02 Nov 2015 11:06:24
When I did my most improved player below, said Kone but I think Rom has improved so much this season. Chelsea, 2nd half vs West Brom, Liverpool, Southampton. Even against Utd he was bullying people, his touch and hold up play has improved a lot. The ball is sticking to him and he is much more reliable in possession. Shame he is isolated so much, hope Martinez sticks with Kone as a left forward, helps Rom with the dirty work and they link up so well. Not just yesterday either, same last season, so much better with a partner. Too often he will have to move 2 players out the way by himself and then have another 3 players to beat because everyone is stood on the halfway line watching. He's come on leaps and bounds and considering people call him "lazy", he's been integral in 10 of our last 12 goals.
02 Nov 2015 12:20:55
In my opinion he looks lazy and struggles 90% of the time with his 1st touch.
02 Nov 2015 14:52:42
Watching yesterday who else noticed the upscale in play once Kone went up top and Lukaku played in the No 10 role. Barkley is also learning that to make a pass he should first get his head up. Sorry for Oviedo but we do look a more positive attacking force with Galloway as LB. I hope RM sticks to this style from now on.
02 Nov 2015 14:54:53
I don't think the team selection helps Rom at times to be honest. He is far better when he has somebody to link up with, as has been shown when Kone has been in the team with him. When he is on his own up front he gets isolated from play which can make him look lazy.
As you say Swan, he has improved a few aspects of his game this season, it's frightening to think what he could be like in a few years time, I just hope he is still with us then.
02 Nov 2015 15:18:09
Rom's main problem when playing as the lone striker is his first touch, often with his back to goal he needs a couple of ouches to get it under before laying it off.
Yesterday he often got the ball facing goal and able to take time to pick a pass.
02 Nov 2015 15:40:41
Me too spudv, I never understood why people call him lazy, I think it's the mindset from the likes of Marcus Bent, Straqualersi and Jelavic. Hard workers, not very good Footballers, give me a Dimitar Berbatov over a Kevin Doyle any day. The older fans don't seem interested in the quality of a player, just whether he runs around a lot. In terms of keeping him, it's vital, best striker we've had in a long time, one of the top 10 in England easily. But, to be honest, I wouldn't want to play for Everton, I would because I'm an Evertonian but anyone else, I wouldn't touch us with a barge pole. I'm an Evertonian and it drives me crazy when we boo our own players, so imagine what the players think. Joel just going about his business, in his back garden with his Girlfriend just chilling out, reads comments of Blues calling him every name under the sun. Arouna Kone, gets ready to come on vs Watford, gets booed on to the pitch by his own fans. Swear we are the only fans who do it, or at least, the only fans where the majority do it.
02 Nov 2015 16:35:37
I am very critical of Big Rom as he plays like Little Rom most of the time.
He is getting better and stronger but the difference recently is he is getting tougher. He is getting in defenders faces now and using his physique and it showed in the Derby recently when he gave Sakho a dig in the ribs.
This is the Rom I want to see as it unsettles the defence. More of the same from Big Rom please.
{Ed025's Note - to be honest John it's not just about his physicality, there has been times when the service to him has been poor, a player like him needs service like Gerry can supply at times but on a consistent basis..
02 Nov 2015 18:59:25
When balls are played in front of Rom to run onto he is lethal, he needs support around him and I believe both Gerry and Kone should be starting as both bring out the best in Lukaku and a front 3 like that can cause any defence problems. The lazy shouts are well. lazy, he is a frontman and shouldn't be chasing back because then were is the outball if our striker is in his own half?
{Ed025's Note - very true gray..
02 Nov 2015 22:30:21
I agree Swan, Lukaku probably is the most improved player. Come to think of it Kone couldn't be most improved as basically he didn't get playing until this season. I know people were criticising him, which I never understood. How can you say someone is a bad player when he has barely played? I stood up for him when people were giving him abuse.
Not many doing it now. Rom Lu is much better now. I was slightly critical of him as he has looked lazy at times. Not so much lately. Last week I was actually moaning because he wasn't getting the ball enough. He should be given the ball at every opportunity. There would be no stopping him if he got more of the ball.
His cross yesterday was top notch. Imo, yesterday his first touch not only improved but it was as good as you could ask for. If he keeps that part of his play and Del boy along with Kone keep doing their thing, top 4 is a genuine possibility.
Although I wouldn't get carried away with yesterday's win. They were very poor. It makes a fantastic platform for the players to build on. Will no doubt build confidence and encourage the players to chase games. Good run until Xmas at least me thinks. Martinez could have a job to handle the squad if they stay injury free. Not a bad complaint for a manager or club supporters. COYB's.