Steven Naismith

[Blueblooded]

That's being a bit pedantic, mate. You know what I mean, not many managers would not start a player who scored a hat-trick in the previous match.

Like I said, I don't think he should start against Swansea given the nature of the opposition.

I'm pretty sure he will though, I'd wager the team that started against Chelsea, with Naismith in for Besic, will be the team that starts against Swansea.

Yeah, I knew I was being a bit pedantic when I posted that comment.

Guess what I'm getting at is that I think of Naismith as a huge asset as a squad player; his contribution and football intelligence was well worth hanging on to. But I won't be kicking off if Martinez doesn't think he's right to be in the starting 11 vs Swansea.

Just read the match thread earlier and it reminds me why I normally swerve it in real time - so much negativity and slagging off of players like Naismith who give their all for the club.

 

[Robertor]

Deulofeu and Mirallas haven't done anything to merit starting just yet, Naismith has scored a hatrick against the champions. For me, dropping a player who's just scored a hatrick shouldn't happen, it's just wrong. It'd be like sacking a manager for winning the league on a smaller scale. He's done more than enough to merit being in the team against Swansea and if he doesn't play well it leads to a very attack minded change in the last half hour of the game to give Mirallas or Deulofeu a run at their defence.

There's no more of a big game player in the team than him, hopefully he can get on a good run of form before the Derby

 

[Stanley Parker]

Until Saturday, Naismith hadn't done anything to merit starting - but he hadn't been given a chance.

Nor had Deulofeu and Mirallas, although all three contributed to the recovery at Barnsley. Perhaps they will get another opportunity at Reading. (Friday 11 September; Reading 5 Ipswich 1)

Injuries will happen, so a strong squad is a good thing.

 

[Ihaters]

He's ace, genuinely always thought he was good for us but reading that match thread.. check out page 35 onwards for a bit.. then page 40.. Best popcorning since Moyes bought Heittinger on in place of Jelavic against Bolton to massive boo's... and then he scored the winner.

 

[davek]

Deulofeu and Mirallas haven't done anything to merit starting just yet, Naismith has scored a hatrick against the champions. For me, dropping a player who's just scored a hatrick shouldn't happen, it's just wrong. It'd be like sacking a manager for winning the league on a smaller scale. He's done more than enough to merit being in the team against Swansea and if he doesn't play well it leads to a very attack minded change in the last half hour of the game to give Mirallas or Deulofeu a run at their defence.

There's no more of a big game player in the team than him, hopefully he can get on a good run of form before the Derby

Mirallas was sitting there with a gob on him when we scored the second on Saturday. Everyone else celebrating and he's sat there with a long face.

 

[The Esk]

he's got a bit of snide about him as well. Gets under defender's skin.

 

[Haston]

Happy Birthday Naisy,

Love Yaya Toure

 

[Shipped]

That moment when he takes Begovich's studs to the face, the medical staff come on, then 30 seconds later he's running down the pitch back in to position.
It's who he is innit?

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

That moment when he takes Begovich's studs to the face, the medical staff come on, then 30 seconds later he's running down the pitch back in to position.
It's who he is innit?

He's divisive is what he is

Those who appreciate hard work and playing for the shirt love him

Those who care only about quantifiable talent and tactical rigidity have little to no time for him

Naismith is a man with clear weaknesses, but he can sometimes overcome those weaknesses through effort and maximising his strengths

I had no time for him in Moyes last season, but since that winner against Chelsea back in 2013, I've grown to like him quite a lot. Sometimes the world loves a trier, and Steven Naismith is a trier.

 

[Toffeelover]

Mirallas was sitting there with a gob on him when we scored the second on Saturday. Everyone else celebrating and he's sat there with a long face.

Not just about nais scoring Dave but the fact well documented that he wanted out so we believe but there were no offers that I have heard of. So he was stuck at GP.

 

[davek]

Not just about nais scoring Dave but the fact well documented that he wanted out so we believe but there were no offers that I have heard of. So he was stuck at GP.

Not a team player. I'd take cash in January for him and look to bring in that playmaker.

 

[Shipped]

He's divisive is what he is

Those who appreciate hard work and playing for the shirt love him

Those who care only about quantifiable talent and tactical rigidity have little to no time for him

Naismith is a man with clear weaknesses, but he can sometimes overcome those weaknesses through effort and maximising his strengths

I had no time for him in Moyes last season, but since that winner against Chelsea back in 2013, I've grown to like him quite a lot. Sometimes the world loves a trier, and Steven Naismith is a trier.

Yeah he's got a bit of that Royle era Dogs Of War Everton about him. McCarthy and Besic have that too and that will always be valued at Goodison by a lot of the support.

He also has a unique skillset though that makes him perfect for certain games. The Arsenal 3-0 and Saturday for example.
It's just a case of utilizing him right and I trust Bobby to do so.
I have to admit I didn't think he could play on the flanks and was only effective through the middle.
Then he goes and plays the game of his life largely down the left - albeit tucked in a bit.
I think one thing we can all agree on with Steven - he continues to surprise people.

 

[Swartzy]

You can just see by his interviews how badly he takes not starting games, his passion for footy he just needs to be out there playing week in week out and i think thats more important than his contract which cant be said for alot of players nowadays, now i aint saying he’s the greatest player around but his confidence is gonna be so high after that game you just cant afford to drop him from the team. its up to him to keep that place but he def deserves the chance while he’s cloud 9

 

[Shipped]

Not a team player.

How can you even think that let alone print it publically?
Naismith will do whatever the manager asks of him, run himself in to the ground and help those around him.
I understand a lot of people's criticisms of him but this?
Straight up contrary for the sake of it unless you're off on one.

 

[davek]

How can you even think that let alone print it publically?
Naismith will do whatever the manager asks of him, run himself in to the ground and help those around him.
I understand a lot of people's criticisms of him but this?
Straight up contrary for the sake of it unless you're off on one.

I was referring to Mirallas.