apotheosis
O'Fortuna
You lose me even more when you talk about his main strengths being defensive and bringing up a game in which we scored 4 goals (should have been 5). The only problems I've ever seen him cause us have been in and around our box, where he can be an awkward bugger. In terms of central midfielders at Everton who have defended well against us Phil Neville would be a much more obvious candidate. Maybe we should sign him?
Funny how you only pick up on the stats that support your notion of him, and ignore those that support both mine and the Everton fans view on his defensive effectiveness.
Besides Fellaini's best form for Everton this season came when they signed Gibson to do all the hard work in midfield so Fellaini could have a free role further up the pitch. Yes, that Darron Gibson. Another potential transfer target?
I think his more eye catching form would be fairer. He catches the eye much more when played higher up, but that doesn't mean to say he is not effective further back.
The Fletcher comparison is absurd. You're comparing a homegrown player who cost nothing with someone who would cost an absolute fortune. Fletcher is also a better passer of the ball, works harder and is much more defensively disciplined. Of course, he may also never play football again. If we are looking to replace him we could do a lot better than Fellaini, that's for sure.
No im not, im simply comparing 2 similar types of players who are both better in terms of their energy, determination and commitment, than they are technically, and stating how i feel they would perform similar roles for us. Fletcher may be a better passer and work harder in your opinion, but that does not make it irrefutable, and i personally don't agree with it.
I have always felt Fletcher was defensively naive, and when played as the most defensive player, we look far more vulnerable than when Carrick plays. He simply does not protect the defence effectively, despite his obvious effort.