Summer 2018 Transfer Window

[Nymzee]

Always surprised by the focus on overseas players. The sh&te have increased their number of domestic and Irish players and they're improving.

Chelsea had Terry, Bridge, Cole, Cole, Lampard, United's glory days fielded a team often 65+ % domestic & Irish. Our own giddier times under Moyes: Jags, Baines, Coleman, Osman, Unsy, Weir, Naismith, Hibbo, Lescott, Big Dunc The point I'm making is less about nationality and spare me any EDL crud... it's about character, loyalty and team values. It's hard to build that with so many transitional players in and out of the UK. Upping the number of home grown players increases the likely length of time they may stay and grow those values and identity. Incoming players are then a clearer 'fit' or not.

When we didn't always have the quality to play teams off the park under Moyes, our attitude often did. With the mix right, overseas players could forge clear Everton identities, too. Hands up who loved Yak, Yobo, Gravesen, Arteta, Cahill, Howard. I know I did. Even a few firebrands like Drenthe didn't look out of place. And they were an extra influence on Ross and Seamus who've by and large served us brilliantly (barring Ross' decline under Martinez when many of the same values in defence and midfield had declined).

I understand the search for quality - and it's harder than ever but I am concerned at progress from U21 and U23 and the desire for talent and quick wins to take priority over the identity and character in our side that had us above higher spending City, Spurs, Newcastle, Liverpool for a so many seasons.

For the avoidance of doubt, aI like any fan will welcome quality from anywhere - but think we should prioritise and give more opportunity to our own young lads first and be patient. The merry go round of bad spending under Conman and Walsh honestly makes me feel ill when I think hard about it. By and large, once Mina plays I think Brands/ Silva's first forays can be judged and probably look OK.. But why does every new signing need to be a 30m guy we've never seen in the Prem before.

British players cost too much and are generally crap mate.

 

[Eggs]

we've been crap defensively ever since barry left.

..I agree, Jack. If the rumours are true, it’s encouraging they have identified a Barrios type.

 

[Steve0]

We were the only team in for mina at that stage united had already pulled out

They signed him for 10m and sold him for nearly treble the price despite being a bench player.

For good measure threw in a crocked gomes.

Won't be taken for a fool you say.

You've forgotten to mention the third player we signed from them. Can't imagine why that would be?

 

[havrey0123]

You've forgotten to mention the third player we signed from them. Can't imagine why that would be?

Digne was signed before not on the last day

 

[Eggs]

With the attacking threat we can pose a good DM to protect the back 4 is just as important as a CF
I was a bit blase over us signing Barry but when you seen him in action you realised the difference he made to the team
A good Dm allows the attackers much more freedom from their defensive duties.
I remember an interview with Chelsea’s main players back in Jose’s first spell there and to a man they all said Makele was their most important player

They said he allowed the rest to play football

..it’s a really unique position. I remember Fellaini being asked to play it and he found it difficult to not be drawn out from a very limited area of the pitch. Lee Cattermole said something similar at Sunderland. I think it’s why Barry and Carsley were able to play so many consecutive games. Makele was the best.

We’ve seen our back four exposed and outnumbered in virtually every game this season.

 

[toffeejack]

..I agree, Jack. If the rumours are true, it’s encouraging they have identified a Barrios type.

I think we were going to prioritise it in the summer but Silva wanted to see if he could get a tune out of schneiderlin, which was understandable given how many gaps we needed fixing.

 

[havrey0123]

..it’s a really unique position. I remember Fellaini being asked to play it and he found it difficult to not be drawn out from a very limited area of the pitch. Lee Cattermole said something similar at Sunderland. I think it’s why Barry and Carsley were able to play so many consecutive games. Makele was the best.

We’ve seen our back four exposed and outnumbered in virtually every game this season.

That's because he pushes too many players forward and encourages the opposition to counter.

Barcelona do a similar thing but there Barcelona.

 

[Eggs]

I think we were going to prioritise it in the summer but Silva wanted to see if he could get a tune out of schneiderlin, which was understandable given how many gaps we needed fixing.

..not forgetting he also acquired Gomes.

 

[Eggs]

That's because he pushes too many players forward and encourages the opposition to counter.

Barcelona do a similar thing but there Barcelona.

...the top teams usually have outstanding CBs and/or a top drawer defensive midfielder.

 

[toffeejack]

..not forgetting he also acquired Gomes.

Yeah but seems to be a bit of a late afterthought imo. He seems more of a gueye and Davies competetor rather than what we need.

 

[Eggs]

Yeah but seems to be a bit of a late afterthought imo. He seems more of a gueye and Davies competetor rather than what we need.

...I think he’s a bit more classy. Silva says his no6 plays a vital role because they dictate the pace of play, I think Gomes is that type. Saying that, I could be entirely wrong.

 

[Abraders]

We were the only team in for mina at that stage united had already pulled out

They signed him for 10m and sold him for nearly treble the price despite being a bench player.

For good measure threw in a crocked gomes.

Won't be taken for a fool you say.

Doesn't matter though does it?

If we sell lookman it will be the same scenario, barely played for us, major value increase - but we all know he's got talent

 

[Steve0]

Digne was signed before not on the last day

So?

 

[smileychap]

British players cost too much and are generally crap mate.

Definitely agree is easy to over pay...
Stones, Ross, Seamus, jags, lescott and baines were practically zilch though and walk into our team. Look at Leicester, Burnley, Watford squads... all cheaper and better than us currently.

We're getting in guys that are 'fine' but I just don't see a character and definitely no bite to us. Utd are in precisely the same position. Lots of good players tough.

In ten years well be asking who?

 

[Nymzee]

Definitely agree is easy to over pay...
Stones, Ross, Seamus, jags, lescott and baines were practically zilch though and walk into our team. Look at Leicester, Burnley, Watford squads... all cheaper and better than us currently.

We're getting in guys that are 'fine' but I just don't see a character and definitely no bite to us. Utd are in precisely the same position. Lots of good players tough.

In ten years well be asking who?

Brexit will fix it.