into the box behind the striker. I think he has the ability to do both very well but at the moment all of his work is being done outside the box.
I think these problems are easily fixed though and don't see any reason to drop him as I am pretty sure he just needs to be told. Step up Bobby.

I'm sure this will go down well.

 

[Greek Fisherman]

Ridiculous.

 

[Maestro Haze]

Barkley isn't the type of AM that Pienaar is, or whoever. Maybe he doesn't have the vision to play those passes into the striker.
But what he does offer us is time and space, he uses the ball so well just outside the box. The opposition defenders will often try to swarm him, leaving them out of position, giving our players on the flank more space.

He's also got a brilliant shot on him, he's two-footed. He's still got a lot to learn, still raw but I want him to be starting every game in that role.

 

[larrygobfiend]

Not having any Barkley criticism i'm afraid. He's been immense.

With all the possession and chances, the missing piece of the jigsaw is a decent slotter and we've just got one on loan.

 

[andybaker]

Whats missing?

Fans patience! If youve heard anything about the whole FA saga this week, the number of ex pros, coaches, everyone involved in football, they all say the same thing.

Technical football is the only way to progress at international level. Playing it out from the back, midfielders who are technically gifted enough to control and play in tight positions, possession, controlling games. Thats the way to play football and be ultimately successful.

Barkley is one of the most technically gifted midfielders on our books. The mistakes he has made in the past have been down to not understanding the speed of the prem, not making the correct decisions in terms of final ball from time to time but hes 19 FFS. The kid is unreal.

Considering the FA just give the England national side a 9 year plan. It would be fkin brilliant if our fans could give Martinez 9 games it really would.

 

[milkshock]

Class like Barkley needs encouragement not 4 page diatribes on what hes doing wrong.

Thankfully we've moved on from Moyes and Bobby will allow this talent to express himself.

 

[Bungle]

 

[andybaker]

Barkley can be ours and Englands Steven Gerrard. A midfield power house, box to box, dominating games, scoring screamers. Hes not going to be doing it game after game in his first full season.

We should be immensly happy that weve got a manager who gives him the chance to shine and the freedom to make mistakes - which he will do. Then all RM wants to see is the mental strength to not go missing, to still stand up and be counted.

its the most excited ive been about being an evertonian in 20 years

 

[Gwladys Nights]

Bobsrighthandman has only been in to football for about a year. I'd bet my house on it. If I owned it.

We've played quite well so far. No one could begrudge us if we'd taken 7 points from the first 9. The opposition hasn't been stellar, so you can't say its more than an OK start under a new manager. OK is fine though, by definition.

The new arrivals should allow us to kick on. I was worried about us at about 9pm on deadline day, but we'll be alright now. Think Martinez got it spot on on deadline day, and I haven't been quick to praise him to this point.

 

[Blue Truth]

We are not taking our chances its as simple as that. We average the most shots and most shots inside the box per game.

Everything else is working fine.

 

[Whitty]

We are not taking our chances its as simple as that. We average the most shots and most shots inside the box per game.

Everything else is working fine.

THIS

We've also had most possession and the new signings will help with both possession, moving the ball quicker and making us even more solid (Fellaini doesn't always track runners and Osman gets dribbled past too easily and tires too quickly).

If Lukaku can hit the ground running and Kone improves we'll be looking good. Our young spanish winger will get better and better as well.