Oh no I never believe Eto would take us up a level but add some experience and quality which he did. Had we had a manger with a bit more about him and less stubbornness towards changing his system I think we would have seen more of those players we had at that time.
He still had class though, gave us the ability to hold the ball in tight areas. The spine of Stones, Barkley and Lukaku should have been enough to see us move up a level.
Relating it to Silva; on a short term deal I see no issues. Has he ever had pace? Really? Probably not a lot. He can only be a positive influence on Holgate who has improved but may need that guidance to go another level. Then you ask the question, Keane or Silva? I know my choice. It’s nothing personal against Keane, he seems a good guy and has been brave to come out regarding getting therapy, but he isn’t good enough for me. He’s slow as well so I’d much rather have Silva for a season.
I get people’s concerns regarding will he be as solid here in a faster league. That’s completely fair, the answer is none of us know. The age is a concern and giving him more than a year or two at a time would be a concern. Absolutely fair.
However he will bring a winning mentality, experience, quality and leadership. All four we have perhaps been in lacking in. For all we know this may mean we can spend money in midfield and then a year or two down the line we have had time to bring in a centre back to take over. We may sign two centre backs. We don’t know.
CA has won the European cup five times, 3 time’s as a manager. If he thinks Silva’s quality and experience despite his age will give us a stronger presence for the near future. We have to trust him. We all love Everton (apart from one or two who clearly try to bash the club at any point), we all want what’s best but this isn’t Koeman, Martinez or Silva. This is a man who is a proven winner and respected as much as anyone in football . We have to trust his judgement on signings like this. He will be brought in for very specific attributes that we are lacking. Leadership is one of them as we don’t have a single player that demands respect and will assert authority. I love Coleman for his loyalty, his passion, and we all love him for his ‘humble background’ as he comes across as he’s just one of us who happens to be a very good footballer. So I think he’s a leader on the pitch though? Probably not.
Just my LONG But thought out take on the potential signing.
On and also to mention the bigger picture of club profile. He would boost our profile. Other players will take note, other players may come because of it. That’s the non-footballing perspective too!
