Fans Comment
Frederik Dahl Pedersen

Looking to the future..
05/01/06

Nigel Martyn: class

In the wake of the recent signing of James Beattie, I sat down and looked at the recent Everton Squad and what the future perhaps could hold.

Starting at the back, the goalkeepers: I have my doubts. No one would question that Nigel Martyn is class-player (we lost two games and conceded seven goals in the first two matches where he was absent). But the man is old, and honestly may only play for one season more.

Then there is his back-up, and the original first choice to the position, Richard Wright, of whom I have my doubts that he will ever be the rock-solid keeper at the back that is needed. Therefore it is very interesting to see what young Iain Turner has to offer, else we will have to yet again invest in a keeper.

Then there is the defence, which in my opinion should be built on Hibbert and Yobo. Although I still reckon that the likes of Stubbs, Weir, Pistone and Naysmith still have something to offer (after this seasons performances) they are not getting any younger, and starting next season with Stubbs and Weir in the heart of defence would be too hazardly in my opinion. The growing lack of speed will cost dearly. So one (possibly two) central defenders and a left back for the next season would be good.

Perhaps Daniel Fox or Anthony Gerrard could surprise me and become an active member of the first-team? Dan Harding of Brighton has been mentioned along with Mark Wilson from Dundee, both U-21 internationals. But most importantly we have look at the market for a young central midfielder, from who we can build our style of play. The loss of Mad Dog (Real Madrid?) will mean that the centre midfield will lose its creativity. Even if Gravesen stays at Goodison, I still reckon a new central midfielder is crucial.

Being from Denmark I know that Brondby IF has a young fella called Thomas Kahlenberg who would suit this role perfectly, although I still prefer a young British player. With the likes of Cahill and Osman (24 & 23) we have something to build on, and Kilbane and Carsley are still doing a fine job in the midfield, but we still need some more flair, pace and skill on the wings (if only McFadden could be transformed into a wing-wizard!). A man like Wayne Routledge could suit the job?

It has been clear, throughout the whole season, that Evertons defensives abilities are good, but when it comes to creating games there has been some question marks. A more pacy and moveable midfield would, after my humble opinion, work wonders. In front, I dont have that many concerns after the signing of Beattie. I reckon he and Bent/or McFadden could make a good partnership and none of them are older than 26 (Beattie) and then there is always Ferguson to throw on the pitch ( if just his elbows stays down!). Players like Watson, Bosnar, Tie, Chadwick are all good squad players but will never be nothing more than that.

Summarizing I think that the future for Everton doesnt necesserally has to be dark, we do have some "young players" we can build a future team on. I don't proclaim that we are ready to battle the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and United. But I truly believe that, with Moyes in charge, the days of nail-biting relegation battles are over... Nil Satis Nisi Optimum.

Frederik  Dahl Pedersen

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