Everton Need Rebuilding

[Romey 1878]

http://www.bluekipper.com/news/9-players_news/6181-rebuild_job_for_moyesy.html

 

 

I've been worried about this for the past year or two. It's something that badly needs addressing.

[Hafnia]

I think I mentioned this two years ago. I did a post regarding the realistic cost to replace players when a few were content to stick with bill and co.

 

Players that need replacing/covering in next 2 years.

 

Howard

Hibbert

Distin

Osman

Jags

 

Pipeline

 

Barkley

Lundstrum

Green

Mcaleny

Kennedy

Stones

Duffy

 

 

Fingers crossed all those lads turn out to be top premiership class player - it's unlikely. We may get 3. We definitely need to source 3 extra top quality players and it ain't gonna be cheap.

[Blue 250]

Like Moyes says, every club has this to face at some time.Probably the rich ones don't have too much of a problem, lucky ones will sometimes find themselves with a string of really good youngsters waiting in the wings (can't think of many of those).Some will do it season by season, which is probably the way most clubs should be set up.

 

Even 'captain fantastic' Gerrard, will have to retire, should liverpool cash in on him before his value declines (as it surely will) and buy three reasonably good 'young' players?

 

Do we have to face up to life with the possability of Fellaini going for £25 million and three decent/good young players coming in?

 

We lost/sold two, what I thought were young talanted players with major Everton futures ahead of them, James Vaughan and Rodwell.....right or wrong life goes on, we just need to find a few more Colemans and his like.

 

Hasn't Moyes been doing a juggling act during his lengthy time with us, he and Kenwright short of selling us to some clown with a few million have managed to make and keep us one of the very best teams/clubs in the country, infact if you put us all on a level playing field money and asset wise, we are probably at the top.

 

Oh sure it doesn't feel that great, no trophies or champions league football, but we're not City, United or liverpool with millions to chuck around and pay £100,000 a week wages.

 

We are probaly going to have to keep buying the likes of Neville for a couple of £million and the Colemans of this world.....so be it.Or Sell Fellini and Baines, and buy 6 good young players for the future.We may have to drop down the league for a season or two while they become a team.

 

With a bit of luck a couple of the older guys can keep doing it for a few more seasons, whilst a few younger lads break through and prove themselves.Plus we will need to spend the Fellaini money well.

Edited April 13, 2013 by Blue 250

[Peter H]

Theres absolutely no reason to drop down the league a season or two. We have great prospects coming up through the ranks.

 

Stones as cover for Hibbo. With Coleman as the starting RB.

We all agree that Duffy will slot right in. We still have Heitinga and Jags.

We have Barkley to take Osmans place in a year or two.

 

I hope Hammar could be a prospect to. And obviously kennedy, lundtrum, green, mcaleny vellios etc etc.

 

We are not in a bad shape all in all. Iread thearticle yesterday on the BBC websiteand just shook my head.

 

A few signings with theFelli money and we are good as gold for another couple of years.

[Peter H]

I hate the spacebar on my ipad.

[Avinalaff]

Do you remember each time we look at young talent, a few of you say "Pah, we need players ready now - not these kids" etc etc ?

 

That's Moyes preparing us for the future, and thinking ahead.

 

Yes, we do need new players, but that's the game. Players get older, but so do those kids.

 

We're not that bad really, when you consider we have some talented players already at the club.

[mcirony]

Do you remember each time we look at young talent, a few of you say "Pah, we need players ready now - not these kids" etc etc ?

 

That's Moyes preparing us for the future, and thinking ahead.

 

Yes, we do need new players, but that's the game. Players get older, but so do those kids.

 

We're not that bad really, when you consider we have some talented players already at the club.

Our U-21s are having a cracking season so far, unbeaten in 11 games I think? Very promising.

[Avinalaff]

Our U-21s are having a cracking season so far, unbeaten in 11 games I think? Very promising.

 

Hibbert actually played over an hour for them last match.

[mcirony]

 

Hibbert actually played over an hour for them last match.

What do you mean?

[Avinalaff]

What do you mean?

 

Hibbert played for the u21's against Fulham u21's a few days ago.

[mcirony]

 

Hibbert played for the u21's against Fulham u21's a few days ago.

Haha I know what you said but what do you mean by that?! I said they are performing well this season and you said 'Hibbert played 60+mins for them against Fulham'.

 

Lots of players played 60+ mins. What's your point?

Edited April 13, 2013 by MoyesForPM

[Avinalaff]

Haha I know what you said but what do you mean by that?! I said they are performing well this season and you said 'Hibbert played 60+mins for them against Fulham'.

 

Lots of players played 60+ mins. What's your point?

 

FFS. My point was that Hibbert got some game time in with the u21's. What else would I mean ?

[Avinalaff]

You are aware he's been out injured for a long time aren't you?

[mcirony]

Haha yea but save it for the Hibbert thread jeez Avin, I was talking about how the futures looking bright and you start talking about our longest serving player!! You couldn't be anymore wide of the topic.

[Steve_E]

We sold Rodwell, Cahill and Yobo last summer and brought in Pienaar, Mirallas, Oviedo, Naismith, Stones, Kennedy and McLoughlin. If we can continue operating on the same model we'll be fine. Sell Fellaini, Heitinga and Naismith this summer and bring in more quantity, preferably guys in the 22-25 range with potential to one day be the next player to go out the door for big bucks.

[Peter H]

Naismith wont be sold, he is apparently giving DM head every evening

[SimonButtle]

Based on todays performance we do need some rebuilding. I think we need a few replacements before we would even look at 'squad buys' Due to Moyes Oviedophobia we might be looking for a left sided player if Pienaar continues in this run of form. I think Jelavic may leave in the summer, not sure why just do. thats on top of us already needing to sign a striker. Our central midfield needs strengthening, Gibson is a good player but will always be in/out with injuries, Osman is inconsistent and you really never know what you get with him. We have needed to sign another midfielder option anyway, hence the attempt with Fer, This in the background of the probable transfer of Fellaini at some point during the close season. Heitinga i think will probably go with Fellaini during the close season, hopefully Duffy will finally get a chance to show what he can do. Then there is a replacement for Mucha who looks like he doesn't want to sign a new contract, and an argument can be made to say we should be looking for a long term replacement for Howard as well soon. Lets hope some of the youngsters can make the step up, we make some decent signings and have a good pre-season.

[Inca85]

This will be one interesting summer.. previous summers we've not been able to bring in players for financial reasons. now we HAVE to bring some starting eleven 20-25ers in. and we won't qualify for europe this year, we better realise it, but we still have the same financial issues.......

[Guest]

I think it needs to be broken down to if Moyes goes or stays. If he stays Hibbo,Ossie will definately be staying but you never know what a new manager wants. As we know the age of squad needs looking at. Why we never got Butland for £3 mill i will never know but a decent back up goalie is a must Id have a look at Hennesey at Wolves who wouldnt cost much. Hibbo id keep just because he can cover at centre half in an emergency but all these recent injuries are a worry.Obviously somebody will be sold and i think it will be Felli maybe to a Russian club for daft wages. I'd sell Jonny and do a Beckford with Naismith. If we get a good offer for Jelly i would seriously consider it and even Bainesy although it hurts me to say. He will be 29 this year or next so maybe if somebody will offer £15 mill that would give our manager a tidy sum to rebuild never mind spending any of the Sky money. Couple of free transfers, maybe a loan or two to add numbers then £40-50 mill to spend and blood the kids

[Peter H]

Whats wrong with doing this over a couple of seasons. Get rid of dead weight now if possible. Cash in on Felli, Osman and some others. Keep Baines another year and if we must, sell him next summer.

 

Id much prefer it if Baines stays with Everton for the rest of his life.

[Matt]

I dont know how anyone can suggest selling one of the most creative players in Europe, regardless of age. If anything is has improved year after year, despite the hickup over the last several games and should be kept here for as long as possible

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2311647/Michu-Leighton-Baines-Santi-Cazorla-Pablo-Zabaleta-Dimitar-Berbatov-omitted-PFA-Player-Year-shortlist.html

[Bailey]

I dont know how anyone can suggest selling one of the most creative players in Europe, regardless of age. If anything is has improved year after year, despite the hickup over the last several games and should be kept here for as long as possible

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2311647/Michu-Leighton-Baines-Santi-Cazorla-Pablo-Zabaleta-Dimitar-Berbatov-omitted-PFA-Player-Year-shortlist.html

Me neither!

[GoodisonRoad]

If we want to move on next season and "really" play some attractive football, the money couldnt be spent any better than this guy. I know he would probably want CL football, but hopefully the money we get from Felli could persuade him. I think he's probably Dortmunds 3rd best player, behind Lewandowski and Gotze. Only 23, but looked a class act again last night, he was bought as a replacement for Sahin, but IMO he has turned into a far better player than Sahin was. I've said it before, we shouldnt look to spend the money from felli on someone else who is going to come in and bully defences, football is evolving and we need to move with it, we need someone who can "unlock" a defence, this guy can do that. I rate him very highly and would probably be like my dream signing for us. This is just the sort of player we should be looking at though. Probably go to Spurs

 

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11899/8646310/Borussia-Dortmund-Ilkay-Gundogan-s-dreams-of-England-or-Spain-move

 

On the other hand, its sad to see a Team i have so much respect for be dismantled so quickly...

Edited April 25, 2013 by GoodisonRoad

[Zoo]

I like his attitude.

[Matt]

If we want to move on next season and "really" play some attractive football, the money couldnt be spent any better than this guy. I know he would probably want CL football, but hopefully the money we get from Felli could persuade him. I think he's probably Dortmunds 3rd best player, behind Lewandowski and Gotze. Only 23, but looked a class act again last night, he was bought as a replacement for Sahin, but IMO he has turned into a far better player than Sahin was. I've said it before, we shouldnt look to spend the money from felli on someone else who is going to come in and bully defences, football is evolving and we need to move with it, we need someone who can "unlock" a defence, this guy can do that. I rate him very highly and would probably be like my dream signing for us. This is just the sort of player we should be looking at though. Probably go to Spurs

 

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11899/8646310/Borussia-Dortmund-Ilkay-Gundogan-s-dreams-of-England-or-Spain-move

 

On the other hand, its sad to see a Team i have so much respect for be dismantled so quickly...

theres an echo on TT! Mentioned him and Leitner a few times, they will be awesome very soon!

[GoodisonRoad]

theres an echo on TT! Mentioned him and Leitner a few times, they will be awesome very soon!

I know you have, just saw this link on SP website before and i thought it was appropriate for this thread, as IMO this is the kind of player we should be looking at to replace felli

[SimonButtle]

Extracts from the Bleacher report:

 

Major Needs
Using Everton’s familiar formation, the three biggest holes are in attack, central midfield and central defence—basically the spine of the team.
Admittedly, this selection is done on the basis that Marouane Fellaini moves on from the Toffees this summer, as many, including the*Daily Mail, expect him to do so.
If the Belgian does stay, then central midfield is less of an urgent need, although there is an argument that his sale would benefit the Toffees and allow a new manager additional freedom to work the transfer market. Also Everton’s new manager may prefer him in Leon Osman’s position in this lineup.
In terms of guaranteed starters, it’s*unlikely*anyone will come in and dislodge Tim Howard in goal, who has improved after a slightly sloppy start to the season.
Everton have two excellent options at full-back in Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman—who must be kept at all costs—and they also have fine depth in reserve. Tony Hibbert and John Stones are at the opposite ends of their careers, but both can perform at right-back while Bryan Oviedo provides a sufficient backup at left-back.
Phil Jagielka is captain of the side and a certain starter in defence. Many may consider not describing Sylvain Distin as a guaranteed selection alongside him to be harsh, but the logic behind that will be revealed.

Further forward, Darron Gibson and Leon Osman have been solid performers this season, and the Toffees boast strong options out wide in Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas.*


Find a Reliable Source of Goals

Striker
Possible Options: Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Andreas Cornelius (Copenhagen), Tomer Hemed (Real Mallorca), Roberto Soldado (Valencia), Loic Remy (QPR), Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea).
Up front is the club’s major need and primary issue for the new manager to solve.
Having initially suggested he could be the solution, Nikica Jelavic has endured a disappointing campaign leading the Toffees’ line, scoring just eight goals in over 40 appearances.
Victor Anichebe has been committed in reserve but doesn’t possess the*necessary*assets to be a regular starter at a Champions League-chasing club.
Everton’s main glitch here has been an inability to convert dominant passages of play into goals, which has too often seen them hanging onto a slender lead.
Compared to every other side in the Premier League’s top seven, the Toffees have managed at least 10 goals fewer than each of those opponents, which highlights their frailty here. Their top scorer is Fellaini, with 11 goals, yet every other top-seven squad has a player on at least 14 league strikes or more.
Clearly the priority for Everton’s new manager is to identify that*illusive*predator*the club have been craving for so long. Without one, it’s hard to imagine the Toffees making that leap to the Champions League.

Add Some Energy in the Middle

Central Midfield
Possible Options: Victor Wanyama (Celtic), Leroy Fer (FC Twente), Etienne Capoue (Toulouse),*James McCarthy (Wigan),*Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio) Steven Defour (Porto).
Further back, the second position needing attention is central midfield. As mentioned, Marouane Fellaini can be devastating in this berth, should he to stay at the club, but it seems more likely he will move on.
He has also been playing further forward, which is another reason why Everton need additional help in the middle, regardless of his future.
With the Belgian*upfield, Everton’s core has lost an element of resilience when not in possession. Darron Gibson and Leon Osman have been consistent performers, adding guile and industry on the ball, but they are not a suitable combination in midfield for a Champions League side.
Osman has been especially targeted*by opposition attackers, dribbled past 58 times this season, the second highest tally in the Premier League. Both players have the attributes that makes a more physical, energetic presence the suitable fit alongside them.
For this reason, Everton ideally need Osman to shuffle forward, as he is on the first slide, with Gibson partnered by this more dynamic, physical option, who can break up play in the style of Fellaini.

Recruit an Imposing Centre-Back

Central Defence
Possible Options: Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord),*Aleksandar Dragovic (Basel), Dejan Lovren (Lyon), Jores Okore (FC Nordsjaelland).
Some may legitimately question the early slide that claimed Everton need a solution at centre-back, but defence has undoubtedly been an issue for long periods this season. It has to be remembered the starting lineup needs improving to make the top four as this season’s efforts have fallen short of that target.
Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines have been consistent throughout while Seamus Coleman and Sylvain Distin have improved after patchy starts, helping the Toffees to their current run of seven clean sheets in nine.
However, before that, Everton went on an unbelievable run of 18 games (in all competitions) without a shutout, stretching from September to January. That agonising period saw the Toffees literally shelling points as a series of late lapses cost them dearly.
The goals did not come in periods the team dominated, and the defence were left unable to hold onto one-goal leads, leaving far too many matches drawn. Seven in nine at one stage.
Distin has certainly shown his reliability in recent weeks, but, approaching 36, it’s*unlikely*he will be as consistent for a whole season next year. John Heitinga has been the Toffees other option, and the Dutchman has been horribly out of form, far below his standard set last season that saw him named Fans’ Player of the Season.
As a whole, the team have struggled with physical front men, with several burly strikers bullying them. Everton have conceded 39 percent of their goals from headers this season, a staggering 11 percent more than any other side, with*Heitinga being particularly fallible in this area.*
To be formidable enough for the top four, the Toffees need an imposing presence to partner Jagielka at the back. Distin can provide reliable cover in reserve, while it’s perhaps best Heitinga*seeks a change of scenery.

Minor Needs

Goalkeeper
Possible Options: Alex McCarthy (Reading), Fraser Forster (Celtic), Alex Smithies (Huddersfield).
Tim Howard has been far more consistent in recent weeks, with a run of clean sheets, but there was an early stretch of the season when the American was far from his reliable self.
While he doesn’t*necessarily*need replacing, he undoubtedly needs better cover from the bench. During that inconsistent spell, there was nobody on the sidelines putting any form of pressure of the American to start.
Jan Mucha played in a handful of games and impressed many against Manchester City; however, he’s not of the calibre to compete for a starting place. The Toffees need a younger model, who can eventually develop into a potential starter, to keep Howard on his toes.


Attacking Midfield
Possible Options: Scott Sinclair (Manchester City), Callum McManaman (Wigan), Junior Hoilett (QPR),*Adem Ljajic (Fiorentina), Christian Atsu (Porto).
Finally, while Everton have Kevin Mirallas and Steven Pienaar on the flanks, there is a significant lack of depth behind them.*
The Toffees have shown impressive recent form when Osman has partnered these two, interchanging in the three positions behind the striker. To advance and evolve this fluid system, the squad would benefit from another similar attacking player who can be brought in to compete here.
It’s certainly not an essential fit, but for Everton to make the Champions League, they will need more variety and more of an X-factor in attack, which Mirallas has begun to provide more frequently.

Conclusion
With Everton under new direction next season, led by a new manager at the helm, he will have his own views and opinions on the Toffees’ current personnel.
If he especially dislikes any current starters, or perhaps sees more worth in their sale, then there could be some rather unpredictable moves this summer.
However, if these highlighted areas can be filled with quality, especially the forward berth, then there’s no reason to dismiss this current squad’s Champions League credentials.
With a few savvy additions, Everton can certainly prolong their top-four challenge, and, with a bit of luck, potential even make that lucrative leap.

Edited May 19, 2013 by Simon

[Steve_E]

Extracts from the Bleacher report:

...

 

I pretty much agree with all of that. Though I think another winger (preferably a left-footed one who plays on the right) is a bigger need than centre back. Main concern should be finding a striker though.