What was the point of getting Castillo?

[Manolo]

Hello Everton friends,

On behalf of everyone from the country of Ecuador, I have to ask what was the point of getting Segundo Castillo? Every Everton game I have been able to watch, and all the commentary on this forum makes it amazingly clear that Everton needs a defensive ball-winning midfielder.

It strikes me as strange to see Castillo, the starting defensive mid for Ecuador for the past 3 years, who played 90 minutes of all 4 Ecuador matches last World Cup, and a standout performer for Red Star Belgrade...right there sitting on the bench!

Has Moyes seen tapes of this guy? He's not an exciting or creative player, but best believe he patrols the middle of the park like a watchdog, has a clean, hard tackle, and passes it out of danger to the creative players. That's what he does all game, every game. He's a worker. As a bonus, he's a big danger on set pieces and cornerkicks, and has a pretty good long-range shot. He scores at a higher than average rate for a defensive mid. It really sounds like this is the type of player Everton needs, so WHAT is going on???

It is doubly frustrating for me, as an Ecuador fan, to have one of our key starting players lacking match fitness, as he will be crucial for our hopes of getting to South Africa.

 

[Sharpys top lip]

1st. Welcome to are Forum.

2nd. were asking the same questions. He looked ok for a few games at the start of the season. Then he had a stinker of a game, away at blackburn (the whole team were [Poor language removed]) an he's never been seen again. Are midfield are so poor at the moment, i dont understand why he's not getting a game. maybe he's not settled very well. Im hopeing to see him soon back playing!

 

[sotnas]

I think that settling down is part of the problem. Probably he's going through some process of adaptation to the pace of the game in England.

He's on loan so, unless he starts striving quickly I don't see him playing all that much.

 

[Cal]

It's not as simple as you think.

In the Premiership, a defensive misfielder needs to be disciplined and knows how to position himself well.

Castillo couldn't do it, although he looked a solid player techincally, he let go of his runners and didn't give his back 4 enough protection.

Unless he has drastically taken steps to improve this, then he'll be nowhere near the team.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

We're asking the same questions. It's baffling that he's out of the team.

 

[Brownie]

It is outrageous, there must be a reason though.

 

[Sharpys top lip]

It's not as simple as you think.

In the Premiership, a defensive misfielder needs to be disciplined and knows how to position himself well.

Castillo couldn't do it, although he looked a solid player techincally, he let go of his runners and didn't give his back 4 enough protection.

Unless he has drastically taken steps to improve this, then he'll be nowhere near the team.

I'll have some of that cal. he seemed pretty lost at times.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

It's not as simple as you think.

In the Premiership, a defensive misfielder needs to be disciplined and knows how to position himself well.

Castillo couldn't do it, although he looked a solid player techincally, he let go of his runners and didn't give his back 4 enough protection.

Unless he has drastically taken steps to improve this, then he'll be nowhere near the team.

None of our midfielders do that though. We've tried many different combinations and it isn't working. Maybe giving Castillo a go isn't a bad idea. Atleast Castillo is disiplined and doesn't bomb into the box like Cahill, Fellaini and Osman.

Any other ideas...

 

[Cal]

None of our midfielders do that though. We've tried many different combinations and it isn't working. Maybe giving Castillo a go isn't a bad idea. Atleast Castillo is disiplined and doesn't bomb into the box like Cahill, Fellaini and Osman.

Any other ideas...

It would only work in a 4-5-1 though as the centre midfielder would prove some cover.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

It would only work in a 4-5-1 though as the centre midfielder would prove some cover.

With Saha injured we'll be playing 4-5-1 (4-4-1-1) anyway. May aswell give him a go and see what he's really about. He's only started four games this season...

 

[Cal]

With Saha injured we'll be playing 4-5-1 (4-4-1-1) anyway. May aswell give him a go and see what he's really about. He's only started four games this season...

I agree. Might aswell just replace Fellaini and Saha with Rodwell and Castillo.

 

[Dom1878]

I dont know why Castillo doesnt play. I think most on here would agree that Castillo looked like a better player than Fellaini the first few matches. Obviously Fellaini has improved, but i dont know why Castillo doesnt play.

I think Moyes was angry with him because he had a shot outside the box (even though he scored)

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

I definitely would entertain Rodwell and Castillo after watching the game last night. We have to improve in the midfield before it we let to many games like Wigan last night get away from us. We are now ready for a mixup and test the waters. It was for all to see last night we have no vision on the field. Sadly it's not just Felliani that bothers me but I'll leave the other names out so as not to look so gloomy.

 

[stinger]

I agree. Might aswell just replace Fellaini and Saha with Rodwell and Castillo.

I don't see a point playing Castillo and Rodwell together in midfield, unless we desperately wants to park the bus, hoping for 0-0.

 

[Manolo]

It's not as simple as you think.

In the Premiership, a defensive misfielder needs to be disciplined and knows how to position himself well.

Castillo couldn't do it, although he looked a solid player techincally, he let go of his runners and didn't give his back 4 enough protection.

Unless he has drastically taken steps to improve this, then he'll be nowhere near the team.

Being a defensive mid in the Premiership requires the same attributes as anywhere else, although the Premiership has a higher quantity of exceptional players than other leagues. That said, as mentioned Castillo is an international player, he's not a new kid on the block.

A key part of positioning is getting used to one's defensive teammates. Castillo did not have a pre-season or friendly matches, he was thrown into the fire pretty much right away. If you were to say, his technical skills are not adequate, or he was slow and out of shape, I would be concerned that these are insurmountable obstacles. Positioning is all about knowing your teammates, which, in fairness, requires at least a few matches.