Half Term Report, who is Everton’s top performer so far?
By Ian Phillips • Dec 24th, 2008 • Category: Fan Articles, Opinion |
It’s Christmas now which means we’re now at the half way point of the season, here’s my half term report on the players so far:
1. Carlo Nash – Carlo has warmed the bench to an excellent standard so far, let’s hope he’s not needed for the rest of the season either
2. Tony Hibbert – injuries have hampered his season so far but when he has played he’s done well (Appearances: 5, Goals: 0, Fantasy League Points: 9)
3. Leighton Baines – Leighton has been the victim of a solid defence in recent weeks that has not needed changing, he has played quite well when brought on and will need to take his chance in the coming weeks while Yobo’s injured (Appearances: 11, Goals: 0, Fantasy League Points: 17)
4. Joseph Yobo – Joseph has had an average start to the season including one own-goal against Liege in the UEFA Cup, he’s picked up an injury this week and will need to force his make back into the side (Appearances: 16, Goals: 0, Fantasy League Points: 44)
5. Joleon Lescott – With much expected for this season Joleon failed to deliver in the opening stages of the season, however he is back amongst the goals and starting to put in the performances that earned him Player of the Year last season, he will get the opportunity to play in his preferred Centre-Back role in the coming weeks after the injury to Joseph Yobo (Appearances: 18, Goals: 3, Fantasy League Points: 73)
6. Phil Jagielka – Phil has been the outstanding performer of the season so far, he has been very unlucky not to burst into the England squad after a string of outstanding performances, his mistake against Villa was awful but not one that should be remembered as he has shown what a world-class Centre-Back he is. Phil has played every minute of Everton’s season so far (Appearances: 18, Goals: 0, Fantasy League Points: 62)
7. Andy Van der Meyde – Not much to say here, Andy made one appearance as a substitute against Aston Villa and showed that he can play a bit, needs to try and get a few more cameo appearances over the rest of the season
8. Segundo Castillo – Segundo came straight into the side against Stoke and impressed but has failed to nail down a starting place since then. He scored a great goal against Standard Liege at Goodison and after getting back into the side against Manchester City injured himself, needs to force his way into the side or he will not be kept (Appearances: 3, Goals: 0, Fantasy League Points: 6)
9. Louis Saha -When fit Louis has played quite well but has only netted in two games so far, with Yakubu out for the season he needs to become a talisman and should be aiming for at least 10 goals by the end of the season. He was outstanding at Upton Park with an assist and two goals in the last 10 minutes, he needs to play like that all the time and stay fit. (Appearances: 11, Goals: 3, Fantasy League Points: 36)
10. Mikel Arteta – Not up to his usual high standards so far but scored a brilliant free-kick on the opening day. Performances have improved since moving into the centre of midfield, but can do better. Played every minute if the season so far, surprisingly according to Premier League Fantasy League statistics, he is Everton’s best player so far this year(Appearances: 18, Goals: 2, Fantasy League Points: 82)
12. Iain Turner – Not played, needs to be loaned out
14. James Vaughan – Vaughany’s been desperately unlucky again this year with injuries, upon his return he needs to force a claim for a starting place in Yakubu’s absence (Appearances: 10, Goals: 0, Fantasy League Points: 10)
15. Lars Jacobsen – Injury has prevented him from making his debut
17. Tim Cahill – Must do better, has been unimpressive in centre midfield and has gone through games without being noticed. But still, when Cahill plays Everton do better, needs to score a few more for the remainder of the season (Appearances: 12, Goals: 3, Fantasy League Points: 49)
18. Phil Neville – Has been a different player since the Man United game, his tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo turned our season and he has led from the front with some top performances (Appearances: 17, Goals: 0, Fantasy League Points: 48)
19. Nuno Valente – Has played two games and done nothing else, injured
20. Steven Pienaar – Steven was greatly missed at the start of the season when he had his foot injury, he has put in some great performances since returning including the winning goal at White Hart Lane (Appearances: 10, Goals: 1, Fantasy League Points: 34)
21. Leon Osman – Leon has gone about his work quietly putting in solid performances every game, an unsung hero from the season so far. (Appearances: 17, Goals: 3, Fantasy League Points: 64)
22. Yakubu – Started well but then faded, looked to be back amongst the goals with a strike against former club Boro before ending his season early with a ruptured achilles. (Appearances: 14, Goals: 4, Fantasy League Points: 44)
24. Tim Howard – Tim has been criticised by certain sections of our support but has been outstanding during recent weeks including a world-class save against Wigan (Appearances: 18, Fantasy League Points: 63)
25. Marouane Fellaini – A hefty price tag but considering his age he’s worth every penny, a midfield general who’s great in the air and has played very well so far, needs to improve his skills on the ground though. Get a haircut. (Appearances: 14, Goals: 3, Fantasy League Points: 43)
26, Jack Rodwell – A star is born, this lad could be a great player for Everton after a number of impressive performances early on in the season, especially against Arsenal. One for the future. (Appearances: 7, Goals: 0, Fantasy League Points: 12)
28 – Victor Anichebe – Got injured when we needed him most, will have to replace the Yak in the second half of the season. Scored one goal this season and needs to find the back of the net on a more regular basis (Appearances: 11, Goals: 1, Fantasy League Points: 21)
Arteta, Top man
Top Five players according to Fantasy League stats (which include, Appearances, Man of the Match performances, Goals, Assists, Yellow and Red Cards etc…)
- Mikel Arteta
- Joleon Lescott
- Leon Osman
- Tim Howard
- Phil Jagielka
This is excellent – Merry Christmas son!
Good assessment there. I firmly believe that we have now turned the corner. Inconsistency hampered our start to the season and when a goal went against us our heads dropped. Now we have more fight and determination in the team. We are looking very threatening and really need a flurry of points over the Christmas period to really push, for potentially, a third year in Europe.
Good assessment. Jags is solid and gives everything he has in every match. Sure he made a howler at Villa but he has still been brilliant.