Ash_ Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 (edited) Keeping pace with Ronaldo is a thankless task for most defenders, but there is a midfielder who may just be up to it. The way he launched his latest Premier League campaign, there could even be reason for believing Mikel Arteta might yet outstrip Manchester United's wing wizard in the race to be acknowledged as this season's supreme entertainer. Chase is on: Mikel Arteta of Everton avoids Denny Landzaat of Wigan Athletic For once, the Spanish maestro had no direct involvement in either of Everton's goals, but once more he had a capacity crowd in the palm of his hand and any number of opposing defenders in his pocket. The styles could scarcely be more different — Ronaldo's blistering pace contrasting with a matador-like ability to wrong-foot an opponent from a standing start — but the effect is the same. Whenever either player is in possession, a matchdefining moment is usually not too far away. There was almost one on the half-hour at Goodison Park as a weaving run took Arteta past four challenges and was only halted by an ill-advised lunge from Titus Bramble that could easily have cost Wigan a penalty. Just four minutes earlier, the hapless Bramble had paid for failing to deal with a Tony Hibbert cross as it skimmed off his head for Leon Osman to open the scoring with a looping header beyond Chris Kirkland's reach. The error-prone former Newcastle defender fared little better in trying to keep out Victor Anichebe's close-range finish in the 75th minute. There was no way back for Wigan, even when substitute Antoine Sibierski reduced the deficit five minutes later. If there was room for improvement in most areas of an unconvincing Everton win, at least Arteta hit the ground running after signing a new long-term contract during the summer. "Some of the things he did are what people pay to come and see," said manager David Moyes. "He has got a big part to play in where we finish up. "I think he realises now that this is his Everton, his stage. It is important now that we finish off more of the openings he creates, coming in off both flanks. "When you are a crowdpleaser like him, there can be a temptation to overdo it, but if ever I thought he was show-boating I would be the first to tell him. I haven't seen any evidence of it, though." In his role as makeshift left back, Kevin Kilbane was on the receiving end and he backed Arteta's artistry to emerge as one of the season's talking points. "This is the season in which he could go on to become one of the stars of the Premiership," said the former Everton midfielder. Wigan's plight is apparently hopeless if pre-season forecasts are anything to go by, but there were signs that Jason Koumas could help defy the odds. "Jason has fantastic ability and the selfbelief to be a success at this level," said manager Chris Hutchings. Source I completely agree he is class, and i'd have him in my side over Ronaldo any day. i am biased though anyone else not looking forward to his eventual call-up, im afraid the world will see how good he is against any opponent and come in with their deep pockets. Edited August 13, 2007 by Ash_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue 250 Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 I completely agree he is class, and i'd have him in my side over Ronaldo any day. i am biased though anyone else not looking forward to his eventual call-up, im afraid the world will see how good he is against any opponent and come in with their deep pockets Well with the new 5 year contract he's just signed...those pockets need to be very deep indeed! To help insure he wants to stay,maybe Moyes could work on not playing half of the balls out of defence....over Arteta's head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ooberman Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 thing I like most about that article is that poor old Titus Bramble, new start, new club, fresh beginnings.....is already called "hapless" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zed Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 Nice article that, Arteta should be immense this season, just wish he wouldnt go down so quickly, I dont like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraccerC Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 arteta is everton, he is our nucleus as for arteta over ronaldo though? never in a million years, mikel is great but ronaldo is perhaps the best in the world Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adams Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 arteta is everton, he is our nucleus as for arteta over ronaldo though? never in a million years, mikel is great but ronaldo is perhaps the best in the world Ino yea mate, i think the writer got abit carried away. Ronaldo is the best in the world IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuffRob Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 Arteta had rave reviews last season - he is now a seasoned Premiership player, and is up thier in the top 10 midfeilders in my opinion based on last seasons performances. The year before we all knew about Arteta, after last season everybody with an interest in Prem football knew about Arteta. Against Wigan, to me he looks as if he has grown in confidence based on last season acheivments/accolades. If he is consistent with high levels of performance again this season, then he moves in to the top 5 or 6 midfeilders in the country. One game doesn't make a season - but the signs are good for me. And Yes, there would be plenty of suitors for his talents. But they would really need to have very deep pockets to buy on of the best midfeilders in the Prem . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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