Andy Dunn
Player Valuation: £25k
So, now I've had 24 hrs to think, climb off the ceiling and tell myself (Repeatedly) that things will be ok, I was thinking about whats next for us. Whats next for the team and where do we need to strengthen and shed some "Timber" for the 2015/16 season.
From the back... I think its evident that we need to sort out our defending and get back to being tight and sturdy again. In goal, I think Tim seems to have had a tough time this year and it hasn't helped him OR his confidence that the individual errors have cost us dearly and he has to take some responsibility from leading from behind. I think Robles is now really ready to push for next year so hope that the gaffer gives him the chance. For me, we need to shell out on 2 decent Centre Halves... Perhaps one that is close that can be developed for future (To replace Jags) and then someone who is good to go now. I was impressed with Simon Kjaer from Lille and think he would slot in just fine to play with Stones and/or Jags. I love Distin and the service he has given us but I think that its clear that the gaffer doesn't fancy him much this year so think that will be one to leave. I think the Left back situation is good with Baines and Garbutt... I think thats a great little fight for a place, however I think a new challenge for Seamus Coleman would do him some good as he just seems to have been off it a little this year for me. With all that said the players coming through the academy and under 21's are exciting and think that they may be able to fill those spots and I'm interested to see how they progress. No mention of Alcaraz... I hear you say! He is already removed from my memory banks. Was never, is not now and will never be an Everton player! He'd be the first out the door for me!
In midfield. I think we have quite a bit of excess to trim. Centrally, I think we have to build the core of this part of the pitch around McCarthy, Besic and Barkley. It also needs another creative "passer" a Gibbo, but about 5-8 years younger, maybe someone like Will Hughes??, someone who can play looking forwards and passing positively to stretch the game. That for me would leave Barry surplus to requirements and give Gibbo and Ossie a limited role but I think they expect that will be the case now in the latter part of their careers. Im hoping Pienaar will come back fit and strong but again time isn't on his side. Width is something that we benefitted from last season and I think that wing players like a Lennon or Atsu can give us the pace we need but need to work on the final product. We have to shed some weight in this area and make it lean but with quality but base the midfield around that younger, hungrier, energetic, progressive core.
In attack... We have to keep Rom and build our spearhead off him... He is what we need and the player that can, with time really be "the man". I'd love Mirallas to stay as I think his pace and inventiveness are a real plus to our attack but that may now change based on our "European" status. I like the "idea" of Kone. Works hard, holds the ball well, seems a great team player... For me NOT quite good enough and I know his injuries have meant we haven't seen the best of him but I'm doubting we ever will. Naisy is another one who Im in 2 minds with, work rate and commitment to the cause can never be faulted but sometimes technically he seems a notch or 2 below what you'd want, but then again he comes in with some vital goals and so for me can really give us something when the chips are down and you need someone to make the energetic difference.
I guess overall Im thinking we need to have the younger core with some strong additions and trim some of the bulk to give a leaner, more powerful team that is aggressive, dynamic and with has great technique and I think that some of those changes could help us achieve that. As always, just my opinion so would like to get some other ideas/thoughts?
Best
- Andy
From the back... I think its evident that we need to sort out our defending and get back to being tight and sturdy again. In goal, I think Tim seems to have had a tough time this year and it hasn't helped him OR his confidence that the individual errors have cost us dearly and he has to take some responsibility from leading from behind. I think Robles is now really ready to push for next year so hope that the gaffer gives him the chance. For me, we need to shell out on 2 decent Centre Halves... Perhaps one that is close that can be developed for future (To replace Jags) and then someone who is good to go now. I was impressed with Simon Kjaer from Lille and think he would slot in just fine to play with Stones and/or Jags. I love Distin and the service he has given us but I think that its clear that the gaffer doesn't fancy him much this year so think that will be one to leave. I think the Left back situation is good with Baines and Garbutt... I think thats a great little fight for a place, however I think a new challenge for Seamus Coleman would do him some good as he just seems to have been off it a little this year for me. With all that said the players coming through the academy and under 21's are exciting and think that they may be able to fill those spots and I'm interested to see how they progress. No mention of Alcaraz... I hear you say! He is already removed from my memory banks. Was never, is not now and will never be an Everton player! He'd be the first out the door for me!
In midfield. I think we have quite a bit of excess to trim. Centrally, I think we have to build the core of this part of the pitch around McCarthy, Besic and Barkley. It also needs another creative "passer" a Gibbo, but about 5-8 years younger, maybe someone like Will Hughes??, someone who can play looking forwards and passing positively to stretch the game. That for me would leave Barry surplus to requirements and give Gibbo and Ossie a limited role but I think they expect that will be the case now in the latter part of their careers. Im hoping Pienaar will come back fit and strong but again time isn't on his side. Width is something that we benefitted from last season and I think that wing players like a Lennon or Atsu can give us the pace we need but need to work on the final product. We have to shed some weight in this area and make it lean but with quality but base the midfield around that younger, hungrier, energetic, progressive core.
In attack... We have to keep Rom and build our spearhead off him... He is what we need and the player that can, with time really be "the man". I'd love Mirallas to stay as I think his pace and inventiveness are a real plus to our attack but that may now change based on our "European" status. I like the "idea" of Kone. Works hard, holds the ball well, seems a great team player... For me NOT quite good enough and I know his injuries have meant we haven't seen the best of him but I'm doubting we ever will. Naisy is another one who Im in 2 minds with, work rate and commitment to the cause can never be faulted but sometimes technically he seems a notch or 2 below what you'd want, but then again he comes in with some vital goals and so for me can really give us something when the chips are down and you need someone to make the energetic difference.
I guess overall Im thinking we need to have the younger core with some strong additions and trim some of the bulk to give a leaner, more powerful team that is aggressive, dynamic and with has great technique and I think that some of those changes could help us achieve that. As always, just my opinion so would like to get some other ideas/thoughts?
Best
- Andy
