Everton banter 5

06 Oct 2025 20:26:29
Apparently we are being linked with Joshua Zirkzeewhat do people think I don't really have much of an option we need a goal scorer not sure if this one would be an upgrade probably is better than what we have got but we should be moving heaven and earth to unearth a gem.

{Ed025's Note - what i have seen of Zirkzee TB he is not enough of an upgrade to be viable mate..

06 Oct 2025 22:28:15
He’s actually a downgrade on what we have.

{Ed025's Note - Mr Bean would not be a downgrade on what we have Swan..

07 Oct 2025 03:39:04
Mr Bean is better at football than Zirkzee.

He averages a goal every 11 games, has no athletic ability, cannot hold the ball, doesn’t make good runs.

Say what you will about Beto and Barry, but they at least try, they don’t succeed, but they try.

Zirkzee has the work rate of a sloth on sleeping pills.

07 Oct 2025 12:48:26
If we got the Zirkzee that was at Bologna, then I would take him. Linked play incredibly well for them and bought the likes of Ndoye, Orsolini and Saelemaekers into the game, which could bode well for Grealish, KDH, Charlie and Nidaye.

07 Oct 2025 13:16:57
That being said, there are plenty of forwards I would rather us target.

Missed the boat on Emegha and Bonny, who seems to have hit the ground running for Inter. Lad stinks of Lukaku. Funnily enough, another that was a lot cheaper than Barry.

Nikola Krstovic from Atlanta would be my pick. Out and out finisher - right foot, left foot or head and a good age with enough experience under his belt. Castellanos from Lazio would be a decent signing also.

07 Oct 2025 14:47:16
Red a article before that we could be in for jesus from arsenal in January anyone else heard anything about tha.

{Ed025's Note - god i hope not Shakey..

07 Oct 2025 19:34:35
Who is this DJU lad anyone? Apparently he is up for a January transfer £17.5 million never heard of him but I only really watch British football.

08 Oct 2025 07:07:40
Jesus, I heard we would leave him where he is till April 5th.

08 Oct 2025 17:09:34
21 year old striker Ron, who I think we should have gone for in the summer. Has bags of ability and looks a decent finisher. I think what is most impressive about him is his ability to assess things around him and not be selfish when there is a teammate in a better position than him.

I think we may have missed the boat on this one and he may go to a bigger team.

09 Oct 2025 08:52:39
So another young forward? Do you think he would be ready to start straight away then Or another youngster with potential? I don't bother YouTubeing players because clips can make anyone look a worldy. and like i say i don't really watch foreign football BN. seems like a decent price though if he is as good as you say i seen 9 goals in 10 and 3 assists.

09 Oct 2025 10:20:29
He is indeed mate. I think he is comfortably a better footballer than both Barry and Beto, so I would assume so. He can also play in different setups so allows for a bit more flexibility.

Yes, I get that Ron, that makes complete sense. However, he has played in Europe for 20 odd games and has about a 1 in 2 goal rate. Not too bad for a 21 year old.

I think just off the eye test alone and watching him with a football at his feet, you can see he is a better player than the two we have but who knows mate.

Wouldn't be suprised if he went back to Benfica tbh and then we went and got him for 60m in a year knowing us!

09 Oct 2025 12:27:40
That's sounds like us BN???.

06 Oct 2025 15:06:44
Looks like we have gotten even with the Gers for selling us one of the worst signings we have ever made, even if we are still 6 million out of pocket.

06 Oct 2025 15:17:06
Hopefully Thelwell comes and picks up Mykolenko for that £6m ?.

06 Oct 2025 16:52:24
Think you may be a huge outlier there Swan but I can certainly keep you company.

06 Oct 2025 14:21:43
What are everyone's thoughts on our new owners so far?

06 Oct 2025 15:19:04
Can’t have many complaints. They aren’t constantly in the spotlight, they seem to stay out of the on the pitch stuff, which is a fantastic relief after the last maniac.

Need a few more seasons, they’ve given us money to spend so I assume they’ve done their due diligence with our financial situation, they are known for fixing clubs like us.

I much prefer them to Moshiri or the unambiguous oafs we had before.

06 Oct 2025 15:31:08
They've done what I'd want them to do. Cleared the debt and got the club moving forward.

The biggest change is how many people we now have in top places on the board and running each department of the club. We look like a big global business instead of an aging sleeping giant.

06 Oct 2025 15:55:48
Think they have been spot on so far.

06 Oct 2025 17:22:35
Can't complain so far. Its refreshing not hearing much about 'the state' of our club. Its good to see real progress on and off the pitch
Keep it going.

06 Oct 2025 17:49:55
They know how to run a business rather than "grew up in the boys pen" crap. They have put in place an experienced professional management group and from what I can see left them to do a job rather than constantly interfering like the last bunch. The jury is still out and the goal over the next few years has to be European football and hopefully a trophy, a good start but still work to do.

06 Oct 2025 18:29:32
Certainly got the the right manager.

06 Oct 2025 23:11:06
Only thing missing was a proper centre forward in my eyes.

Shipped out some of the deadwood (Harrison, Doucs, etc) . Brought in upgrades replacements (Grealish, KDH) . Delivered on the new stadium and sorted out finances out so we aren’t liable to another PSR issue.

Phase one: ‘steady the ship’ seems complete. It’s what happens next that will tell us how good they are as owners. We’ve bought a few players for the future, the team doesn’t look as if they will be scrapping at the bottom of the table and they are investing in the women’s game. I hope the next phase goes as well as the first! The signs are promising.

07 Oct 2025 11:23:17
New owners cannot be blamed for some poor recruiting decisions, they have appointed people to do that roll, then allowed them to get on with it.
Yes, the lack of a new right back is a concern, and a proven goal scorer, but that is far from their fault, they have provided the funds, but have left football people to make the decisions, and with our resent history of owner making such decisions, it is the right approach.

07 Oct 2025 12:42:10
First season first transfer window how can we complain, yes we need further improvements but we new it wouldn't be done in 1 window, think a right back was the only thing I'd of said we new we needed one and never got one which still baffles me now, but roll in xmas window hopefully they can address what has so fair been a good start to the season .

{Ed025's Note - yeah Pasty a RB should have been one of our top recruitment goals along with a striker for me, but as you say we have done a lot of good things and we all knew it would take more than just 1 window mate, i know hindsight is a wonderful thing but does anyone else think we may have let Ashley Young go a season too early?, he is still as fit as a butchers and i thought done really well for us last season, not everyone,s cup of tea but while Jarrad is out i would have liked to see us play 3 centre halves with Myko and Ash as fullbacks but with cover from the big lads....but maybe thats just me..

06 Oct 2025 11:03:49
The difference having a midfielder who runs at teams with the ball is so refreshing. Alcaraz made all the difference on Sunday, the lads first thought was to move the ball forward. And that encouraged other players to do the same.
At home we need to be a lot more positive, start as a 4-3-3 with KDH, Alcaraz and Gana/ Garner.

06 Oct 2025 17:24:31
Garner should be our rb, love him in midfield but it's an area of strength. Rb isn't unfortunately and Garner would improve that.

{Ed025's Note - i think hes great in midfield for us BB and he creates chances that if we had decent forwards would result in goals, wasted at full back for me mate..

06 Oct 2025 09:03:29
Great comeback victory yesterday and sitting pretty in 8th.
Armstrong getting MoM for Preston is great as well. Let's hope the good news keeps on coming.

I do think we should play Garner at rb now, his distribution and control from there could be a real bonus. We have options in Dewsbury-hall, Tim, Rohl, Alcaraz and Grealish who can easily play the 8 role next to Gana.

Thought Alcaraz was excellent when he came on.

06 Oct 2025 10:27:05
Dropping KDH back to 8 and playing Alcaraz at 10 could be the move Bunks, no Grealish in the next game of course so that may hamper that plan.

08 Oct 2025 07:11:29
Think Ndaye will play left eide in that game.

06 Oct 2025 06:47:32
I think that Ndyai in the middle against a strong loaded midfield was the problem, plus Gana was slightly offf his normal game so we were weak through the middle and they had 5 and O’Brien got out numbered . Alcatraz made a difference as he is more aggressive in that position. Garner going to right back also introduced a playmaker down that side and subsequently helped the attack. Beto had a point to prove and stepped up his game and gave their defenders something to do rather than clearing unchallenged crosses into the box. Good result.

06 Oct 2025 14:18:38
Beto spent more time in the box, where he should be so kudos. We were not so much poor in the first half as rather pressured and outplayed by a very good Team that will finish top 6 if the wheels don't fall off their small squad. Barry needs feeding up and muscle building.

06 Oct 2025 21:25:36
Barry needs to learn how to jump and get in the gym and to reference an old rocky film he needs to chase chickens to get him moving quicker and reacting quicker he also needs to be aggressive and not petulant. He has the touch and football brain but he’s stuck in first gear.

08 Oct 2025 07:12:57
It's 9 outfield players with Barry on the pitch.

06 Oct 2025 07:39:03
{Ed's Note - NewPaisley79 has posted a new article entitled, Key Issues Liverpool FC Need To Address

06 Oct 2025 00:57:34
How many games this year have we said that we were terrible in the first half and then improved in the second half. We start off backing off the ball, playing defensively, looking as if the players have no energy and booting the ball upfield to lose the ball repeatedly. Then we come out reenergized in the second half, maybe Doris the tea-lady is spicing the tea at half-time. Yes the subs introduced at half-time today made a big difference but surely the tactics have to change, we will not be so lucky again if we continue playing like this, Let's show the urgency and passion shown at the end of todays game from the first minute from now on.

06 Oct 2025 06:53:15
That’s very sensible Mike and I completely agree. If we continue in this vein we will be found out as our halftime play will be expected and countered.

But on the other hand we have to applaud Moyes use of Dibling and Barry to start the game on the basis of suspensions and the need to mix it up given the recent results. We shout from the rooftops when we lose and don’t change (rinse repeat) . So it’s hard to criticise when he changes things up a little. And we also need these youngsters to get valuable game time and show us why we paid so highly for them.

This one worked out and in my heart I’d say we were rewarded for the bold selection. But my head says - as you do - we got away with one there. And that 90 minutes of the last 45 would’ve seen us winning that one comfortably.

06 Oct 2025 07:22:46
It is also 11 v 11 and the way the other side doesn't 'roll over' perhaps! Watched that yesterday and not so much we were poor as Palace are very very good. Moyes made the right subs at the right time but still needed a penalty (stupid challenge) and Grealish foot stuck out. Incidentally the reason Grealish doesn't shoot looks to me like timing in the shot, looks very weak at this level.

06 Oct 2025 10:38:27
Yes agree about Palace, they are a very good and well organized side. It's just that it happens too often to be anything about the opposition but rather our tactics or the mental attitude of our players. We start off very timidly, maybe a bit worried about conceding and then we start to click in the second half. I think that the more confidence the players get playing together we will see more second half performance from the get go. OK it's just an old man's opinion, just very happy we won. Also I would like to see Alcaraz given an extended run, he gets me of my seat which can only be a good thing.

06 Oct 2025 10:44:09
For some reason we allow teams to dictate the play, exact same thing happened against Liverpool. We sit back and allow teams to come on to us, then in the second half we press. Yes we won yesterday but that was a combination of Palace’s poor finishing and us getting a little luck for once.

06 Oct 2025 00:34:10
In a couple of years, Dibling, and Barry, may turn out to be very good players. But the point is, at this time trying to develop a side to challenge for a top six place, what was needed was the finished article, and the priority with the cash spent on these two players, a right back, and a proven striker should have been persuade, it might be said that would be short term, and whilst I accept it's easy to be wise with hindsight, but you didn't have to be mistic meg to have seen the nesesity.

07 Oct 2025 00:28:48
I hope it doesn't come true but Barry could be just like Moise Kean. Scores goals in all leagues but the Premier league. At the moment he's just a fresher Beto, when he comes on as sub. They are carbon copies of each other but tbf if it wasn't for beto throwing himself for header against palace, we wouldn't of scored. There's got to be a striker out there somewhere who can score goals for us and is available.

05 Oct 2025 21:18:05
Always been a fan of O'BRIAN, but he is not a right back, Garner looked far more comfortable there, we have options in midfield, and given Alcaez, performance in the ten role would be more than happy for him to start there.
As for a striker, getting to the point when we should look at the under 21s, some with very good numbers, in terms of goals, ok, no premium experience but could they do any worse. ?

05 Oct 2025 22:37:50
With Alcaraz in the 10, you might see Beto get a few. He knows how to pick a pass and I’m sure he assisted him a handful of times last season.

05 Oct 2025 22:43:17
I think Garner has to play right back, for the time being, O’Brien has been found out a little and his lack of pace on the turn has been exposed. Not sure if Keane or Branthwaite will be fit for City so it may be that O’Brien plays centre half anyway.

I think Alcaraz, KDH and Gana in the middle of the park would be great. Sadly Grealish can’t play next game so it’ll be interesting to see what Moyes does.

05 Oct 2025 23:17:10
Not arguing re the quality of beto or Barry. Both a bit suspect but wonder sre they both a bit isolated playing up top. Just seen how effective were with 2 up top. Would be good to see maybe alcaraz much closer up top with either beto or Barry. Ndiaye and grealish wide with kdh in the middle?

06 Oct 2025 06:30:57
There's no one able to step up from the under 21s. Everyone's talking about Graham but he hasn't got the physicality yet to play in the EPL.

Barry and Beto are what they are and until next summer they are the two we'll need to get us the goals. I doubt very much we'll have the chance to get anyone in Jan.

06 Oct 2025 07:26:23
Barry is just at this level too weak. I bet the coaches are working on strength.

06 Oct 2025 09:32:32
I'm not sure it's his strength that's the main problem, just don't think he's good enough but happy to be proved wrong.

05 Oct 2025 17:58:27
Not sure if this is controversial but for me I would start with a midfield 3 of Garner, Alcaraz and KDH.

Gueye was at the heart of most of our issues today, slow on the ball, stray passes and not a lot of energy. Alcatraz broke up more attacks from a number 10 than Gueye did in the entire game too.

05 Oct 2025 19:22:21
Well done to the boys today and what a great second half though DM made the right subs today so got to say well done to him also, Palace are no pushovers but God do we need a striker and if I had to nit pick just once more I think gueye needs dropping,

05 Oct 2025 19:52:05
We have had a very decent start to the season and Gana has been instrumental in that. He's currently the best in the prem at interceptions and has a 91% pass accuracy so dropping him for someone who has had half a decent game is folly.

06 Oct 2025 07:44:29
Agree Smit Gana is one player we cannot drop he’s a good player for us.