Everton tracking versatile USA international

Yes please!!!!! Mike Gaynes or Jamie — whatcha think? ;)

I think a few of our US colleagues have mentioned him as a good defensive midfielder, but Leeds are favourites, him having played under Marsch previously.

This would be a good signing.

On the subject of US players, what would be the chances of getting Weston McKennie from Juventus?

Not without spending more than we have, unfortunately, Danny. I'd like this lad to come, he is highly rated and looks like he would bring versatility and energy. Gallagher on loan and Dennis would be fantastic too.

Danny (4) & Steve (5) – perhaps a swap for Keane?

Leeds or Everton would be a win-win for Tyler Adams as both teams need a defensive midfielder of his ability. Leeds has the edge because their coach has worked with Tyler at Red Bull, then Leipzig, and rates him. Leeds has the edge in that they called first.

What makes it interesting is that Leeds and RB Leipzig are in a big dispute over the transfer fee for a player named Jean-Kévin Augustin. RBL had a transfer deal to send him to Leeds but it fell through due to fitness, injury and Covid. RBL still wants $$ from Leeds and that's holding up Tyler's move.

Latest is both sides are thinking about a loan. Tyler goes to Leeds and gets playing time in preparation for the World Cup as he is a key member in the lineup. Leeds and RBL get time to work it out.

Everton has had great experience with American players (Donovan, McBride, and of course Tim Howard). The fact Everton would probably buy him and avoid a loan setup could work in the Toffees' favor. Also, Leeds's two best players are leaving and they finished below Everton.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

If only it were that easy, Hugh. I'd like to see Keane go now we have Tarkowski, especially if Mina is staying for another season, I'd be over the moon if we could make that happen.

Strong rumours on Rodrigo Bacao.

Looking forward to our 7, Iwobi and Gordon, Calvert-Lewin line up next year!

Give Keane his due – he scored in big games including a derby. Just not enough self-belief or nastiness for a centre-half,

We need two quality midfielders.

He sounds like a utility player, not good enough to hold down a position to make his own.

The sooner the better... but happy to wait until transfer deadline day. The right players for the manager, the accountants, the team, the club.

Justin (11),

Open your ears, that sounds like your anti-US bias speaking. He's 23 and has been playing RB NY and RB Leipzig for 6 years. He had a tough season (new coaches preference) but he's been US men's team mainstay and captain and is certainly not a utility player.

If Everton is fortunate enough to sign him, you will see what I mean!

That would be phenomenal. Very unlikely to happen. He came of age playing for NYRB and Jessie Marsch was his coach. He went to Germany, and was followed by Marsch. He has grown as a player, and has the maturity to wear the captain's armband for the USA.

He is a good defensive midfielder, he is deceptively quick, and has a great eye for a pass, but he is not big (that might be more of a problem in the Premier League). He reads situations quickly, and can distribute.

The only time I have seen him play wingback is for USA, and it was to fit into a poor system that our coach was trying to force. He would be a good signing for us I think.

I also think that, because of our past history with American players, and our free-spending ways, we get tagged for most transfers, even those that make no sense (Everton making a bid for a left-back again?).

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

We could not do better for a defensive midfielder than Tyler Adams at this price.

Remember Gennaro Gattuso? That's this kid. Quick as hell, ferocious, tireless, tough as nails. Merciless tackler, will track a runner all the way back to the goal line and then push him into the wall. Natural defensive leader and organizer -- USA vice-captain at 23.

Danny #4... the difference between Adams and McKennie -- and the reason McKennie's price tag is more than double -- is that Adams won't contribute to goals. He won't get forward and finish like McKennie, or make killer assists in the final third. His long passes and crosses are poor.

However, he will contribute to the attack... by getting the ball out of the back exceptionally well. Lovely first touch, wins dribbles, accurate quick passes (forward, not sideways!), and few turnovers or mistakes compared to Doucouré or Davies for example. The US defenders look for Adams with their outlet passes even more than McKennie or Pulisic because they know he's a safe pair of feet.

㾸 million for Tyler Adams? Hell, Yes!!!

And one more thing... Adams will be a great investment. If the USA gets out of their group in Qatar, his value will double because everybody will see how important he is.

Well, minus the Gattuso reference, what Gaynes said.

Sounds like a good fit and a proper ball winning number 6. The fact that we were so interested in Winks suggests Lampard may want a 6 who is more of a tempo setter than a ball winner but perhaps Adams can do both?

Hope we bring one in soon though because I suspect the quality of our midfield additions will go a long way to determining where we finish next season.

Leeds are apparently very close to signing Mo Camara from Salzburg who I really like. Their other targets include Gakpo, De Ketelaere and Adams. If they get all 4 of those as well as Roca, Aaronson and Kristensen then I will be very jealous.

Definitely an interesting proposition, his former manager is trying his best to sign him which speaks volumes, and also Mike's enthusiasm having followed his progress. He's only 5ft-8in so not a monster but neither is Gana, or Kante so it doesn't matter.

He described himself as the “engine of the team” which is definitely what we are looking for. He seems like a player who can improve and is a fit for the modern, fast, ultra-energy Premier League of the 2020s.

He's been sold very well on this thread, and one thing I really like about the Americans is their application, but it's always a worry when a man who has already managed the player for two different sides also wants him.

If you're going to play out from the back, you definitely need a midfielder who is prepared to accept the ball, because he has a safe pair of feet.

If this player can also graft and cover that very same area, when the opposition have the ball, then this will really help the defensive shape of a team that were all over the place last season.

I really want us to go all out but it's a sad state of affairs when Leeds are a more attractive option than us, old manager or not.

Thanks for the input, Mike, sounds very encouraging and I'd like this one to happen. It's ominously quiet from our end. Let's hope it's because we are lining up all the ducks.

Just can't see this lad choosing us over Leeds unfortuantely.

Steve @7

I think Hugh meant Kean not Keane. Juventus still have to pay €23m for Kean so a swap plus cash could surely be possible. And with us getting the cash.

Ray@ 21,

Ah I see, yes, that makes a lot more sense. I can't see why McKennie would see us as an option but, my word, I would be excited about that one, Exactly what we need.

Hold on, admittedly I don't know much about this player but I'm certainly not anti-American or anti-anywhere.

If he is a genuine top-class player, I would love him and a few more of the same. I don't like signing players just because half a dozen stats make a player look good. I judge a player on what I see and I haven't seen him.

From the initial descriptions, it read "utility player". It now reads quality CDM with comparisons to Kante and Gana.

Leeds have an advantage due to their manager, who knows him, knows what he's on, and what he's worth. If Leeds get him, I don't think it's anything against Everton, more of a preference to link with a manager he knows, trusts and likes.

If we had a good, established scouting network, we would already have our top 5 quality players under 㾶M player list that we are talking too.

I can only hope we get more right than wrong this season. Key to that is recruitment.

Nice to see the positive reaction to the possibility of Tyler Adams. Like I said before, he would definitely be an addition to the American "legacy" with the Toffees.

18) Tony – I am curious about your statement "it's always a worry when a man, who has already managed the player for two different sides, also wants him." I may be misunderstanding, is this "worry" a bad thing? I am a long-time New York Red Bulls fan and I know Jesse was and is a believer in Tyler from Day 1 there. I think it's great he still values him highly to bring him back for Round 3.

This may sound strange, but Tyler is only 23. Marsch has been his primary coach for almost his whole career. He has a long career ahead and it might be good for his development to get a different set of eyes to move him along. I think Lampard would be a good man to work with.

Tyler is very mature and well-spoken for his age and Toffees fans will see in him what they saw in Donovan, McBride and Howard. That transfer situation between Leeds and RBL could bite them and that opens the door here!

Mike 13,

You will have watched him more than most on here, do you think he has the necessary technical ability that will hold up with the relentless intensity of the Premier League? There seem to be no doubts, energy- and commitment-wise.

Tony (24) - For this American, what Tyler brings is something closer to what Gana gave us. A slightly built (by appearance only, mind), quick and pacy, relentless hunter of the ball. And he'll fight for it too.

It's no coincidence Gana's departure turned the midfield into an express lane towards our goal. Tarkowski, hopefully, is a start towards addressing the 66 goals we surrendered last season. (Along with getting Holgate off the pitch.)

I think Tyler would give us what left when Idrissa went to France. Which we sure need. Even though I never thought Gana's passing was as terrible as some did, I'd wager right now, Tyler's a better passer of the ball than Gana ever was. He has the vision to go with it. Not calling him brilliant, but Adams can pick a pass.

For sure, I put him above Davies and Gomes right now. Easily. As to dealing with the physicality of English football. In heart and courage terms, no problem. As to the pace and power, he's like every foreigner who comes to play the English game. You have to put him out there and see.

I think he can handle it. I also think Doucouré, Allan, and the centre-backs would love having him out there. As would we. It's a team game, of course, I just think Tyler'd certainly help us tighten up our midfield defense and reduce our Goals Against. Which is priority #1 by far.

Thanks for the detail, Mike and James.

It sounds like he could be what we now call a Number 6 that we've been missing.

I enjoyed watching McKennie, Mike, so that's why I always go on about him. He too was energetic and versatile but, like you say, also forward-thinking.

And obviously he prefers Leeds as he has worked with Jesse Marsch at Salzburg and Leipzig previously.

He would be a good signing for that price.

Talking of young American players, there are a ton of them coming through here in Southern California. I have worked as a full-time coach in San Diego since 1995 and the growth and quality is getting higher every year.

I was recently at the Man City tournament in San Diego, watching the 2008 boys teams. Man City only won one game, I think. Their coach was surprised at the aggression and speed of play of the American teams.

Instead of players going to play in College, a lot of them now have the option of joining MLS Academy clubs at a younger age. 4 boys at 2008 age group that I coached are now off to join MLS clubs.

Round three is my worry, Tom@24.

The way the Americans are describing Adams, it sounds like he'd be a great addition to our squad, but I think him and Marsch must have a lot of faith in each other, which makes Leeds firm favourites for his signature, imo, mate.

Southern California must be a great place for sport, David? Maybe a little bit hot, but perfect for teaching the technical side of the game.

As I said in one of my earlier posts, application does seem to be ingrained into a lot of American sportspeople, and this is something that should never be underestimated, IMO, mate.

Tony 32,

Yes, and they play year-round because of the great weather, I love going back home to England every winter to see Everton and family and not wear suncream for a few weeks!

If you or any other TWers on here ever come over for a holiday, we have 2 free rooms now that my son left home. We live just outside San Diego.

Tony #25, absolutely. His close ball skills are excellent. The more pressure he's under, the better his touches are. His forward passing in the 15-yard range is remarkably accurate, and he can chip or flick lovely touch passes with either foot.

Where he's technically weak, ironically, is when he's in open space with the ball and nobody pressuring him. He plays long crossfield passes and through balls like Segundo Castillo -- no telling where they will go -- and he shoots like Hibbo.

But even with zero skills in the attacking end, you could make a credible argument that Adams -- not Pulisic or McKennie -- is the USA's most valuable player.

I've just been to Florida, David, and it absolutely exceeded my expectations (which were admittedly low) so now if I'm lucky, I'd definitely like to return to America a few more times. Maybe I'll wait until the next World Cup (after Qatar) but thanks for the offer mate, and it also must be exciting watching all the young talent getting so much better, year on year?

I definitely think the Americans are going to crack soccer, especially when you consider the country is made up of descendants from all over the world, and football is definitely the game of the people and also the world game!

Tony,

Yes, my youngest team this year is a 2014 team and they are a good intense skillful team.

My email is dcurrieclash@yahoo.com You would enjoy a visit to Southern California and would feel at home staying at our house. In the living room, we have a framed photo of Goodison Park.

David, give Tony the room with the king bed. He's a tall 'un.

Mike 36, Will do.

James & Mike,

Thanks for your replies. I hope we are not watching him playing for Leeds next season and feeling jealous. Leeds is only a couple of hours away along the M62 so maybe he will come over and have a chat with Frank before he makes his mind up.

Mike (33),

Tyler fell out of favor with RB Leipzig to a large degree IMHO because he was a player brought in by Jesse Marsch, who they fired last season. Some folks feel he got scapegoated by his association with him, which is food for thought as he was highly thought of and signed a contract until 2025.

Your opinion of his value to the USMNT is borne out by many soccer pundits in the USA in that he is the 'leader' on the field.

From what I'm reading this morning, it sounds like Leeds is favored, sadly.

Yeah, Tom, ESPN reporting that Leeds is about to sign him for 㾻M to replace Kalvin Phillips. Too bad.

I always remark on how far the US game has come in a relatively short period of time. If I compare to my childhood (no, not that long ago!!), you rarely, if ever, saw the USA at the World Cup or had American players in the European leagues. Now it's fairly common.

When I visit my property in Florida, I marvel at the facilities they provide. There are two not far away that are purpose built and outstanding.

I'm off to walk the dogs on the park that come September, a section will be transformed into football pitches. I say transformed. They'll put some posts up but it will still be the same sloping and undulating ground either covered in daisies or mud depending on the weather.

Sorry, had to get my standard rant in. There is actually a decent facility near me here, as I live close to Brunel University. You just have to pay for the privilege at a premium.

On a serious note, I think the US and their approach to sport really can grow in the world of football. They have done anyway, but I think the potential has no limit.

So your 2014 team is made up of 8-year-old kids that play with intensity and skill, David? Brilliant that, the coach must be doing something right, or is it because of the facilities and the weather, which enables them to play all year round!!

One of my favourite film clips is definitely Brian Glover playing “down-hill with the wind” in Kes, and although things have got a bit better since then, I just don't think we can compete with the weather or the facilities in this country compared to a lot of other places, unless you're playing academy football, for facilities.

I was never really that big on facilities, and always preferred a decent two touch 5-aside training session, with good players on both teams, to a lot of boring coaching. But I'm sure that would have been different if I'd have lived in a warmer place. I wanted to play all day and maybe it would be easier listening and learning off “good coaches” (I sadly only had a few of these) in the warmer weather?

What a life though, David, keep putting on that sun-cream, and keep encouraging the kids to play with skill and intensity, and you will definitely produce a lot of winners, over time. 👍

Tony, you'll start me!

The facilities help. Definitely.

But regardless of that, that coaches and coaching is the most important aspect.

As you know, I spent time in Germany as a kid. It always left an impression on me. Training on gravel / clay pitches - it made you stay on your feet and pass the ball. Being taken aside by coaches for individual coaching points. That's what I never saw enough off.

I agree, training in tight spaces with few touches then progressing was always good at getting players comfortable receiving and releasing the ball as well as awareness. Have an idea or know where the ball is going next before you receive it.

It's not new. We used to call it pass and move!! Football is often a simple game.

Being taken aside by coaches for individual coaching points, is a must for me Danny, and this is why I sadly never met that many good coaches unfortunately!

I'd love to rip the earliest part of coaching/football up, and not let the kids play in a proper game until they can use both feet. It might be boring, they might not even learn to kick with both feet, but I'm sure the first thing young boxers are taught, is how to use “their feet” and with the right coaching, then I'm sure at least 90% of young kids would be able to control a ball off both sides, if this was the first thing they were really taught?

Imagine the difference? it's such a natural progression to learning how to quickly get the ball out of yer feet, but when I start, I'm even more boring than you Danny, mate!

Leeds are apparently very close to signing Mo Camara from Salzburg (who I really like). They've already signed Marc Roca (who I like quite a lot) surely they won't also sign Tyler Adams as well?!

If they sign those 3 very interesting and talented centre-mids and we get Harry Winks with an obligation to buy for 㿀M, then that would really encapsulate our recent obsession with overpriced Premier League options.

Can you all please stop the love-fest over this lad; otherwise, I'll have to get divorced and marry him. Bobby Collins and Bally weren't physical giants but they were pretty good.

Knowing our financial situation when he came, I hope Kevin Thelwell has been mooching around the lower leagues for some promising young players.

Jesse Marsch has a great advantage in that he managed in Germany and has seen at first hand how these players perform.

Leeds apparently going for Luis Sinisterra now too, the pacy winger I picked in my summer transfer article! Link

Leeds are going for good value foreign players in Roca, Kristensen, Aaronson and potentially Tyler, Camara, Sinisterra and De Keteleare. All players I would like at Everton.

Meanwhile we seem to keep prioritising experienced (and often overpriced) Premier League players like Alli, Tarkowski and possibly Winks, Lingard, Dennis, Gallagher etc.

Will be interesting to see where the two teams finish but personally I prefer the looks of Leeds's business.

Sam, Leeds are being very astute and proactive, I agree. Everton can't spend as much unfortunately, as we know.

I'm also concerned about our midfield and striking options (the Everton ongoing issue of goals). At the moment, we are still stuck with Tom Davies and Calvert-Lewin requires a striking coach to work on his shooting. Years with Dunc isn't improving this area of his game.

Danny (43) and Tony (44),

I think growing up and playing on bomb sites, hollers and tenement blocks always helped with learning to control the ball and using two feet with the ball coming off sides of the kerb, walls and terrible awkward pitches. They also learned you to be tougher and staying on your feet, as Danny suggested.

Now, professional footballers with years in the game playing on pitches that look like snooker table perfection – and they still can't control a simple pass!!

Now that's a tough scenario to compete with Dave!!

It is about being comfortable with a ball, amongst many other attributes such as strength, fitness, attitude; the list goes on. I would like to see better pitches for all, and you've heard me say this before, but leave kids in their natural environment for longer. Growing up in those academies isolates young kids and for too long, it seemed that English youth coaching was more about pace, power and the result.

Better pitches and better coaching.

I spent hours using a wall to teach myself to kick and control with my left foot when I was about 10 years old.

Tony 42,

Yes, a great life coaching in California these past 27 years but, loving Everton as much as I do is tough. I try to get back once a year at Christmas time.

As I get older, my plan is to live in England for 3 months each year so I can watch Everton more. My oldest brother has been a season ticket holder for many years.

That must be fantastic, David.

My friend and colleague as well as ex-military colleague has been in San Antonio, Texas for years. I was out there last month. Some great football coaching going on and a lot of English e- pat coaches out there too.

It's true, David, Everton have such a hold on us mate, and I think that grows when you live so far away from home. 27 years David? Maybe you need to come home full time, and we might actually win something again!

Take no notice mate, it's just me being selfish! I'm certain we will win something once the real selfish basket departs from Everton (hopefully very soon🤞) and it sounds like your job in the sun is just too good to leave, no matter how much you love the Blues.

It's going to be a tough season again if we have to go with the same squad and hope that one or two no-names may come in and score some goals.

We have signed an experienced defender and lost a proven goalscorer so far.

Lampard may now hope to get a lot more out of Dele Alli, Gray and Calvert-Lewin if we are to seriously think about winning more games than last season.

Doucoure and Iwobi also know how to finish but they will be too pre-occupied with other duties as getting the midfield under control is so important.

Lampard did well to get some strong performances out of some players towards the end of last season and one hopes he can continue in that vein.

There are some really good quality non-names still kicking around waiting to be bought in France, Belgium etc. Might be a few (good) surprises yet this summer, Tom!

Danny 53,

Yes, lots of Brits here in Southern Califronia. I was in San Antonio last November as my 18-year-old son is in the US Air Force and spent his first 7 months there.

My email is in one of the earlier posts Danny, if you ever come to the West Coast you will get free lodging with us. I will talk your head off about Everton FC!

Tony 54,

Yes, I agree, Kenwright needs to go. I was at the 1995 FA Cup Final and left England 5 months later. I would never have thought we would go 27 years without a trophy.

My dad first took me to Goodison when I was 6 and I was 20 before I saw Ratcliffe lift the Cup in 84. 14 years seemed a long time then, I just hope all our young fans can see us win something.

Appreciate that David.

I've spent quite a bit of time in California but never San Diego.

China Lake with the Army in the Mojave Desert and also up in the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite. I like San Francisco but not a fan of LA at all. A hidden gem is the Wine growing country around Paso Robles.

I can imagine we would be up all night talking Everton mate, confusing the locals!

That must have felt like a long wait, David, because my own 9-year period from my first game until The Rat picked up the cup felt like a lifetime. It crucifies me that my oldest two have seen us win zilch, so I just hope I'm still alive to celebrate with them when we do.

Do you coach every day, David, and what are the biggest differences that you have seen with regards the methods used, over time?

Danny 59,

Yes, I agree with you on San Francisco and it reminded me of Europe, I live just outside San Diego, a place called Temecula, which is the wine country.

Tony 60,

When I first came out in 95, I would say 50-60 per cent of teams played long ball and hit the fast lad upfront over the top. My principles were always to teach my players to be comfortable on the ball as that was me as a player.

The quality of coaching and players is a lot better now and teams are encouraged to play more. The hardest thing here was educating the parents that winning should not come before development.

There was a lot of pressure on youth coaches to win as here in San Diego, there are a lot of very competitive clubs trying to nick players from your teams.

Tony,

Off today as it is July 4, yes pretty much coach everyday. I coach 3 club teams every year and actually for the last 5 years did 4 teams. In December last year joined a different club and back to 3 teams, also coach camps and do a lot of private training.

Last 2 weeks was on the field a lot as we did a 6-hour camp and then after that we trained our teams plus I did 1 hour of private training.

At the camp last week, this one 10-year-old kid was wearing that horrible shirt with the bird, I reached for my blue bib and made him wear it for the rest of the camp. When he left, I told him to wear a different shirt tomorrow, which he did.

Non-stop, David, but it sounds like you've made a very good career for yourself mate. 👏👏