I've been an Everton fan since 1981, but I haven't been so thrilled about an Everton player since we had a pile of all-time greats in the 80s. I've watched James's career with interest since his Monaco days, so his brilliance is nothing new, but it shows you just how far we had fallen that I'd never imagined a player of his ability playing for us again. Neville Southall is the greatest player I've ever seen in my time - and I've never really recovered since seeing the entire Kendall side of the 80s. So even when we've had some very good players in the intervening years - people like Beardsley, who was wonderful, Kanchelskis, who shone only briefly, Speed, Big Dunc, Tim Cahill, and Arteta, I've always restrained myself on the grounds that they were rare diamonds in a sea of mediocrity. James, however, feels different. As good as the players above were (and Beardsley, in particular, was a marvel), not many would have gotten into our mid 80s team. This lad would walk in - and be the star. He's that good.
Some of those passes today. Oh my. They'd rival my intentions if he walked past me in a bar.
I think this current team is still three good players short of truly challenging the top six places, but I'd pay to watch James regardless. He's thrilling. Honestly, Beardsley was the last one who you felt was the best player on the pitch most weeks, including the opposition. James is that player now. A player truly worthy of the lofty history of our club. And, you know, we deserve him. Too many Evertonians have never actually witnessed a genuinely great player play for our club. Those of us who were there for the 80s saw Big Nev. Lineker turned up for a year and was unplayable. But as good as the Cahills and Artetas were in leaner times, a real class footballer now graces our colours again. Halcyon days.