Leighton Baines

[Saint Domingo]

This is the chance Oviedo has waited patiently for. In fairness after a torrid start against Sane he was pretty good for the rest of the game one on one especially against Sterling.

 

[gonetomorrow]

I've never seen Oviedo as a fullback and I still don't. He's a midfielder for me.

Can we get Galloway back?

 

[Caolam]

Apart from Coleman, it's a Dad's Army defence.

We really need to see some new blood getting game time. We have some very good players who can come in and do a job like Mori, Galloway, Holgate - and Browning when he returns.

The defence have been ok so far but are still very vulnerable to pace and crosses. And we should also be aware that the whole team is set up defensively now so there is a lot of support for those defenders which probably stops us pushing higher up the pitch and pressing the opposition from there.

Definitely agree with what you are saying in regard to getting the age profile of the defence down a bit but I think it is more important to steady the ship for a while. Establish a style of play, get a system going so that when young player steps up he knows what he has to do. More importantly, get a winning mentality.

 

[Nil Satis Niasse Optimum]

Baines has turned into a right crock the last few years.

 

[Aberblue]

Baines has turned into a right crock the last few years.

It's a shame, didn't he go about four seasons without missing a single game for us a while ago? Age is catching up with him.

 

[toffeeblue9]

I've never seen Oviedo as a fullback and I still don't. He's a midfielder for me

I have the exact opposite opinion

His only decent games for us have been at left back, IMO

 

[desertfox]

I've never seen Oviedo as a fullback and I still don't. He's a midfielder for me.

Can we get Galloway back?

Maybe in January, but not before.

 

[GwladysPhil]

Baines has turned into a right crock the last few years.

It's sad really - injury prone even from just training

 

[gonetomorrow]

I find Baines frustrating to watch these days. He often checks himself and passes back. I feel he is missing a Pienaar type to dovetail with in attack.
Not having much of a right foot doesn't help either.

 

[Arteta2391]

After several years of amazing work he is turning into a Saha with all these injuries.

 

[evertony]

He is automatic first choice because he is light years ahead of the others you mentioned

He's not an automatic choice though, and for England his career is over, which is a surprise considering he's apparently the finest left back around.

 

[evertony]

Always loved how he got absolutely slated for the World Cup when he was tasked with defending two players at once. Never once was it mentioned not one player came back to help him out leaving him woefully exposed by 1-2 passes with nobody else to give him a hand.

Unfortunately at international level you have to be able to deal with situations that are out if the ordinary. He's been a great player for Everton, not a legend by any stretch, but the reality in the cold light of day is that he's well beyond his best. It happens to all players.

 

[ToffeeTim]

He's not an automatic choice though, and for England his career is over, which is a surprise considering he's apparently the finest left back around.

Im not in the slightest bit arsed about England.

For everton baines is by far our best left back. We play far better and win far more often when baines plays. Oviedo is not remotely close to his level.

 

[evertony]

Im not in the slightest bit arsed about England.

For everton baines is by far our best left back. We play far better and win far more often when baines plays. Oviedo is not remotely close to his level.

I'd say on the past twenty or so games he's played and in comparison with the spell Galloway had in his place he is/was distinctly second best.

 

[ToffeeTim]

I'd say on the past twenty or so games he's played and in comparison with the spell Galloway had in his place he is/was distinctly second best.

Galloway is not far off defensively, but light years behind in terms of passing ability, linking of play etc. I'm sorry but I can't take anyone saying Baines is not our best left back seriously.