Popular Post Matt Posted February 14, 2022 Popular Post Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 3 hours ago, Shukes said: It is a headache. Because the flip side is a player that’s been performing and gets injured could be dropped for a player that turns up with one good performance. Not a great message to send out. My view would be that Gray plays a wide role, while Iwobi had a free role. The team would be dependant on our opponents and tactics for the game. In Frank we trust ! He's not been dropped though, he's been injured. The message is train better than Iwobi once youre fit if you want your place back, and the message to Iwobi is you've played well last game but DM is fit again and impressing in training, be better than him. RuffRob, London Blue, Palfy and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuffRob Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 I don't know why people get so worked up about the 'starting 11' and who starts and who gets dropped, we seem to have a fixation on getting all the 'best' players in the starting 11. Quality of opposition, tactics, team mates available or not, recent past and future game work loads, timing of impact from bench for maximum effectiveness in any particular game all need to come in to it as much as who did 'best' the last couple of training session before the game. Players just need to be ready each and every time to make their impact on the game whether they start or come of the bench. Palfy, Sibdane and Matt 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibdane Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 32 minutes ago, RuffRob said: I don't know why people get so worked up about the 'starting 11' and who starts and who gets dropped, we seem to have a fixation on getting all the 'best' players in the starting 11. Quality of opposition, tactics, team mates available or not, recent past and future game work loads, timing of impact from bench for maximum effectiveness in any particular game all need to come in to it as much as who did 'best' the last couple of training session before the game. Players just need to be ready each and every time to make their impact on the game whether they start or come of the bench. True, but you also have to consider that the manager has a style of play that shows regardless of the opposition. Iwobi played well and deserves a chance to prove he can be flexible and play well against different opponents with tweaked tactics. It’s rare for a manager to just completely change his philosophy just because of the opposition. I won’t discount all the variables you mentioned. They’re important, but I think a good manager plays him in the next game barring any injury. Does that mean Lampard is a bad manager if he doesn’t play him? Of course not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornish Steve Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 A good manager does take into account each player's skills, form, emotions, hopes, and aspirations. A great manager ensures these factors, though, don't get in the way of winning. It's all about what's best for the team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuffRob Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 I just think the term 'rotate' in more in keeping with modern professional football - rather than 'being dropped'. You want to keep your top 18 player's match fit, sharp and happy as best you can. Players in the modern game have to expect a degree of rotation and not be overly sensitive about not being the starting 11 every single game - if we are going to play a high tempo press, then rotation is going to vital especially if we have two games a week. Sibdane and Wiggytop 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Blue Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 9 hours ago, Bill said: I wouldn't dream of trying to change your opinion LB, we're all different in the way we think. I'll say it again ... He will get games if the Manager rotates but it would be a crime if he left out Iwobi after he had the best game he's ever had in a blue shirt, now that would be soul destroying. I think we agree that places have to be earnt and Iwobi earnt his chance through training and the performance in the last game. As long as he impresses in training he starts the next match. Its the way it should be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeO Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 12 minutes ago, London Blue said: I think we agree that places have to be earnt and Iwobi earnt his chance through training and the performance in the last game. As long as he impresses in training he starts the next match. Its the way it should be. StevO and plaidharper 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Blue Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 41 minutes ago, MikeO said: Are you going to take your helmet off too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC11 Posted February 15, 2022 Report Share Posted February 15, 2022 Gray if fit may start on the bench at the weekend. But after that he’s back in the side full time when fit. Not even questionable. Iwobi will be anonymous on Saturday that’s how history is played out. Prove me wrong Alex. Regardless he doesn’t keep Gray out this side EVER Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwlad Posted February 15, 2022 Report Share Posted February 15, 2022 Get over it, I think Frank will start what he thinks is the strongest team to start against Southampton and Iwobi should be in it. StevO and London Blue 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romey 1878 Posted February 17, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2022 He wasn't in any of the training pictures from yesterday so it's looking doubtful he'll be available on Saturday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Formby Posted February 17, 2022 Report Share Posted February 17, 2022 Gray is a much better footballer than Iwobi: more explosive, more dynamic, quicker on the front foot, faster, better shooter, better crosser. I'm not against Iwobi playing in certain systems, but in a straight swap, I would always have Gray. If he's fit, he plays for me. If he plays badly, he gets pulled. Shukes and MikeO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunlopp9987 Posted February 17, 2022 Report Share Posted February 17, 2022 4 minutes ago, Formby said: Gray is a much better footballer than Iwobi: more explosive, more dynamic, quicker on the front foot, faster, better shooter, better crosser. I'm not against Iwobi playing in certain systems, but in a straight swap, I would always have Gray. If he's fit, he plays for me. If he plays badly, he gets pulled. Totally agree. At the same time, what sort of message does it send when you get an opportunity to start and have arguably the best performance you've had since joining the club, and then are benched the next time out? Think Iwobi deserves the start this weekend. Either way I think it's irrelevant as it sounds like Gray will be missing, or at best on the bench. StevO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Posted February 17, 2022 Report Share Posted February 17, 2022 16 minutes ago, Formby said: Gray is a much better footballer than Iwobi: more explosive, more dynamic, quicker on the front foot, faster, better shooter, better crosser. I'm not against Iwobi playing in certain systems, but in a straight swap, I would always have Gray. If he's fit, he plays for me. If he plays badly, he gets pulled. I'm sure that would apply to everybody. StevO and Matt 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romey 1878 Posted February 17, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2022 I can't see Lampard saying this and then not starting him again, whether Gray is fit or not Quote “It was hard to pick a man of the match out of those 11 players but, for me, it was Alex. “The reason was the work ethic he showed, his fitness throughout the game, the way he picked up the positions we wanted off the ball and kept wanting to receive the ball and drive and play. “He played because he trained so well and that is something I stand behind strongly as a coach. “Sometimes you pick a team and people outside don’t understand why you pick a player. “I understand that, too. “But when someone trains as well as he has [he deserves to play]. All I want is for Alex to have belief and feel the talent he has – I am not sure I expected that 90 minutes of work-rate. He hadn’t played for me... and, wow, I thought he was outstanding." StevO and London Blue 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palfy Posted February 17, 2022 Report Share Posted February 17, 2022 8 minutes ago, Romey 1878 said: I can't see Lampard saying this and then not starting him again, whether Gray is fit or not That’s what every player wants to hear that if you work hard you get the opportunity’s and no one’s a guaranteed pick, team’s progress when there’s competition for places. Well done Iwobi and good on Lampard for recognising the effort. Matt, StevO, dunlopp9987 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Btay Posted February 17, 2022 Report Share Posted February 17, 2022 7 hours ago, Formby said: Gray is a much better footballer than Iwobi: more explosive, more dynamic, quicker on the front foot, faster, better shooter, better crosser. I'm not against Iwobi playing in certain systems, but in a straight swap, I would always have Gray. If he's fit, he plays for me. If he plays badly, he gets pulled. Gray has had his off days as well though. He has the x factor in him that can win a game from nothing. I don’t want any guarantee starters though - form/performances/training merit selection. Gray is going to have to be firing to get back into this team and it only benefits Everton StevO and Sibdane 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiggytop Posted February 18, 2022 Report Share Posted February 18, 2022 Gray would be my first choice based on this season, after Saturday Iwobi does deserve to keep his place, which it looks like he will as Gray is out, I’d normally be unhappy at seeing Iwobi starting or even on the team sheet ( as a walked to my seat last Saturday the team was being announced, 3 stewards were talking to each other, and I heard them say what the fuck, why is he starting Iwobi and most would agree) but if he can continue it gives us a much stronger squad and we can allow players to fully recover from injury, I’m sure we have been brining payers back too soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romey 1878 Posted February 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 He's now back in training and in the squad tomorrow. London Blue 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyblue23 Posted March 8, 2022 Report Share Posted March 8, 2022 On 25/02/2022 at 09:16, Romey 1878 said: He's now back in training and in the squad tomorrow. This but again. And not tomorrow, Sunday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shukes Posted March 9, 2022 Report Share Posted March 9, 2022 I think all can see how creatively we drop off a cliff when he’s not on the pitch now. We need this lad back and running at players to push defences backwards. Him and Gordon opposite sides. Romey 1878, Matt and Palfy 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Posted March 9, 2022 Report Share Posted March 9, 2022 Still not sure about Gray, he started off well with goals and assists but recently looks like a carbon copy of Ross Barkley, running down blind alleys til he loses the ball. I don't think he is the answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palfy Posted March 9, 2022 Report Share Posted March 9, 2022 8 hours ago, Shukes said: I think all can see how creatively we drop off a cliff when he’s not on the pitch now. We need this lad back and running at players to push defences backwards. Him and Gordon opposite sides. I would do that in a 433 but not so sure in a 442, then you have the issue who you play up front DCL or Richarlison, for me at the moment I would go with Richarlison just because of match fitness and work rate, but definitely need Gray back he’s a miss without a doubt. StevO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC11 Posted March 21, 2022 Report Share Posted March 21, 2022 Another player who’s not been up for the fight. Ghosts in and out of games and of late hasn’t been in them at all. Lad on the train home yesterday nailed it. Benitez played to Townsends and Grays strengths as they were his signings. Now that’s gone they are struggling. More so Gray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patto Posted March 21, 2022 Report Share Posted March 21, 2022 3 minutes ago, MC11 said: Another player who’s not been up for the fight. Ghosts in and out of games and of late hasn’t been in them at all. Lad on the train home yesterday nailed it. Benitez played to Townsends and Grays strengths as they were his signings. Now that’s gone they are struggling. More so Gray. He has been injured and also I'll do it's going to affect him he will be used more now we don't have many options. London Blue, Formby and Matt 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC11 Posted March 21, 2022 Report Share Posted March 21, 2022 2 hours ago, patto said: He has been injured and also I'll do it's going to affect him he will be used more now we don't have many options. Don’t get me wrong he should be starting but he’s fell off a cliff in terms of performance Shukes and Bill 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bailey Posted March 21, 2022 Report Share Posted March 21, 2022 3 hours ago, MC11 said: Another player who’s not been up for the fight. Ghosts in and out of games and of late hasn’t been in them at all. Lad on the train home yesterday nailed it. Benitez played to Townsends and Grays strengths as they were his signings. Now that’s gone they are struggling. More so Gray. I definitely agree about Gray. He was Benitez's only real attacking outlet. I think he enjoyed being that main man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hafnia Posted March 22, 2022 Report Share Posted March 22, 2022 10 hours ago, Bailey said: I definitely agree about Gray. He was Benitez's only real attacking outlet. I think he enjoyed being that main man. Well that’s tough shit isn’t it. I’m sure there are lots of things players prefer - Digne preferred to attack rather than defend and fell out with Rafa about it, as a fan I prefer a player doing what they are asked to the best of their ability. all hands to the pump, they can ask frank for special considerations in the summer but for most of them they will be getting asked to clear their lockers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Formby Posted March 22, 2022 Report Share Posted March 22, 2022 18 hours ago, MC11 said: Another player who’s not been up for the fight. Ghosts in and out of games and of late hasn’t been in them at all. Lad on the train home yesterday nailed it. Benitez played to Townsends and Grays strengths as they were his signings. Now that’s gone they are struggling. More so Gray. Which begs the question why Lampard has not done that. Why do we always play players in their wrong positions? And not to their strengths? It's a real Everton curio, that. Gray has certainly not come back the same. Trying to do too much, I guess, but that's what happens when the whole team is misfiring. He is trying to do it all himself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Formby Posted March 22, 2022 Report Share Posted March 22, 2022 13 hours ago, Bailey said: I definitely agree about Gray. He was Benitez's only real attacking outlet. I think he enjoyed being that main man. Benitez got a real tune out of him. Hopefully, Lampard can, too. We need him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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