Leon Osman

[Dithering Dougie]

The way Osman adapts to playing a variety of positions and picks up spaces in the opponents half and makes it look so easy shows what a terrific player he is. Barkley really struggles to do this.

Barkley does a lot of things Osman never could. I have come to the conclusion though, that under Moyes Osman was never played to his strengths. He is a poor box to box midfield player. Moyes would never have countenanced giving someone a "free role" but this is essentially what Osman requires. The license to drift around. He remains very good at this and our performances have improved with him in the team.

Osman has 13 years more of learning where and when to find space on a football pitch it's an unfair comparison with Barkley. As Barkley gaines experience he'll learn when and where he can move and seek an advantage it takes time as players develop.

Also he's not got a free role, he's got a very defined role in this team and he plays it well.

 

[mythbuster]

Just to clarify; my recent posts in this thread were by no means meant as an attack on Ross. I'm not even criticizing his technique. Ross has many attributes that Leon doesn't. However, he doesn't have better technique.

 

[Eric Djemba-Djemba]

I'm stunned by the attacks on Ross by certain Everton 'supporters' in this thread.

 

[streeky]

Osman's physical atrocities cancel out his technical skills in my opinion. He's so weak the wind would knock him over, and he can barely move about the pitch. He does take care of the football better than Ross in congested areas though

And when he plays everton win, when he's out we lose.

 

[Eric Djemba-Djemba]

And when he plays everton win, when he's out we lose.

How come aren't winning the title every year?

 

[streeky]

How come aren't winning the title every year?

playing in Europe every year has made us tired

 

[blueblue]

Osman and Barkley are two completely different types of player. I don't really understand this huge urge to prove that one is better or worse than the other

 

[mythbuster]

Osman and Barkley are two completely different types of player. I don't really understand this huge urge to prove that one is better or worse than the other

There's no urge. I just disagree that Ross has better technique than Leon. In fact, as I've already stated, I find it laughable that it's been said.

 

[blueblue]

From a purely footballing technique point of view I would say that Osman is probably the best at the club.
Even from when he was a young player it was his touch and quick feet were his biggest assets. Any small light player has to have good technique or they won't survive at the highest level.

Barkley also has good technique but he pace and strength to go with his technique and therefore has more options open to him.

 

[mythbuster]

From a purely footballing technique point of view I would say that Osman is probably the best at the club.

There's no "probably" about it mate. Pienaar is his only rival, and I wouldn't like to call that particular debate.

 

[Prevenger17]

How come aren't winning the title every year?

Injuries to Osman.

 

[Chang Elephant]

Injuries to Osman.

That will explain why no-one ever bid to buy him. Now we'll have to find some other way to wipe out our debts and fund the new stadium.

 

[Toffeelover]

Lot of folk keen on Osman, I know but TBH he is at the end of his career. How much longer can he go on and do not forget in the past he had an awful of none games far more than good uns. Need to search for a younger version some one about mid twenties.

 

[mythbuster]

That will explain why no-one ever bid to buy him. Now we'll have to find some other way to wipe out our debts and fund the new stadium.

Nobody, apparently, ever bid for Cahill either. Or Jags, or even Mirallas. Move along, your point is invalid.

 

[Eric Djemba-Djemba]

Nobody, apparently, ever bid for Cahill either. Or Jags, or even Mirallas. Move along, your point is invalid.

Jags:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14235150

Mirallas will have bids for him in the summer.

Osman has been so gash/average over his career that even the papers haven't bothered linking him away. All players need to do for us is have 3 good games and the papers try to sell them.