We've had a few like that that have promised more than they've delivered. Tony Grant was another who had bags of talent but never fulfilled his promise.
Not sure I agree about Tony Grant. I saw him as lightweight and not really up for the cause. To be a great midfielder at any club you need to come into the side and perform like your the best midfielder on the pitch at that time. Billy Kenny did that, spraying balls left right and centre, really dominated the midfield.
At the moment we have Osman who vanishes for 80% of a game. Carsley who points backwards and passes the same way, Neville jumps on people's backs. Apart from Arteta (who I have yet to see have an outstanding game this season), the only player who I have seen who looks like he can take the game by the scruff is Jagielka (and now perhaps Gravesen), but Jags looks like the player who could well be a potential captain for the club.
The startling thing for me against the Russians was the gaping hole in the centre of midfield, which I think basically boils down to players not wanting to take control of the game, Osman was too far forward or wide, and Neville and Carsley were too deep. So no wonder Hibbert was resorting to big punts. Now ok Moyes has to take responsibility and I am sure he is aware of that fact and would be drumming it into the players.
Will they listen? Altruistic midfielders, waiting for someone else to take control of the game. Its no wonder the likes of Keane, Scholes, Vieira and now Fabregas are held in such high esteem. Its there ability to say, right I'm taking control of this game, I am going to be the most influential player on the pitch. They may not always have the ability, Roy Keane never did, but he had the passion and the belief that he was the best player.
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