Strength in Depth

[WA Toffee]

We had no defenders on the bench today. That doesn't seem too much like strength in depth.

But we did have 2 of our "second choice" defenders on the pitch. That indicates depth.

 

[Igrok]

So, are we deeply strong or strongly deep?

 

[Zatara]

Gk- Robles
RB -Browning
RCB- Holgate
LCB - Mori
LB - Galloway
CM - Besic
CM - Ledson
AM - Cleverley
LW - Mirallas
CF - Naismith
RW - Lennon

 

[Efcbradley89]

When you look at the players we have who could be construed as second string and compare it to the sides around us are they in a better position?

 

[kev]

No mention of Tyias Browning. Disappointing.

Going back a while there mate.

I'm pretty sure he left about 1990

 

[messymascot]

Howard Coleman Stones Jagielka Baines McCarthy Barry Deulofeu Barkley Mirallas Lukaku

Robles Hibbert Browning Mori Oviedo Besic Cleverley Lennon Naismith Pienaar Kone

Griffiths Holgate Pennington Galloway Garbutt Gibson Junior McGeady McAleny Osman Rodriguez

 

[Librarian]

 

[Groucho]

Similar thing in the Aaron Lennon thread.

We've waited ages to have a good squad size so rather than lament who is currently out of the squad, we should be happy we've got good numbers, and that it's largely not deadwood.

I'm pleased myself.

 

[dave abrahams]

Is this game today? I like to go to these games,

 

[Librarian]

Is this game today? I like to go to these games,

http://www.evertonfc.com/fixtures/2...ternational-cup/everton-u21-v-porto-u21/match

 

[Gibbo4]

If you watched Roberto's after match press conference you would know that he is well aware of our current depth and he credits it with the intensity and competition in training that has led to the recent good form. Makes sense. He also lists a ton of players who aren't getting a game and who he knows will probably get frustrated if not playing. Yesterday we had a squad of 18, 4 of which saw no action; Robles, Cleverley, Naismith, Lennon. We then had Besic, McGeady, Baines, Oviedo (Iinjured), Jagielka (Injured), Browning (Injured), Hibbert not even in the squad. We know the next injury crisis is just around the corner (prays for it not to come) but until it comes it's definitely going to be hard to keep people happy but like Roberto said with nearly a full complement of players available it certainly appears to be getting the best out of the starting XI.

 

[hktoffee]

1st team:-

Howard

Coleman Stones Jagielka Baines

McCarthy Barry

Deulofeu Barkley Mirallas

Lukaku

2nd team:-

Robles

Browning Gibson Funes Mori Galloway

Cleverley Besic

Lennon Naismith Oviedo

Kone

McGeady will leave soon. Hibbert, Osman and Pienaar will probably retire next summer.

 

[Caolam]

Coming from where we were last year it is unrealistic to expect us to have cover for every position at a high standard let alone cover of the highest standard for the players who are standing in for injuryed players.
Squad is improving but we aren't there yet, a couple of bad injuries could still derail our season but, with a bit of luck we will be fine.
We have a poor goal keeper and two international defenders missing but our defence is holding up. Cleverly is missing from our mid-field, he was recently re-called to the England squad.
Some on here are saying we will be in trouble if we have a few injuries, we have a few injuries and we are still on the up.
There is no doubt we have concerns in some areas but we are better than we were. Patience lads, patience.

 

[SpurtingLesbian]

Really need Backup Striker, a Goalie, and an Experienced CB to tide us over as cover for a season or so as the kids come through