25 Aug 2016 13:06:42
It's pretty clear that RK prefers the partnership off Gueye and Barry in centre-midfield.
Assuming that Barkley is more of an attacking midfielder (a number 10) , that would leave the likes of Besic, Cleverley, Gibson and McCarthy - alongside youngsters like Davies, etc. - as cover for centre-midfield.
Besic has a long-term injury, Gibson's fitness record is none too good, while McCarthy and Cleverley have been tried at right-back.
Barry will, have to be rested during the season, so are any of the others (injuries/ fitness notwithstanding) genuine contenders for a spot in an RK Everton side?
Would Davies (who's also been tried at right-back) or other youngsters be ready to cover for Barry or Gueye?
Or do we need to replace Cleverley, Gibson and McCarthy with other experienced centre-midfielders?
25 Aug 2016 13:17:13
replace all 3 Sid, never been a fan of Cleverley as crap, Gibson is due an injury so best just get rid whilst he is fit, that's if he isn't injured again already and McCarthy looked good first season only.
25 Aug 2016 14:26:14
Keep cleverley but get rid of gibson and mccarthy. We carry no goal threat from centre mid and sometimes lack a little creativity. Plus gibson is a sicknote and spends more time injured than available.
Clev I would keep, till january at least, as he can cover multiple roles.
25 Aug 2016 15:16:18
Keep Mcarthy, replace Gibson and Cleverly.
25 Aug 2016 15:42:47
Personally, I'd give all three another chance. Gibson, obvious been injured. Would love to see him regain match fitness and show what he can do. McCarthy I think is being used as a bit of a scapegoat for last season. Yes Barry still played well but I think too many point the finger at McCarthy as he is easy target. Cleverly I never understood why he got so much stick. Actually, why do supporters take their own sh*t out on players so much? Anyway, Cleverly is a good squad player who can fill in a number of different positions.
Depending how things go from now until Jan or June I'd review whether to keep them or not then. This is all on the condition that no one else is available within the remainder of the transfer window obviously.
25 Aug 2016 18:30:46
have we not been forced to play Mccarthy on the right in the first games.
once coleman is back I feel Mccarthy will get his place in the middle back
I actually questioned what the f RK was thinking starting McCarthy on the right with a few mates . and why only start 3 attacking players in Barkley, Deulofeu and Mirallas, so not enough fire power to start any game in our league.
25 Aug 2016 19:02:31
Efcfanatic has it exactly right. What I have beensaying for ages. No goal threat from our center midfield. Any successful team NEEDS a goal threat from center midfield. The new lad Gueye seems to offer that. Now all we need is 2 more and another to cover injuries.
{Ed025's Note - i would say that ross offers a goal treat degsy, admittedly he was below par at times last season but that may have been down to martinez, but i would like a mahrez type i must admit..
25 Aug 2016 20:36:00
Times change Degsy. Its not like the old 4-4-2. If you had Barkley, Del boy, Mirallas and Rom in the team would that not be more than enough attacking players? That's more or less what it was the last couple of years. 4 along with wing/ full backs chipping in is more than enough imho.
We need 4 cm players imo. Who are not attacking minded. At least 4.
Barry will need to be rested sooner or later. Might be Koemans's plan all along for McCarthy to slot into Barry's position whenever Coleman comes back. I think whatever way you look at it McCarthy is at worst our third choice for the 2 positions.
He may even be second or first for all we know! No one knows for sure only Koeman.