Jelavic to weigh up Everton future?

, Liverpool Daily Post , 9 April, 99comments  |  Jump to most recent
Nikica Jelavic is apparently considering his Everton future after struggling to match the goalscoring exploits that fired him into Evertonian hearts a year ago following his move from Rangers.

A deadline-day signing in January 2012, the Croatian notched 11 goals in 17 appearances for the Blues in an explosive arrival to the Premier League, but his form has been hit by apparent "second-season syndrome".

With just 8 goals in 36 appearances so far this term, he recently lost his starting role in David Moyes's first team to Victor Anichebe and the Daily Post report that Jelavic will consider whether or not he wants to fight for regular first-team football at Goodison Park or seek a move elsewhere this summer.

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Daily Post



Reader Comments (99)

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Brin Williams
1 Posted 09/04/2013 at 08:50:17
Do you think that Anichebe's 'nightmare' issue is also Jelavic's problem?
Moyes 'he's always on you'.

I've known bosses like that – always after the best results, hounding staff, pin-pricking, trying to squeeze out more and generally lowering staff moral.

Their intentions are good but it's always 'my way or highway' and leaves little if any room for self expression – they suffocate!

I just wonder whether Jelavic is suffering from over-attention, over-instruction and generally is confused, restricted and unable to play his natural game in his natural position and therefore unable to express his own game for fear of stepping out of line or not toeing the line!!

Just a thought having read those comments of Vic's on that other thread.

[Ed Note: This post and many that follow below have been moved here from another thread. Let us know if something is missing from the discussion.]

John Hughes
2 Posted 09/04/2013 at 09:22:36
Brin, I'll bear in mind how demanding Moyes can be the next time Jelavic balloons one over the bar! You can blame Moyes for all sorts of things but missing sitter after sitter surely has to be down to the player?
Tony J Williams
3 Posted 09/04/2013 at 09:35:00
No, you're wrong John, it's Moyes's fault, he has upset the ickle wickle delicate psyche of Jelavic and that explains why he completely misses balls and it hits his standing leg.

It's Moyes's fault that he is our most offside player

etc etc (sarcasm included)

Tony Farrell
4 Posted 09/04/2013 at 09:27:35
Brin, I don't think Jelavic is under any pressure from Moyes. Let's be honest, he does give the regular players a fair go. I, like many other Blues, would have liked to have seen our so-called fringe players given more playing time, eg: Oviedo, Barkley, Duffy etc... but the likes of Neville and Osman get the nod off Moysey most games, so I think Moyes is giving Jells plenty of time to play himself out of this nightmare. I personally think he will come good again. He wouldn't get his game anyway the way Big Vic's playing. I must admit I wouldn't have said that a couple of months ago. Whatever he's on, give to the rest of the team and 4th is not a problem.
Barry Rathbone
5 Posted 09/04/2013 at 09:49:31
Sounds good.

So why are performances so massively inconsistent? .... Wigan then City trips from the tongue as the latest example.

Because it's easy to tell people what you want quite a different matter explaining HOW!

Moyes should be sub contracting coaching eg ring Gerd Muller and get him over for a week with our strikers (might know a bit more than Round et al about goal scoring).

I should really charge for this stuff.

Tony J Williams
6 Posted 09/04/2013 at 11:37:50
"Because tt's easy to tell people what you want quite a different matter explaining HOW!" - If Jelavic doesn't know how to kick a ball coming to him, then what is he doing plying his trade as a footballer?
Robbie Shields
7 Posted 09/04/2013 at 11:58:35
Tony, I've been watching the mighty blues for a very very long time, and IMHO Jelavic is the best one touch finisher I've ever seen, and that includes Wayne Clarke, yes Wayne Clarke, put him on the wing, shite, put him in the 6 yard box, goals.

Moyes just has no idea when it comes to strikers, simple as that.

Phil Sammon
8 Posted 09/04/2013 at 11:51:13
I remember Jelavic saying that he doesn't think about how to score goals. He said that when you over-analyse then you only cause yourself problems. I think this is the case right now. He's worrying about his goals and so it everyone else and the pressure is ever increasing.

I think there are a few reasons for his lack of goals

1. He's just plain out of form. It happens to all players but I think a striker not scoring goals is going to get more attention that a centre mid not creating them.

2. We're not playing to his strengths. When was the last time we swung in a cross like Vertonghan's on Sunday? When was the last time he received a decent throughball? Even the one he scored from against City was a fucking horrible ball to him from Fellaini.

I'd love to see Miralles played just off Jelavic. He commits defenders and creates space and that is where Jelavic thrives. I'd hate to see him sold in the summer. He's not become a bad player all of a sudden.

Tony J Williams
9 Posted 09/04/2013 at 12:16:05
Robbie, look at our list of strikers under Moyes and apart from Meattie, they have all probably enjoyed their best form and seasons with us. Not a one has gone on to do better elsewhere, not a one. (I know you will mention Yak, his team was relegated and he is now getting fat in China)

So if it's Moyes dragging them down, surely as soon as they are released from his shackles they should blossom again?

Saha went to a Champions League side, had a flurry of goals and then was sacked off.

AJ is languishing with QPR, probably about to get relegated after having a crap time at Fulham.

Meattie is probably somewhere eating pies.

Look at that list and then tell me, with a straight face, that we have had quality forwards in the time Moyes has been here. They are all average footy players or crocks that had good time with us but then moved on because they weren't good enough.

Denis Richardson
10 Posted 09/04/2013 at 12:38:39
Tony 316 - can you also not look at it the other way? I.e. the strikers were doing great before they came to us, then come to us and then go downhill, never to fully recover their previous heights - even after they leave us...etc?

Just pointing out your argument can be spun both ways....

(I can still remember cleary west ham away Dec 2010, starting line up had no strikers - our 4 fit strikers were all catching splinters on the bench. Real confidence booster for the forwards that must have been against the second from bottom side. Moyes was supposedly teaching them a lesson!)

Tony J Williams
11 Posted 09/04/2013 at 12:54:20
Who was doing great?

Bent? — Journey man
Saha? — Man Utd's injured sub
Beattie? — A couple of decent seasons with Southampton
Johnson? — Playing for a relegated side.
Yakubu? — His best scoring total, then seriously injured.

And that's it 5 players in 11 years.... 5?
Robbie Shields
12 Posted 09/04/2013 at 12:57:00
OK Tony, lets say I concur with your assessment, they were all average footy players at best or crocks. So who spent multi-millions on them in transfers, wages and signing on fees?

You can't have it both ways. Truth of the matter is, which ever way you look at it, Moyes just doesn't get strikers and attacking football. It sometimes 'happens' I just don't think it's planned for trained for and coached.

And before you say "Wel you don't see them in training", well actually I have. Me and my son flew down to Sydney from Brisbane to watch them train at the ANZ, we also so them train in Brisbane at the Suncorp. All I can say is that I was genuinely very underwhelmed at what I saw, no formation work, no attacking work.

Patrick Murphy
13 Posted 09/04/2013 at 13:02:45
Maybe Moyes just doesn't have the eye for a striker and he shouldn't have bought them in the first place, that's the difference between someone like Fergie even before the money came flooding in he has always had an eye for a goalscorer.
Tony McNulty
14 Posted 09/04/2013 at 14:55:44
The two criteria which matter are: (1) willingness; and (2) ability.

Jelavic has become a mystery to me. He was scoring for fun last season. I presume like all strikers he relies on confidence and his appears to be shot at the moment. The other thing is that he seems to me to spend too much time out on the wing putting in crosses. He is clearly a striker who needs to be in the box: he won’t do a Drogba from 30 yards out.
Phillip Mark
15 Posted 09/04/2013 at 15:35:10
Phil #310

spot on on both points. Jelavic was confidently slotting away those crosses this time last year. Now all I see is HIM out wide and when he is in the centre, the ball is coming in from behind far too often and he's out-muscled and lacking in appetite to win the ball.

Perhaps the first issue (him going out wide so often) is a direct instruction from Moyes. We all know how he wants 'workmanlike' strikers... Jelavic simply isn't one of those. It's not his strength!

John Shepherd
16 Posted 09/04/2013 at 15:27:14
I think Jelavic has been unlucky at the start of the season, mainly due to the form of Fellaini. Last season everyone was looking for Jelavic in the box this season I've noticed in a few games when he was better placed, he didn't get the pass — that would annoy most players brought in to score goals, like what happened in the second half of last season. And of course he's had plenty of chances and mistimed his kick which makes him look like he left his eyeballs in the dressing room, but is it Moyes telling them to give it to Fellaini to raise the price tag, or is it player preference?
Phil Walling
17 Posted 09/04/2013 at 16:55:38
The news this morning that Nickica Jelavic `wants away` is hardly a surprise and, given his record this season, I suspect most of us would willingly pay his fare back to Croatiia. But will Jelly — who looked the real deal when he first came down from Rangers — turn out to be the very last of Moyes's Misfits when the history of Everton is writ?

Of course, that will depend on whether or not we are to continued to be blessed with the Scot as our manager. But he certainly has form with so-called strikers — many of whom also appeared to be the answer to our prayers when we first saw them in action. That was until they learned the 'Everton way'... and the demand for running the channels, tracking back and goal-line clearances replaced any natural instincts they had at the other end of the pitch.

Just after Christmas, I wrote that Goodison Park was a graveyard for strikers, mentioning Johnson, Beattie, Yakubu and Saha alongside a number of lower profile forwards who had seen their scoring powers go rapidly downhill under our manager. In response, one correspondent opined that Moyes would have turned off Dixie Dean's flow had he managed him — and he was almost certainly right!

I`m sad about Jelavic as I was about all the others. It's as though they made their mark when left to their own devices and that, once they became 'thinking' players, they just fell apart. This, if for no other reason, is why I shall be glad to be rid of David Moyes!

Tony J Williams
18 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:19:35
Phil, if the dope had scored the sitters he has missed this season, he would easily be our top scorer. Moyes's tactics have nothing to do with a player fluffling his lines.

The big difference with this striker is that he is missing them, whereas the others weren't getting any chances.

AJ, Meattie, Saha and Yakubu - There was only one truly decent one there, Yak, who had a career ending injury and true to form wanted away so stopped trying.

AJ was a Championship player, Meattie.....was... well Meattie and Saha was a crock. That is the whole list of our "main" strikers" under Moyes. It makes for piss poor reading really.

Kevin Hudson
19 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:21:07
Not even one single quote even attributed to Jelavic in this article, so I'll take this with a pinch of salt.

Either an unimaginative journo, or it's come from his agent on a strictly off-the-record basis.

James Stewart
20 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:24:28
You can argue he is out wide more which may be true but that doesn't change the fact he has missed some absolute sitters. His touch has been horrible at times this season. If he wants to go good luck to him. I think there are a lot better players out there. Remy would be a step up for similar money.
Paul Gladwell
21 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:27:09
Why sell him he cost buttons really and you can bet he would score a bagful elsewhere, let him rest in the summer and give it another season, we need forwards not sell them.
Nick Entwistle
22 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:36:29
Don't buy this Jely on the wing nonsense. Sure he comes deep a couple of times and picks it up out wide each match, but is often passing on to advancing players. And this is only a couple of times each match, then immediately found back in the middle.

But of course its each and every game he's playing left wing....

With Fellaini up front we're playing through the middle more and the number of pull-backs to Jely has decreased this season when last season we played more down the wings.

If Jely's personal goal tally takes a hit for the benefit of the team's play, that's the manager's tactics. Doesn't stop him from missing sitters though.

Peter Thistle
23 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:36:57
Sounds like a bullshit article to me. Because he's had a dodgy season and been on the bench a few times a journalist is putting two and two together. I'd be surprised if he wasn't still here next season.
Al Reddish
24 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:38:10
Jelavic seems to be showing the same attitude off the pitch as he does on it at the moment........can't be arsed to fight for his place. Compare this to the 'new' Vic who never stopped running or closing down opponents all game vs Spurs. He was a handful and held the ball up really well, allowing Mirallas, Baines and Osman to catch up with him. It would have been even better if we had Pienaar linking up too.
Colin Glassar
25 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:48:55
Another forward who will be sold at a loss. Under Moyes GP has become a graveyard for strikers.
Pat Campbell
26 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:58:08
Well well so he's going to spit out the dummy...he has been crap this season so what does he expect. Moyes persevered with him in the team and still he didn't come up with the goods. I said at the time when we bought him that he was/is over-rated.
Patrick Murphy
27 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:53:04
I don't believe that Jelavic has been missing chances regularly he isn't really getting them, but what is lacking is the ability to control or pass a ball in any given situation, it would be interesting to know if this was lacking in his game up at Rangers. There was a rumour earlier in the season that DM didn't really fancy him. I wonder if money is the root cause of his loss of form, perhaps he was promised more cash or perhaps Mirallas' starting salary was higher than Jelly's, whatever the reasons he is not the same lad we saw only 12 months ago. I personally would get rid, because he either doesn't have the ability and attitude to cut it in the PL or he is unhappy at the club,either way he is just another drain on our meagre resources.


Brian Waring
28 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:57:09
Hmmmm, Moyes and strikers don't really go together.
Brian Waring
29 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:04:16
Patrick, his form last season IMO shows he can cut it in the prem, some of his finishing last season was top quality and not something you learn, it's instinctive. Could it be (I'm sorry Moysiahs) he is being asked to change parts of his game and that's the problem? didn't Moyes say not so long ago that Jelavic needs to work 'harder'?
Denis Richardson
30 Posted 09/04/2013 at 17:56:54
Tony - you say 'AJ, Meattie, Saha and Yakubu - There was only one truly decent one there, Yak', didn't we break transfer records at the time to bring the likes of AJ and Beattie in?

Either Moyes 'doesn't get' strikers (as these strikers did not consistently perform well for us) or he is not very good at picking them (as these strikers did not consistently perform well for us). Or are you saying that he has simply been unlucky in over a decade? (Note I'll put Bent in the good bucket as we certainly got a lot more than we paid for.)

Also I believe at one point or another he fell out with Bent, Saha, Yak, AJ and Beattie didn't he? There would seem to certainly be a pattern and if this post is to believed now Jelly wants away aswell - he may have had a poor season so far but is still tecnically miles ahead of where Anichebe will ever get to.

The whole Moyes ruins strikers is not just a TW topic, it has been dicussed on numerous other threads as well, so its not just a few TWebbers that think this. Personally, imo the style and tactics we play (most of the time) just doesnt suit strikers as their forced to track back and run the channels too often. Last year Jelavic tended to stay in the middle and just poached the goals. This year, for whatever reason, his confidence seems to be gone and with it that ruthles one touch finishing. Also given that we tend to be cautious when playing, we'll never score that many goals anyway so cannot see any striker getting close to 20 goals a season let alone 25 or 30.

I can see Jelavic staying if Moyes leaves but not if Moyes stays - we'll know soon enough.

Andy Meighan
31 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:28:36
If you'd have said to me at the end of last season that Jelavic would have struggled so much this season, you'd've been carted off somewhere. I've never seen a change in a player so much and it's heartbreaking really.

And I don't think for one minute think it's down to Moyes; it's the player himself. I really wouldn't be bothered now if he did go because he'll never get back what he had when he first came. Tragic really.

Barry Rathbone
32 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:05:22
Blind madness saying a common thread of strikers starting well then falling away under Moyes doesn't exist it virtually defines him, a fair number on here jokingly posted of Jelas great start - wait till Moyes influence kicks in.

Jela is of the Cottee/Lineker mold focused entirely on getting one touch in the box and bang it's a goal anything else is a distraction.

Goal poachers (which is what he is) all tell you they conserve energy and focus for what they're good at the vital split second in the box that means a goal.

I doubt Moyes or any of the other centre halves coaching him have the slightest inkling, damned shame if he goes before Moyes.

There's a really good striker there if played correctly (as an aside that's the problem for Torres - Chelsea don't play the long ball as much as Liverpool - true)

Bertie Alloff
33 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:28:47
That story is the biggest load of blag I've ever read, no quotes at all. Just so happens it comes after he has been on the subs bench a while. Personally I like Jelavic and so must a lot of us because not many have got on his back despite a dreadful season. If we play to his strenghts he will score, I don't want to see a player like that out on the wing.
Bjørn-Ivar Pedersen
34 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:18:27
This is bad....I really hope Jelavic will wait and fight another season for us to see things out, hopefully we will get a manager who know how to put him in the right spot and let the lad play as an attacker instead of all over the pitch.
Why on earth do he need to stay on the first post when the opponent have a dead-ball???? As I see it his place is staying in the midfield waiting for an opportunity for counter attack.
I really enjoy watching Jelavic, he is something we never had before in my days as Evertonian and he is my kind of strikers....but yes since xmas he have not played the way he started out, and I can figure it is because Moyes has something to do with it. But if Moyes sign a new contract, then I won't blame him for seeking a style of play fitted for him. Cause he is a 20+ goal a season player used and served the right way.
Brent Stephens
35 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:45:41
As Bertie says, no quotes. So another no story?
Paul Gladwell
36 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:42:45
Al , one thing you cannot say about Jelavic is his work rate, time after time last week against Stoke he was the one constantly running a full line across the Stoke back four closing them down, at times actually running past Anichebe who was closer to the defender Jelavic was closing down, I thought Anichebe was great on Sunday but the previous week his work rat was a mile behind Jelavic.
Paul Gladwell
37 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:47:22
Sorry work rate
Tony Marsh
38 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:45:14
I hate seeing Jelavic out wide running the channels — it's fucking dumb shit. Let the lad scavenge and play his footy in and around the 18-yard box. Play the ball to feet when he is running and facing forward, that's how to feed a striker.

It must break a striker's heart to constantly play with back to goal, heading flick-ons into empty space. Play the game in the correct manner and Jelavic would flourish.

Col Noon
39 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:50:11
Jelavic isn't going anywhere. He is still a more than useful asset and Moyes knows this. If the price is right then obviously any player can be considered as fair game. He will be here next season along with Moyes. His attitude and work rate has been as good as any in the squad, his goal return on the other hand.. Not so. I don't see him going to a better team. If he wants first team football then he must oust Anichebe. That's his target, all he can do is keep going. Cliched but true.
Ross Edwards
40 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:51:45
This is a non story, there are no quotes from the guy, it's just speculation. Players always have dips in form, look at RVP, hasn't scored in 12 Prem games,and Torres.Its unfortunate that Jela has had a dip, but I'm sure he will be back to his best soon, but we shouldn't get on the lad's back.
Peter Leslie
41 Posted 09/04/2013 at 18:06:11
For those who haven't, read this on the excellent Executioner's Bong site: http://theexecutionersbong.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/whats-up-with-Jelavic/

I'm a believer that you can't coach goalscoring into a player, but you can damn well coach it out.

I dearly hope his confidence and touch comes back, but doubt it will under the present coaching set-up.

He's best off waiting to see if Moyes and Round are still here after June before making his mind up.

Mark Frere
42 Posted 09/04/2013 at 19:04:51
If some club comes in and offers 4 or 5 million, we should bite their hand off. Jelavic
just seemed to have a bit of a honeymoon period when he first came, I don't think he
will ever reach them dizzy scoring heights again.

Its a real shame for Jelavic, because he always looks eager to do well and really does seem to care. Big Vic is now the one who looks the real deal, lets just hope he can get the goals his performances have merited lately.

Tony McNulty
43 Posted 09/04/2013 at 19:27:41
Imagine Bob Latchford running up and down along the touchlines all match ha ha ha
Roman Sidey
44 Posted 09/04/2013 at 19:21:50
It might be a dodgy story, but at least it has sparked a bit of dialogue about why he's having trouble. For me, Moyes summed his own understanding of football up when he came out a few weeks ago saying centre half was the hardest position to play. What a load of crap. I'm not saying it's the easiest, and I'm not saying striker is the hardest, but it showed that Moyes obviously puts more focus on the defensive core than on any attacking spirit the team could have.

The sitters Jelavic is missing, I think, can be put down to him being knackered by the time he gets them, as well as not getting the right amount of finishing training during the week - something I don't suspect gets a lot of attention at Finch Farm. As has been mentioned on this thread, and nearly every other thread about our forwards, Moyes has brought in a team of yes men defenders, and it shows in our strikers' form. Mirallas has turned defenses inside out two weeks in a row, but I wouldn't hold my breath to see that next season.

In all this chat about Victor being the main man up front now, people need to realise that he has taken the piss out of the club and shirt for a long time, until the end of start of this year when he finally put in some man-like performances. He's playing well, yes, but he has a lot more to do before he should be winning anyone over.

Brin Williams
45 Posted 09/04/2013 at 19:58:26
I wonder whether Jela's problem has been Fellaini. (Lets leave Moyes out of this ftb)

Ever since Fellaini was pushed up, Jela has not prospered.

Some will argue that up front is Felli's best position, I don't.

I have noticed on a number of occasions that Jela has been beaten to the ball by Fellaini - again perhaps the outcome was a goal and we all applauded, but I wonder whether Jela would have scored anyway if the hairy one was not standing in front of him.

Secondly, Jela is not a winger he is a very pale shade of Greaves and/or Linneaker (he says) but whatever he is, he is not going to score or be any use whatsoever out on the wing.

Unless he can be slotted in to play in his preferred position within the Everton set up he should be sold for the best price.

Paul Ellam
46 Posted 09/04/2013 at 20:11:02
I firmly believe Jelavic will still be an Everton player next season.
Paul Ellam
47 Posted 09/04/2013 at 20:15:14
I also firmly believe he will stay!
Ian Bennett
48 Posted 09/04/2013 at 20:11:34
Shit finishing, long ball tactics, regi blinkers from Mirallas, running around the wings, no pace, play making skills of Pienaar/Osman not quite up to scratch, put him on pens (no one would say chuff with another 5 pens).
Colin Glassar
49 Posted 09/04/2013 at 20:38:19
Moyes wants Jelavic defending corners and set pieces, running the channels, playing as a winger etc..... Everything except his natural position which is right down the middle and in the box.
Eugene Ruane
50 Posted 09/04/2013 at 20:26:23
Jesus - what a load nothingy..erm..nothingness.

Our local press - God help us.

"NIKICA JELAVIC is considering his Everton FC future after his nightmare season continued at the weekend"

Really...says who?

HE said?

Moyes?

Jelavic's dad?

Cat?

FFs, the piece is so lazy, it doesn't even say "a source close to the player hinted" or "according to insiders"

Total shite.

Then (as none of us really follow Everton) we're 'informed'..

"Jelavic has struggled for goals having scored just once in his last 14 appearances and only three times in his last 24 Premier League outings, It is in stark contrast to the Croatian’s exploits last season, when he netted 11 times in 16 games after arriving from Rangers for £5.5million in January 2012".

Hey, you know something, it IS in stark contrast - WHAT an insight!

And there's more..

"The 27-year-old’s regular starting role has come under threat from a resurgent Victor Anichebe in recent weeks with the player a substitute in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur"

Fantastic, amazing, I'm learning with every paragraph!

"Now Jelavic is pondering a summer move elsewhere after falling down the striking pecking order at Goodison"

Is he?

Is he REALLY pondering?

Does the Post have some sort of ponder-o-meter that feeds them player ponder-facts?.

Did Jelavic SAY "Well me forms shite blue, I'm ponderin' a move lad"

Was he singing 'I was born under a ponderin' star' and it was taken out of context?

Anyone read those 'Tony Parshole' spoofs in Viz?"

Fluff space-filler that says fuck-all and finishes "There, 500 words, invoice in the post".

Exactly.

Karl Masters
51 Posted 09/04/2013 at 21:01:38
Probably written by a Red-shite and taken in hook, ine and sinker by the guppies on here...
Paul Dark
52 Posted 09/04/2013 at 21:19:31
Hope he stays.
Steavey Buckley
53 Posted 09/04/2013 at 21:26:10
Someone told me at the beginning of the season that Jelavic would score a lot of goals this coming season. My reply: that will depend on how good other managers have done their homework on him. The other managers had time to analyse his play before the beginning of this season and probably realised that he needed ahead start to get away from defenders marking him. That's why he is now caught off side, which has probably effected his general play.

It is the same situation with Heitinga. He had a great season last, but this season has been caught out. The premier league is a very unforgiving league and managers will have dossiers on every player in the league covering all of their strengths and weaknesses. The really great players escape the other managers assessment of them by being able to modify their game.

Phil Walling
54 Posted 09/04/2013 at 21:57:43
Just wondering why all these people say Jelly must stay even though he`s forgotten how to score goals. Do you just like the colour of his boots ?
Patrick Murphy
55 Posted 09/04/2013 at 21:52:36
Karl, even if the story is a load of tosh it is still worth debating what the problem with Jelavic is, in fact I drew attention to it being a non-story on another thread around mid-morning. If Jelavic had have arrived at Goodison in August of this season would the fans have been so forgiving of his overall performances?

I thought he was the real deal but following his non performances in the Euro's and his inability to control the ball or pass it this season I have major doubts about him. Neville and Osman take lots of stick for their poor performances and ball retention despite always being on the move and working their socks off, but for some reason Jelavic is afforded greater latitude, don't forget he wasn't cheap costing around £5m which for us at this juncture is not small beer.

James Martin
56 Posted 09/04/2013 at 22:07:22
A luxury player who we simply cannot afford to carry if the rest of the team isn't playing well. Jelavic is the cherry on the cake, the perfect executor of a flowing move, the man to pu tthe finishing touch to all of our approach work. That's what was happening last season, quick ball out to Pienaar straight into the box for Jelavic and it was a goal. If he played upfront for Barcelona or Arsenal in the middle I'd dread to think how many he'd score.

As soon as the team stops functioning behind him then he is relatively useless, not much pace or agility and a loss of ocnfidence has affected his touch. This season Moyes changed the team to ensure that it was Fellaini getting on the end of everything, quite why he ocntinued to play Jelavic with him I don't know as he is just a passenger whenever Fellaini plays behind him.

With Jelavic it is quite simple, build a team that thrives on quick ball with players looking to servi ehim in the 6 yards box and he will score. If you build a team reliant upon slow build up play, utilising Fellaini flanked by Mirallas and Anichebe who barely look up for him then he will not score many. I personally think the future should be Mirallas behind Jelavic with two Pienaar and one other playing on the flanks. The pace of the three behind would offer up so many chances for him that Fellaini's hold up play doesn't.

Sam Hoare
57 Posted 09/04/2013 at 22:20:55
It's a total fallacy that Jelavic has not had chances, or through balls or well directed crosses. He has and is failing to put enough of them on target.

It pains me to say it but there is only so long someone can be 'out of form' before you conclude that they are just not very good. I hope he proves me wrong but that looks increasingly the case.

Ian Bennett
58 Posted 09/04/2013 at 22:34:59
He has had chances Sam, but he plays far better with the ball on the deck than the ball being lumped on with/from Fellaini. A Beardsley type link man would get more from him.
Kevin Tully
59 Posted 09/04/2013 at 22:56:13
I know most blues want to put their fingers in their ears, and go la la la at the top of their voice when they hear the following stat :

Yakubu went from Everton to Blackburn for £1m, and scored SEVENTEEN League goals for a relegated side. He could not get a look in when Saha could not hit the proverbial cow's arse.

Something wrong somewhere.

Frank Wade
60 Posted 09/04/2013 at 23:01:55
My theory on the Jelavic goal drought is:

1. Premier League defenders have more information about his strengths and are paying more attention this year. He is seen as goal threat No 1 and tightly marked.

2. Last season, the No 1 goal threat was Tim Cahill in the minds of Premier League defenders. He was no longer able to play as well as before, but took a lot of attention away from Jelavic, allowing him the time and space to produce the first time finishes.

I am constantly amazed at how poor Jelavic has appeared this season in general play, simple ball control, winning arial tussles, shielding possession and holding up play, passing, understanding of offside etc etc, as well as several mis-kicks of good chances. I wonder if these flaws were apparent last season, but his perfect finishing acted as a camouflage.

Can it be the difference between superb goal fest fed confidence contributing to a relaxed attitude and the goal drought causing major anxiety when the chances arrive ? In fairness to the chap, he is still working hard for the team and doing a lot of running to make space and close down, as he was last year and he still deserves our continued support. I have no doubt that if he was in last season's form, we would be challenging for a Champion's League place..

Patrick Murphy
61 Posted 10/04/2013 at 00:21:42
Frank your number 2 point is spot on, I just watched the Season Review DVD and Cahill was on the park for almost all of Jelavic's goals and his first goal without Cahill being in tandem was against Man Utd in the 4-4. Also the amount of space he was afforded in his early games is unbelievable, so there are mitigating circumstances from that perspective.

There were a number of his goals which were a direct result of good work by Felli on the ground rather than in the air, so our style has altered a little bit and it doesn't seem to suit Jelly at all. He also looked a lot sharper and brighter this time last year in fact the complete opposite to how he appears at the moment.

Steven Telford
62 Posted 10/04/2013 at 00:22:53
I honestly don’t know what share of the blame can be placed on Moyes, maybe its his tactical mismanagement, or maybe it’s just a big dip in form.

1 question and 1 thought.

I can’t quite remember, but when he arrived and had his blitz of goals, was he not doing the things people are pointing out, such as getting back to defend set pieces...etc, etc?
That’s not a rhetorical Q, I honestly don’t remember, I just think if we can get that sort of class from him once, we can do it again.

Secondly, all of Moyes's predecessors - between his arrival and Kendall’s 1st departure - seem to have failed to land/develop a TRULLY world class striker. Rooney being the one that got away of course. Maybe I am wrong, just a thought.

Patrick Murphy
63 Posted 10/04/2013 at 00:44:02
From memory and the quick highlights I've just watched, Everton were playing with greater confidence, speed and purpose, plus there was little pressure on the team during that period, I think this season that the late goal by Fulham away, made DM alter the play and we have reverted to how we played before Jelavic's arrival at the club. As he's not a target man and is also being marked more tightly he is struggling to find his form.

I think it was James who suggested pushing Mirallas nearer to him which might create the space for him to operate effectively. David Moyes should really have found a solution to this by now, but he seems to have turned to Anichebe to provide a solution, but even given his improved approach and attitude recently, we all know he is not the answer.

Roman Sidey
64 Posted 10/04/2013 at 01:00:27
Sam, as someone who doesn't rate Osman, I'll say this is a good season for him. Likewise Hibbert played okay last season. However, both these players have made careers out of being poor footballers. Jelavic has had half a bad season – he started this season as he finished last – and you say he is just not very good?
Anto Byrne
65 Posted 10/04/2013 at 06:31:27
Simple but effective is to put Fellaini back into the middle with Gibson and give Jelavic a partner that suits his game. One game springs to mind and that was when Vellios came on for the last 20 v Spurs and his aerial ability proved decisive when he put Jelli thru for the winner (a bit of a fluke... but hey). That combination has been put to bed never to be seen again. Now we have a workhorse upfront who has scored how many goals?
Sam Hoare
66 Posted 10/04/2013 at 07:57:22
Roman, last season he was excellent at the start of this season he was alright and since about October he has been woeful. I'm not passing judgement yet but he has now been bad for longer than he was good which increasingly begs the question, is what we see now a truer reflection of his ability than last season. Like I said I hope not and as with all strikers confidence is the key.
Richard Dodd
67 Posted 10/04/2013 at 09:48:05
Don't nearly all strikers fade after their early impact whoever they play for? I'm thinking: Torres, Bent (Villa), Crouch, Welbeck, Tevez, Cisse, Zamora, Adebayor — all of whom are a shadow of what they were.

Owen's and Fowler`s success lasted longer than most before they both became goalless. Only Ronaldo and Messi seem capable of bucking the trend.

Patrick Murphy
68 Posted 10/04/2013 at 10:22:50
Richard they probably do fade but not after only half-a-season. It's not as if Jelly has missed games through injury is it? Every time we have someone who looks capable of scoring regularly they mysteriously lose their form and worse still look as if they have never played the game before, This hasn't just happened under Moyes it has happened to practically every goalscorer since Beardsley.

Denis Richardson
69 Posted 10/04/2013 at 10:42:25
Regardless of what the answer is, either we figure out a way to bring the old jelly back or we go into the market to sign another striker.

There is no way Anichebe can be the clubs main striker - I'm just embarrased that its even getting to this. Regardless of his recent better performances, the guy is a chamionship player at best. Awful first touch, poor passing, poor movement, poor positioning, not great in the air (surprising given his size), very average shooting etc.

In fact, other than barging into defenders (every now and again) and generally causing a nuisance (sometimes), I'm not sure what he beings to the team. Just a bigger (much poorer) version of the cahill role revisted - which we can certinaly do without. If people want an unskilled brute to run around then so be it, I'd prefer to have someone with pace and skill - i.e. a proper striker.

Have nothing against the guy personally but he's been around the first team for 7 years now and I'm still amased that he's getting regular minutes on the pitch in the first team. Just says either how poor our other attacking players are, or how poor they are perceived to be by current management.

Imo the likes of Anichebe and Naismith would really struggle to get regular football at other premiership clubs - with the possible exception of Reading, who'll be in the championship next year anyway. Everytime one of them takes the field I wonder to myself how the hell such a footballer is getting a game in our team. They may not have cost anything (transfer fees anyway) but they are squad players at the very best.

We have a top goaly and great defenders (imo) as that has been managements first priority in the last decade or so - build from the back. Would be great if that prioriry could be focused a bit more on the other end of the pitch so we focus on getting a prober front line that puts fear in the oppos defenders.

Jake Lucas
70 Posted 10/04/2013 at 11:13:35
Jella is a goal poacher, nothing more nothing less. Do you see the Fulham fans moaning about how lazy Berbatov is around the pitch? Of course not, because he does what he's put out there to do, score goals. That's what we want....sorry 'need' Moyes to expect from Jella.

The main reason why he was such a success last year was because nothing was expected of him, he'd laze about the pitch almost looking uninterested, but when there was a chance in the 18 yard box he was quick and energetic to react, and I think he score his 1st 10 or so goals for us with 1 touch.

For me if it's not broke don't fix it, I don't blame Jella for his dip in form I put all on Moyes for trying to mess with a winning formula.

Jake Lucas
71 Posted 10/04/2013 at 11:46:36
Denis 610

I agree Anichebe will never bring us goals but his hold-up play and ability to play off the midfield I rate quite highly. If Fellaini is on the pitch, Moyes uses him in a different way, which makes him ineffective. But, if the big Belgian leaves this summer, I think he could play a big part in our team next season, especially if he adapts a slightly deeper role which allows Moyes to field another striker without admitting he's actually playing 2 strikers at once. (Heaven forbid that would ever be the case...)

With regard to our squad, I agree with your analysis of bit-part players and our strengths, but Moyes has left it so long he's going to have to re-visit our back 5 sooner rather than later. (Howard isn't getting any younger, neither is Jagielka, and I would be disappointed if a 35-year-old Distin was our 1st choice next season.)

Tony J Williams
72 Posted 10/04/2013 at 12:13:52
Denis, I believe the answer is simple, once Fellaini is sold, we will see Jelevic get on the score sheet more.

Look at Fellainis goals since coming to us, 9 when he played forward at first, 3, 3, 5 and this season 12.

I believe he is getting Jelavic's chances this season, even so, Jella is still joint second high3est scorer this season.

Derek Williams
73 Posted 10/04/2013 at 10:21:39
Recently after we signed Jelavic, I was speaking with someone who was involved in bringing him to Everton. He told me that, during the negotiations prior to Jelavic signing, the only concern the player had was that he would be played as a lone striker. He had seen the way strikers had been played under Moyes and wanted assurances that he would be played as one of two strikers.

He said himself that he couldn't play as a lone striker and would not be interested in signing if that was the case. Needless to say he was given these assurances by Everton officials and by both sets of agents in order to force the transfer through. What we are seeing now is not the effect that Moyes has on all strikers.

Nor is it second season syndrome. Or loss of form (apart from a lack of confidence). It is just that he can not – and does not want to – play in the formation we regularly play in. We should either build a team around his finishing skills or sell him to the highest bidder.

Phil Sammon
74 Posted 10/04/2013 at 12:16:13
The problem being, Dennis, that a proven goalscorer is always going to be an expensive purchase. So you either develop your own (Anichebe) or buy a player who has shown he may be ready for a step up into the PL (Jelavic).

Swansea deserve all the credit in the world for picking up Michu so cheap as deals like that are few and far between. It'll be interesting to see if he can do the same next season. I'd wager he'll find it a little tougher.

I really don't get some of the views on Anichebe. He is most certainly not 'shit', nor is he ever going to play for Barcelona. When he is up for it he is a genuine asset to us. He puts himself about, chases down lost causes, holds it up and generally gives defenders a hard time. His major problem is getting himself up for games. I'd trust him every time against the big teams at home - but away at Southampton etc he does seem to go missing.

We have a decision to make in the summer. Fellaini will likely go and fetch £20-25 mil. With that I think our priority has to be two CM's. We've really struggled there and will be another man (+Neville) light next year.

I can't see us having a great deal to splash on a striker. I'd love to see McAleny given a chance, but it's a big step up for a young lad.

Paul David
75 Posted 10/04/2013 at 12:29:21
Dennis

I agree with everything you say except having a top keeper.

Tony

I said the same months a go, the team is built around Fellaini the same way it was built around Cahill. Both (except Cahill in his last 18 months) score a decent number of goals in that position but not enough to have the team built around them. I'd love Everton to go back to playing with 2 strikers or at least a midfielder with an eye for a pass behind the lone striker but Moyes has always preferred a physical approach.

Alex Foxx
76 Posted 10/04/2013 at 12:15:25
Moyes hasn't ruined Jelevic. Just looks at his goals record over the years - 27 goals in 71 games for the champions of the Austrian Bundesliga. He scored goals at Rangers yes - but so did Kris Boyd (who failed miserably at Middlesborough), and our own Steven Naismith (9 in 11 last season...). His Everton record has if anything surpassed expectations. Personally I think he comes second only to Yakubu in the list of Premier League-era Everton Centre-Forwards.

Constantly being caught off-side and several glaring chances missed is infuriating, but overall he looks exactly like the 5 million pound striker that we paid for. Of the 28 people who have scored more goals than Jelevic this season only 4 (Kone, La Fondra, Lambert, Michu) cost less than what we paid. Until we have top dollar to spend, Jelevic will be just about as good as it gets. Play to his strengths and he will score goals.

Robbie Muldoon
77 Posted 10/04/2013 at 12:35:45
How is this possible when we will be selling Baines and Fellaini already? Insult to intelligence. Though I don't doubt Jelavic has thought of a move.
Derek Turner
78 Posted 10/04/2013 at 12:34:33
Every time I get depressed about how Moyes kills off strikers or moans about the lack of money or holds out on his contract (again) talks, I think of Walter Smith.......

It helps, honestly!

Eugene Ruane
79 Posted 10/04/2013 at 13:43:05
I'm sure Jelavic HAS thought of a move, but I'm sure 99% of all PL players also have.

It's more than likely if you constantly have a slippery, greedy, self-serving agent constantly in your ear about moves and other clubs and your 'worth' etc.

But has he SAID he's thinking of a move?

No.

Chris Morris
80 Posted 10/04/2013 at 13:59:35
Another striker that Moyes doesn't know how to use.
Denis Richardson
81 Posted 10/04/2013 at 13:42:22
Phil 629 - you say re Anichebe 'When he is up for it he is a genuine asset to us. He puts himself about, chases down lost causes, holds it up and generally gives defenders a hard time.'

Isn't it a little damning when the main positive attribute you can give him is 'he puts himself about'? In other words he's a big lump who barges into defenders and 'generally causes a nuisance'. Admitttedly not a bad attribute to have but when there are few others to go with it, then imo you do have a very average player on your hands.

Personally I'd put these attributes far higher up the importance list; pace, movement off the ball, first touch, dribbling, shooting, heading, positioning. All of which he lacks at premiership level imo. Anichebe is basicly a poor mans Emile Heskey - Heskey didn't use his physique to the fullest either but at least had some pace and scored relatively regularly.

Also I don't agree with the 'we cannot afford good strikers' line of thinking. Imo we just never made them a priority in the recent past (relying too much on cahill making do). Michu may be an exception but we could probably have afforded the likes of Long, Ba (when he went to the barcodes), Cisse, Benteke, Lambert, Kone etc had we made a striker a priority. Also could we not have asked to get the the likes of Lukaku or Sturridge on loan from Chelsea? All ifs and buts but I am 100% sure there are affordable strikers on the continent that are a damn site better than big vic.

Ben Jones
82 Posted 10/04/2013 at 14:43:14
He just looks like a donkey on the ball, Jelavic, his general link up play is awful. But he's good in the box, he's a poacher.

Our style of play isn't good for poachers really. I think if we maybe get a couple of better creative players, we might get an improvement for Jelavic.

Chris Morris
83 Posted 10/04/2013 at 14:52:16
If we don't create chances for him he won't score goals.

[I'm a genius.]

Derek Williams
84 Posted 10/04/2013 at 15:32:55
Recently after we signed Jelavic, I was speaking with someone who was involved in bringing him to Everton. He told me that, during the negotiations prior to Jelavic signing, the only concern the player had was that he would be played as a lone striker. He had seen the way strikers had been played under Moyes and wanted assurances that he would be played as one of two strikers.

He said himself that he couldn't play as a lone striker and would not be interested in signing if that was the case. Needless to say he was given these assurances by Everton officials and by both sets of agents in order to force the transfer through. What we are seeing now is not the effect that Moyes has on all strikers.

Nor is it second season syndrome. Or loss of form (apart from a lack of confidence). It is just that he can not – and does not want to – play in the formation we regularly play in. We should either build a team around his finishing skills or sell him to the highest bidder.

Karl Caslin
85 Posted 10/04/2013 at 15:57:06
I don't think we should write him off just yet, I'm convinced he will come good again, he is the type of striker that thrives on decent service.

In saying that though, I would love it if we used the forthcoming Fellaini money on Benteke. Big, strong, quick, left foot, right foot, headers, inside box goals, outside box goals, only about 23... I wonder if Mirallas can have a word?

Tony J Williams
86 Posted 10/04/2013 at 16:24:15
"Recently after we signed Jelavic, I was speaking with someone who was involved in bringing him to Everton. He told me that, during the negotiations prior to Jelavic signing, the only concern the player had was that he would be played as a lone striker. He had seen the way strikers had been played under Moyes and wanted assurances that he would be played as one of two strikers"

Yeah, I really believe that!!! Assurances that he wouldn't be played as a lone striker???? Had he ever watched the Premier League before, had he never heard of Everton?

Chris Morris
87 Posted 10/04/2013 at 16:33:01
"What we are seeing now is not the effect that Moyes has on all strikers."

Moyes not playing with 2 strikers and creating chances for Jelavic to score isn't the effect????????

Phil Sammon
88 Posted 10/04/2013 at 16:25:37
Denis

He does show glimpses of quality but I agree, they are infrequent and he leaves a lot to be desired. However there are times when his effort and work rate have won us games. I don't think that attribute should be overlooked - particularly when you're asking the lad to play up front on his own.

My only real argument is that I think he is good enough for Everton. He is by no means going to be a first option...but he's not Championship material as some have labelled him.

As for us not affording 'quality'. I like Shane Long but is he 'quality'? I'd have him at the club but he's not a 15 goal a season man. I'd rather have Victor than Kone. We can't loan players like Sturridge or Lukaku because their clubs know we are not far off the pace. You don't loan to your rivals.

Benteke looks a very good player, I'd have him in a breath.

I'm not saying that there aren't bargains out there - but there aren't all that many.

One thing that has wound me up a bit is McAleny's treatment. He's a young lad and is by no means ready to play week in week out. But he came on against Arsenal last year and was a fraction of an inch away from his 'Rooney moment'. Then that's it. Back in the reserves for 12 months. Couldn't he have made a few 5-10 minute appearances? He's an out and out poacher with skill and pace. Surely we could have used him? Just my opinion but I really think we could be making more of the squad we already have.

Thomas Windsor
90 Posted 10/04/2013 at 18:20:24
"Jelavic to weigh his Everton future next season" — You get paid to score!

Ask yourself: Are you doing a good job this season? — The answer is NO.

Derek Williams
91 Posted 10/04/2013 at 19:24:09
Yeah, Tony, the clue is in the bit that says "He had seen the way strikers had been played under Moyes before."

It's in that bit that you copied and pasted into your own post.

Bobby Mallon
92 Posted 10/04/2013 at 21:00:23
Can we all just get real for a moment. Big Vic is not a Premier League player — Championship at best — but, because he runs about a bit lately, he's the bees knees. Jella a Croation international scored goals at all levels consistently and in just over a season with us has scored more than Vic in his career or close to. Jella is a top notch striker and will come good again.
Wayne Smyth
93 Posted 10/04/2013 at 21:23:43
Phil, have to agree about McAleny. I think he showed enough in a short glimpse against a very good side that he could potentially be a good player for us. I thought he deserved more time on the basis of his 10 minutes too.

To be honest the same applies to Duffy and Barkley and Junior. It seems Moyes generally doesn't give the fringe players any time at all. All we get are the usual suspects like Naismith brought on time after time.

Tom Bowers
94 Posted 11/04/2013 at 01:13:10
Jelavic has been a good signing by Moyes but has been through a bad spell, which every striker does, except Messi of course. He was dynamic with an in-form Mirallas and Fellaini but, when Kevin got crocked by Ratboy and Fellaini's form dipped after the so-called ''interest'' from other clubs, then Jela seemed to lose his touch.

Personally, I don't think Anichebe has shown himself to be any better although I do think Vellios should have been given a starting slot but Moyes won't give people a chance. God only knows why he suddenly picked Barkley at Spurs.

Jela is now disgruntled and wants to leave, which may seem lame rather than wanting to win his place back, but maybe there is more to it than that. I think he still has a future at Everton, is still young enough, has proved he is a good poacher, and still works hard.

Roman Sidey
95 Posted 11/04/2013 at 03:20:54
Phil, the problem with giving McAleny a 5-10 minute run out is he's a striker, and you usually bring the young fellas on for a run when we've got the game won. How many games have we had sewn up with 10 minutes to go in the past 12 months? One, two?

That said, I'd like to see him. I really do think we've got some good players there, but either they suck at training, or the Moyes "in-crowd" is just that thick. In support of that, you had Moyes come out again and say as long as he's at Everton Osman has a place. He's only 32 and can barely get through a game without having a mature-aged asthma attack. How's he going to be when he's 35? Walking with his hands on his waist, but still in the centre because Moyes "likes the lad"?

If the likes of McAleny et al don't get some time, we'll have absolutely no assetts left in three years.

Tim Jones
96 Posted 11/04/2013 at 06:54:01
Wow two pieces of good news on one day. First we get the welcome news that Neville will not be here next season, its very good news because then Daft Davey can't keep selecting him, and now Jelavic, it seems, thinks that Everton FC is just not good enough for him. All we need now is for Dour Davey to do one taking Osman and Round with him and perhaps Everton will be able to produce some 'Entertaining' football next season.
Phil Sammon
97 Posted 11/04/2013 at 09:16:55
Roman

Yes, we've rarely been in commanding positions these days. That's why I can understand Duffy and Junior not getting on. Maybe even Barkley. But McAleny is a striker. Why would he never bring him on for Jelavic just to try nick a goal.

You know, as I write that it's become blatantly obvious. McAleny would be no good at defending a corner. Nothing else seems to count at times.

Roman Sidey
98 Posted 11/04/2013 at 11:44:55
Agree wholeheartedly with you, Phil.
Tom Bowers
99 Posted 11/04/2013 at 14:09:09
If Vellios can't get a kick these days, what chance has McAleny got?

Seems like Moyes has a lot of deadbeats in reserve... Just as well the ''first teamers'' are tremendous!

Stu Smith
100 Posted 12/04/2013 at 11:21:58
There are no quotes from Jelly so I think this is lazy journalisim.

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