James McCarthy

[ijjysmith]

I've said he's been out of form mate

Sorry. But if you think I'm reading all the crap in here rather than skimming it all you're mental.

But yeah he has. Like every other bugger!

 

[Dymak]

He's at least "good" with potential to be even better than that

I'd value him at between 15-20 Million right now

Again, if Jordan fricking Henderson can go for 20, I see no reason why McCarthy shouldn't either

He's hardly a World Class Super Duper Player in the 30+ Million range, but he's good. In fact, he's capable of being very good on his day. At his best he's a wrecking ball in that midfield who can also play the ball to feet if required. He's been central to numerous big wins for us over his time being here

His body of work speaks for itself

If you honestly believe he's merely average, I don't even have the words for you. I really don't

I see you avoided answering what type of club would be interested in him, and that's because you know he would only attract the attention of midtable also-rans at best. He's obviously good enough to become a multi-million pound footballer, but he is average in Premier League terms.

 

[Saint Domingo]

I will admit that both myself and many Evertonians are quite adept at moaning, but I also think we are unequaled when it comes to overhyping players and managers. The truth is that some of us have been well on to the limitations of our current playing squad and the manager for a long long time. We saw through Bobby's BS and we knew what was coming, but we were vilified for saying so.

Similarly, I can remember being castigated for stating that McCarthy was average and that Everton would be the biggest club he plays for. I was 'piped right down', and told that he would improve a top four side and that he has a value of over 30 million pound. He's an average player, playing for an average team, with a less than average manager, and he isn't ever going to get near signing for an elite club.

You've been on the money for ages mate with this but at times were shouting into an empty chamber.

The lack of class in central midfield has been the root of a lot of this team's problems (before the wheels and axel came off completely recently). It's always easy just to Blake centrebacks for individual errors though and gloss over the side being completely unbalanced with a dearth of quality in the middle.

Besic is raw but has potential and all the right tools, Barkley needs to work on his positioning and aggression off the ball, Gibson has limited mobility and poor fitness but a very good passing range.

Barry McCarthy and Cleverley for me just aren't good enough for a team that wants to challenge for top 4.

It should be no surprise that the team boasting the standout best midfielder in the league is top of the pile. How many times did it take Fergie to win a league with two midfielders in the middle for people to catch on? If you have genuine class like Scholes Keane Carrick in his prime who can manipulate the ball and control the flow and tempo of the game then everything in the team works.

In my opinion maybe only two players in this squad can come even close to doing that, one is always unfit but hasn't had a look in under Martinez. The other is playing out of position at ten and seems to have lost all his confidence.

 

[Dario Terracotta]

I thought he was great his first season,a bit "meh"last season(had injuries so cut him slack)but he's actually regressed this season,very disappointing,if Besic was ever fit I would be starting him ahead of Jimmy.

 

[Eric Djemba-Djemba]

Think he should be given another chance under a new manager. El Fraudo has clearly hindered him after suffering 7 years of his management. He needs to do a lot more.

 

[bluewally]

I think he's suffering from the same malaise affecting the entire defensive unit but I think he's a great player

He's never going to be a frank lampard type player

I think he's more of a makelele. Sits in the middle destroying things and not adding too much else

One problem now is that Barry for all his talents has no legs and McCarthy has to run for the 2 of them

 

[DANNOJ]

I'm not saying Gibson should replace him, no, he has one aspect to his game which we will moan about like James. McCarthy simply won't change our downfall and a a contributing to that. Besic should play more and given more opportunity as to me has a lot more to his game. I'd like to see a Spurs type midfield of Barry tucked inbetweem the back 4 and Barkley and Besic (or Cleverly)

 

[scratchnsurf]

No idea what to do with the ball once he's won it beyond the obvious 5 yard pass to the nearest team mate.

 

[DANNOJ]

No idea what to do with the ball once he's won it beyond the obvious 5 yard pass to the nearest team mate.

Which is usually to either side which is inevitably recycled. Our entire back 4, possibly even our goalkeeper are better with the ball at their feet

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

I see you avoided answering what type of club would be interested in him, and that's because you know he would only attract the attention of midtable also-rans at best. He's obviously good enough to become a multi-million pound footballer, but he is average in Premier League terms.

I didn't avoid it at all, I just forgot to answer it, good use of deflection there though

I think he could honestly end up anywhere if he hits his full potential

 

[Khalekan]

I didn't avoid it at all, I just forgot to answer it, good use of deflection there though

I think he could honestly end up anywhere if he hits his full potential

Jimmy Mac and Virgil for Real Madrid then, Mikey

 

[Carlito]

Might as well have taken Ben Watson or Stephen Davis for nothing. He's about as good as they are.

 

[mmmmsnouts]

McCarthy's career is going to suffer more than anyone else who was part of the Bobby Brownshoes era. Can easily see a new manager deciding the best use of Moshiri's money is fixing midfield.

 

[Zatara]

He needs to be playing as the sole DM for a run of games, given more responsibility. I think he does Barrys donkey work for him and would benefit from not having to cover him all game.

That said, we need another player or two in the squad as other than McCarthy the rest are all bargain bucket signings.

 

[Zatara]

@Mikey_Fitzgerald is also right about 2 things;

1-- McCarthy is far better than Gibson.

2-- McCarthy is worth £15-20mil

I think in the centre it should be him,Barkley and Besic but the problem is Besic is always injured. I really hope Besic can get consistently fit as that could be a very good partnership.

Alot of people are praising Barry but failing to recognise McCarthy is the one allowing him to play and also covering for his lack of mobility.

Total unsung hero and one of the first names on the team sheet for me. Even if we went out and spent £40mil on two midfielders he would still be rotating with them as the defensive player.

Stick him as the anchor and play Besic/Barkley ahead of him and we will see some energy and drive in that midfield.