2018/19 Nikola Vlasic

[APN_EFC]

I reckon they both might have left to be honest.

That's a shame really! It might only work in the Man City style of how they play both Silva and De Bruyne, but of course we are light years away from that!! Point is, I wish we could accommodate Dowell, but it looks like as a modern EPL footballer he has to also track back, tackle and press, as well as doing the cute stuff

 

[Barnfred 55]

Yeh it’s a strange one as he came in sounding like a really humble, grateful lad but his comments (if actually from him) were a bit immature. But then again it’s his career and if he thinks he’s better than the players here fair play to him.

I actually think the comments attributed to him refer to his time here last season. Not what is happening now. His comments, however hurtful they may be to Evertonians, were very much based on fact.

If you're not prepared to trust your own eyesight, the stats will also tell you that we were the most negative team in the league last year. And pretty much everybody outside of the top 6 did play negative football, although, being picky, you could argue Bournemouth were the exception. Last season was also a complete waste of a year for the lad personally. He joined us as the next best thing to come out of Croatia having just broken into the full squad at the age of 19. He ended it missing out on a world cup where they ended runners up. You can't blame the lad for having some regrets about joining us, or for taking the view that other leagues may suit his talents better. We fans, and I mean fans in general not just Evertonians, demand loyalty from our players but are not prepared to reciprocate that, turning on them at the slightest comment.

The bottom line right now is that he is a young player on a long term contract with us, out on loan at another club and doing very well. You would think fans would be pleased with that, but not going by some of the comments in here. He seemingly wasn't ready for the premier league last season and certainly not suited to the negative football we were churning out. Maybe things might have turned out differently had we managed to bring Silva in rather than allardyce inb the Autumn.

From what I've seen of Silva he's quite the pragmatist and if Vlasic carries on this form in Russia I fully expect him to take another look at him in the summer. I also trust Silva to make the right decision then. Even if the player wants away, which is a big IF as I think playing under Silva will suit his style, if it's not the right decision for the club then he'll keep him, just like with Lookman this summer.

 

[Barnfred 55]

I reckon they both might have left to be honest.

Squad balance is going to be crucial. I think Brands/Silva have done a fantastic job this year with who they have brought in, but also in who they have let go, even if just on a temporary basis for now. Keeping everybody happy will be an issue, and it will help if we have European football and don't exit the domestic cups early. Having young players as squad back up players helps keep the squad happy as they tend to be less demanding/disruptive than senior players.

I think at the start of the season Vlasic had a chat with Silva and was told he was behind Dowell and probably Bernard as back up to Siggy. Had he been ahead of Dowell I'm not sure he would have been so keen on going out on loan. I think Dowell has proven so far this season that he isn't ready yet and I'd like to see him go on loan abroad next season. That leaves an opening for Vlasic in the squad and I do think Silva will look at him again in the summer. If he doesn't keep him then that leaves a hole in the squad that needs filling. If he brings somebody in it's important that it doesn't upset the balance. For instance somebody like Ziyech would expect to start all the big games and so would Siggy.

It's a difficult one.

 

[ijjysmith]

That's a shame really! It might only work in the Man City style of how they play both Silva and De Bruyne, but of course we are light years away from that!! Point is, I wish we could accommodate Dowell, but it looks like as a modern EPL footballer he has to also track back, tackle and press, as well as doing the cute stuff

Squad balance is going to be crucial. I think Brands/Silva have done a fantastic job this year with who they have brought in, but also in who they have let go, even if just on a temporary basis for now. Keeping everybody happy will be an issue, and it will help if we have European football and don't exit the domestic cups early. Having young players as squad back up players helps keep the squad happy as they tend to be less demanding/disruptive than senior players.

I think at the start of the season Vlasic had a chat with Silva and was told he was behind Dowell and probably Bernard as back up to Siggy. Had he been ahead of Dowell I'm not sure he would have been so keen on going out on loan. I think Dowell has proven so far this season that he isn't ready yet and I'd like to see him go on loan abroad next season. That leaves an opening for Vlasic in the squad and I do think Silva will look at him again in the summer. If he doesn't keep him then that leaves a hole in the squad that needs filling. If he brings somebody in it's important that it doesn't upset the balance. For instance somebody like Ziyech would expect to start all the big games and so would Siggy.

It's a difficult one.

Balance is one thing. But players will want to play.

And I just don’t see either of them breaking into the team. Ever really.

 

[Nymzee]

Squad balance is going to be crucial. I think Brands/Silva have done a fantastic job this year with who they have brought in, but also in who they have let go, even if just on a temporary basis for now. Keeping everybody happy will be an issue, and it will help if we have European football and don't exit the domestic cups early. Having young players as squad back up players helps keep the squad happy as they tend to be less demanding/disruptive than senior players.

I think at the start of the season Vlasic had a chat with Silva and was told he was behind Dowell and probably Bernard as back up to Siggy. Had he been ahead of Dowell I'm not sure he would have been so keen on going out on loan. I think Dowell has proven so far this season that he isn't ready yet and I'd like to see him go on loan abroad next season. That leaves an opening for Vlasic in the squad and I do think Silva will look at him again in the summer. If he doesn't keep him then that leaves a hole in the squad that needs filling. If he brings somebody in it's important that it doesn't upset the balance. For instance somebody like Ziyech would expect to start all the big games and so would Siggy.

It's a difficult one.

I think if next season we show we’re playing not only good but also effective football, and granted Silva rates him, he’ll be happy enough being a rotation starter. I’d be gutted if we sold him.

 

[davids]

That's a shame really! It might only work in the Man City style of how they play both Silva and De Bruyne, but of course we are light years away from that!! Point is, I wish we could accommodate Dowell, but it looks like as a modern EPL footballer he has to also track back, tackle and press, as well as doing the cute stuff

Dowell must know this, and you don't need physicality to make yourself a pain in the neck for the opposition,yet he just seems to lack intent and doesn't look to close or track back.Be a shame if his obvious talent comes to nothing.

 

[Creature]

I think our 'kids' have to realise that what they thought of their chances of making the first team have dramatically changed since the previous couple of of seasons. Being thrown in to a strugggling team they must have thought 'yeah, I've made it'. But even after one window the quality brought in has shown they all have a great deal more work and effort on the training ground to prove they are worthy of a future with us.
If we can keep the loan players beyond the end of the season you would expect Brands to have even more quality lined up to entice into the 'dream' going forward. That puts the kids future squarely in their own hands, whether that's staying back for extra training or taking the chance and going abroad for a season. I must say that at this stage, for most of them now, they need to avoid the championship as it has little advantage for progression nowadays.
Complaint about lost or missing first team chances is down to us progressing as a a squad and not just a first eleven.

The future is bright and the future is Blue. If they want to be part of it they have to all improve.

 

[Barnfred 55]

Balance is one thing. But players will want to play.

And I just don’t see either of them breaking into the team. Ever really.

Neither of them are getting in ahead of Siggy any time soon. But at this stage in their career, either will be content (I think but may be wrong in Vlasic case) with getting minutes from the bench in the league, and starting some cup games and when Siggy is injured/rested.

If we offload both of them next season, either sell or loan, there is still that gap in the squad that needs filling. Do we bring in a quality experienced player to directly compete with Siggy as number 1, or do we bring in another young player that needs further development.? If we do the former, one of them will inevitably be unhappy which will eventually affect the mood of the squad. If the latter, the chances are they won't be any more ready than the 2 we've let go.

I don't know the answer, but am more than happy to go along with what Silva/Brands decide. No complaints so far from me.

 

[EFC78]

I actually think the comments attributed to him refer to his time here last season. Not what is happening now. His comments, however hurtful they may be to Evertonians, were very much based on fact.

If you're not prepared to trust your own eyesight, the stats will also tell you that we were the most negative team in the league last year. And pretty much everybody outside of the top 6 did play negative football, although, being picky, you could argue Bournemouth were the exception. Last season was also a complete waste of a year for the lad personally. He joined us as the next best thing to come out of Croatia having just broken into the full squad at the age of 19. He ended it missing out on a world cup where they ended runners up. You can't blame the lad for having some regrets about joining us, or for taking the view that other leagues may suit his talents better. We fans, and I mean fans in general not just Evertonians, demand loyalty from our players but are not prepared to reciprocate that, turning on them at the slightest comment.

The bottom line right now is that he is a young player on a long term contract with us, out on loan at another club and doing very well. You would think fans would be pleased with that, but not going by some of the comments in here. He seemingly wasn't ready for the premier league last season and certainly not suited to the negative football we were churning out. Maybe things might have turned out differently had we managed to bring Silva in rather than allardyce inb the Autumn.

From what I've seen of Silva he's quite the pragmatist and if Vlasic carries on this form in Russia I fully expect him to take another look at him in the summer. I also trust Silva to make the right decision then. Even if the player wants away, which is a big IF as I think playing under Silva will suit his style, if it's not the right decision for the club then he'll keep him, just like with Lookman this summer.

Great post.

 

[Barnfred 55]

I think if next season we show we’re playing not only good but also effective football, and granted Silva rates him, he’ll be happy enough being a rotation starter. I’d be gutted if we sold him.

Agree with the first part. Although I'd like to see him stay, I wouldn't say I'd be gutted if we sold him provided we got a good return for him and Silva has somebody equally as good or better to fill his spot in the squad. However I would be gutted if we sold him and he turned out to be as good as Modric.

 

[Nymzee]

Agree with the first part. Although I'd like to see him stay, I wouldn't say I'd be gutted if we sold him provided we got a good return for him and Silva has somebody equally as good or better to fill his spot in the squad. However I would be gutted if we sold him and he turned out to be as good as Modric.

I just feel there’s something different about him when I watch. Can’t really explain it.

 

[bluestevon]

Neither of them are getting in ahead of Siggy any time soon. But at this stage in their career, either will be content (I think but may be wrong in Vlasic case) with getting minutes from the bench in the league, and starting some cup games and when Siggy is injured/rested.

If we offload both of them next season, either sell or loan, there is still that gap in the squad that needs filling. Do we bring in a quality experienced player to directly compete with Siggy as number 1, or do we bring in another young player that needs further development.? If we do the former, one of them will inevitably be unhappy which will eventually affect the mood of the squad. If the latter, the chances are they won't be any more ready than the 2 we've let go.

I don't know the answer, but am more than happy to go along with what Silva/Brands decide. No complaints so far from me.

Don't see him working out here, he'll return to the club having pretty much been a star for a top side in a crap league and having played well in the cl, he'll be expecting to start and going into the role of backup to a player who'll play every game when fit, who has a great injury record and will hardly ever cone off in games, just don't see him taking that backward step as it'd be perceived by lots.

Huge difference sitting on the bench at a Madrid or city and doing so at Everton mate

Best option, either sell whilst his stock has risen, or arrange a second season loan to a far higher calibre league, then revisit the situation if he performs well again and sigurdsson shows signs of slowing down or regressing.

 

[Barnfred 55]

I just feel there’s something different about him when I watch. Can’t really explain it.

I know what you mean mate. I always thought the same about Liam Walsh and he can't even get in the Bristol City team nowlol

 

[Nymzee]

Don't see him working out here, he'll return to the club having pretty much been a star for a top side in a crap league and having played well in the cl, he'll be expecting to start and going into the role of backup to a player who'll play every game when fit, who has a great injury record and will hardly ever cone off in games, just don't see him taking that backward step as it'd be perceived by lots.

Huge difference sitting on the bench at a Madrid or city and doing so at Everton mate

Best option, either sell whilst his stock has risen, or arrange a second season loan to a far higher calibre league, then revisit the situation if he performs well again and sigurdsson shows signs of slowing down or regressing.

You never know, could come back pre-season and be outperforming some of our midfielders in training and be a starter after all. Got the attributes for it certainly.

 

[Nymzee]

I know what you mean mate. I always thought the same about Liam Walsh and he can't even get in the Bristol City team nowlol

Haha I didn’t want to be right about Walsh but can’t miss a chance to show you up

It’s not quite my love like DCL but I do rate Vlasic higher than any of our other kids.