Darron Gibson

[DannyInvincible]

I hope he sorts out his differences with Trap and that he will be included and turn up for the next squad.
I can forgive his brain-fart of a decision one time but if he refuses to turn up again then IMO Trap would be within his rights to never call him up again.
Hopefully it won't come to that though.

Pretty sure Trap said Gibson was ready to return.

[Charlie Darwin]

Pretty sure Trap said Gibson was ready to return.
Didn't he say something like he hadn't talked to him but he knows he'll be back?

[DannyInvincible]

Didn't he say something like he hadn't talked to him but he knows he'll be back?

According to Liam Mackey, they had a conversation during which Gibson expressed a willingness to return: http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/gibson-on-way-back-212617.html


Darron Gibson is set to return to the international fold.

That’s according to Giovanni Trapattoni, who says that, in a recent conversation with the Everton midfielder, Gibson told him he planned to make himself available for selection again.

...

Trapattoni said: "Yes, I spoke to him after the Faroes game and he said, ‘Sorry Mister, again a problem with the thigh’. But he said also, ‘I have no problem when I will be ready’. But at the moment he does not play."

But he has given a commitment to return? "Yes, yes, he said to me ‘no problem this’. He was also disappointed [after the Euros], we had many players disappointed.

"Me, I was the first disappointed by the Euros."

[paul_oshea]

A willingness to return but if he doesn't see game time he will probably just do the same.

I think he will be a substitute for McCarthy if he returns. If he is happy springing from the bench then I reckon he will come stay otherwise history will repeat itself.

[geysir]

As long as there's a spring to his step when he's sprung into action, I'll be happy.

There is little doubt that his confidence levels are growing with each appearance for his club. He's a very different proposition to the Gibson that appeared for us a few years ago and even then, Trap still had a soft spot for him.

[DannyInvincible]

An Everton fan blog highlighting/analysing Gibson's importance to the Everton team: http://www.royalbluemersey.com/2012/12/6/3733864/darron-gibson-is-all-we-need


The secret to Everton’s success over the past year isn’t down to a return of Steven Pienaar, nor is it due to the arrival of Nikica Jelavic or Marouane Fellaini reaching his potential as has been mentioned in some places. Though all have played their parts for Everton, the true reason for their success is due to one man, Darron Gibson.

Gibson’s arrival from Manchester United this past January was met with curiosity more than anything. Despite a load of promise, Gibson had been unable to establish himself in the United midfield. The 25-year old Irish international needed to get away from the stifling confines of United, and David Moyes was willing to shell out a minimal amount to secure the man’s services.

Ever since then, Everton have never looked the same with him in the squad. Before the end of last season Gibson’s inclusion in the starting lineup meant that you could safely guarantee at least 1 point for Everton each match.

That run of form continued into this year. The only game Gibson has been on the losing side of with Everton was a 2-0 defeat to West Brom. Fittingly enough, Gibson’s departure due to injury early on is when things began to go wrong for the Toffees.

The big reason Gibson is never mentioned much for Everton is due to his very simple approach to football for Everton. Think of Jelavic and immediately your mind turns to scintillating one-touch finishes or quick turn and shoots near the top of the box. Pienaar and Mirallas inspire thoughts of dancers weaving their way into the box for a cross or pass. Fellaini even invokes the bull as he puts his head down and makes his own path towards goal.

Gibson is all of these and none of these. He has moments of beauty such as against Man City when he essentially told 3 defenders to stand there and watch as he moved the ball in and out of them. He is certainly willing to jostle with defenders and has no qualms about physical play, and when it is on target his shot is a beauty from long range.

But because he excels at none of these things he is often forgotten, except when he isn’t there. Gibson’s greatest asset is his ability to control the flow of play, to dictate how Everton will play in possession, and when we need it most he can help retain possession when the other team is in the ascendancy. This will never win him any awards from the media, but it will help Everton win games.

Folks like to talk about the importance of having a creative presence in the midfield. They want someone who can generate chances with the ball at their feet. There are few Ronaldo’s and Messi’s in the world who can actually do this. Instead most teams really need a Xavi, someone to play precise passes onto the feet of strikers and attacking midfielders. This is what Darron Gibson does best.

Mr. Gibson often sits more defensively than Osman or Fellaini will, but this gives him time to see the field and play the ball on the overlap to Baines or Pienaar for the cross. If you look at the Everton goals scored when Gibson was on the pitch, Gibson was involved in the run up on almost every single one. A key pass or dribble by him helped open things up and continue the attacking play.

The best part of Gibson’s return for Evertonian’s is how he will settle the defense. Though the statistics may lie, it seems like the Toffees have a bit of a sieve in the backline. Goals have been allowed to too many soft opponents at late moments in games. A good 9 points have been dropped in games we should have won, all of them when Gibson was out. Gibson helps to shield the defense by tracking back. He has no problem sticking his nose in on a play, and it allows the central defenders to get back and into position in time.

In addition, Gibson also does well in giving the defense breathing room. Almost every match there is a 15-20 minute spell where Everton is bunkering down and can’t get out and attack because the defense and midfield are playing too deep. Anytime the ball is played up and out Jelavic either can’t get to it or is unable to hold the ball up long enough to generate an attack. Gibson has shown a great ability to hold the ball and bring it out of the back. This allows Everton to transition forward as a team and makes it easier to recover if possession is lost. There will still be moments of panic just like with any team, but Gibson can help prevent a lot of it, especially against weaker sides that have no business dominating Everton like that.

While Everton will certainly be hurt by any loss of Baines or Fellaini, they can adapt and over come. It may take time and it may radically alter the team, but it can be done. Unfortunately losing Gibson is much harder. The first part of this season has already shown the lost promise of Everton without him. Hopefully Moyes doesn’t lose him anytime soon to a club with more money than sense.

[Stuttgart88]

Good write up.

I recall a high correlation between Lee Carsley's presence and Everton results several years ago. It's often the less heralded guys that are the crucial link. Many used to say Roy Keane was overrated because he wasn't Cantona.

[BonnieShels]

I have loved watching Everton since he went there as the difference he has made is pretty blatantly obvious to anyone who knows the game.

[DeLorean]

I have loved watching Everton since he went there as the difference he has made is pretty blatantly obvious to anyone who knows the game.

Ah one of those "if your opinion isn't the same, you don't know what you're talking about" posts. :)

[geysir]

It's much more extreme than that, Bonnie has entered into Taliban mode after that glowing report on Gibson.
If I were you DeLorean, I'd keep a quite profile and bide my time.

[wonder88]

Now is a great opportunity for him to really show his talents as Everton have a decent team. So if he stays injury free I expect/hope he can return to the Irish fold as a midfielder who can hold his own against the best from Sweden and Austria.

[BonnieShels]

Ah one of those "if your opinion isn't the same, you don't know what you're talking about" posts. :)

Ah but seriously. You know as well as I do that this is a particular truth.

I mean the amount of times I've fielded the "Robbie Keane is the worst striker ever" statement more or less proves that I can be confiedent in making these declarations the odd time. The very odd time.

Would you not share this opinion? :P

[BonnieShels]

It's much more extreme than that, Bonnie has entered into Taliban mode after that glowing report on Gibson.
If I were you DeLorean, I'd keep a quite profile and bide my time.

No no. It was his piece of skill v City that sent me down that righteous path. The article merely enforced the thoughts that I will one day join God with 40 virgins once the Gibson Jihad ends.

[Stuttgart88]

I just saw that clip for the first time. It just confirms what I've always said - he protects the ball very well under pressure. Well, actually what I've always said is that he receives it well under pressure, but it's more or less the same thing.

[Dermotron]

Bit like Scholes at United, never really appreciated to the level he is viewed at now until he'd nearly retired and his best years behind him. That ability to be so involved in a game but without being noticed until your not there is a sign of an excellent player. Unless of course the team is always losing with you in it and then your absense is notice for the wrong reason :P

[Fergie's Son]

It's not like we are spoiled for choice. Every effort should be made to get him back.

[Crosby87]

Off the subject, How come there is a team called "Young Boys" that played in Europe yesterday? Seems like a weird thing to call a team. I bet there are some fans of it on here though.

[peadar1987]

Off the subject, How come there is a team called "Young Boys" that played in Europe yesterday? Seems like a weird thing to call a team. I bet there are some fans of it on here though.

Apparently it was a joke when they'd started out, because their first match was against Basel University Old Boys, and they thought it would be funny to have "Basel Old Boys v Young Boys Bern".

I don't think people were so quick to make the unfortunate connection 100-odd years ago!

[DannyInvincible]

I think that takes off-subject to a whole new dimension.

[BonnieShels]

I think that takes off-subject to a whole new dimension.

Which means mypost can join it now.

[harry crumb]

That ability to be so involved in a game but without being noticed until your not there is a sign of an excellent player.

You're wrong.

[Crosby87]

I just meant to say it probably causes misunderstandings. What happens when you go into a pub and some bloke is saying he loves young boys?
Off the subject, anyone ever notice that the entire premise of Three's Company, every single episodes plot, is a misunderstanding? Thats the whole show!

[Sullivinho]

MotD2 did a short piece last night highlighting Darron's contribution, which included half a dozen examples of him spraying the ball about from that defensive/central midfield position. A bald spot was the only thing seperating it from a Xabi Alonso highlights reel.

[DeLorean]

Saw that, some amazing long passes to be fair. Most of them were to Coleman.

[tricky_colour]

Off the subject, How come there is a team called "Young Boys" that played in Europe yesterday? Seems like a weird thing to call a team. I bet there are some fans of it on here though.

They have the weirdest kit I have every seen.

[DannyInvincible]

'Jagielka: Gibson makes the difference for Everton': http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3941/england/2012/12/11/3594631/jagielka-gibson-makes-the-difference-for-everton


"Maybe Darron hasn't scored that many since he has been here; he's not a dribbler and not what you'd see as a ‘fancy Dan’ sort of player," the 30-year-old told reporters.

"But if you filmed his role in the team and watched it back there would be some fantastic passes, great tackles and some clever football.

"He came from a great club in Manchester United and it shows with the time he finds on the ball and the confidence he has in long-range passes.

"It makes playing against us a lot harder when you have people like Darron in the team and Ossie [Leon Osman] by the side of him. They are two different footballers but equally as important.

"Ossie is good in tight spaces and finding the little passes, while Gibbo is such a good passer and has a great range. He must have put five or six people nearly through on goal or into crossing positions [against Tottenham], especially in the first half.

"Gibbo is massively important for us and you need to have someone who can keep the opposing defence on their toes. We know that if he does get a bit of time he can be like our quarterback and start putting in some fantastic passes."

[DannyInvincible]

'Gibson is undecided on return for Ireland': http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/gibson-is-undecided-on-return-for-ireland-3321423.html


DARRON GIBSON says he's still not over his Euro 2012 disappointment and has not yet made his mind up on a return to international football.

Gibson was one of a handful of outfield players who travelled to Poland with Ireland last summer but failed to make an appearance, and the Everton man has not made himself available for the Ireland team since then.

"When I went to the Euros, I wasn't expecting to start because Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews had been brilliant the whole way through the qualifiers. But the least I expected was to get on the pitch for at least one minute. I've still not got over it, to be totally honest with you," says Gibson.

"I enjoyed the tournament. Well, to some extent I enjoyed it. The reason you're there is to try and play. I worked hard for the four weeks, probably the hardest I've ever worked with Ireland because I thought I had a chance of getting on the pitch at some stage.

"The most annoying thing was, if someone was there watching training every day, I don't mean to be big-headed but I was in good form coming off the end of the season and I was one of the best players in training every day," added Gibson, who has not ruled out a return to the side - at some point.

"I honestly don't know what's going to happen. I don't want to say yes and I don't want to say no. I haven't made my mind up," he admitted. "I'm quite stubborn. It's probably my downfall. I'm just not ready to make a decision about it."

[TrapAPony]

Probably heard that Paul Green is back on the Leeds team and therefore knows there is no chance of playing for Ireland while Green is in such scintillating form:rolleyes:

[as_i_say]

Probably heard that Paul Green is back on the Leeds team and therefore knows there is no chance of playing for Ireland while Green is in such scintillating form:rolleyes:

And scoring goals too-disaster! :(

[paul_oshea]

Quarterback, a very good description of him. Phil is suggesting he isn't good in tight spaces, so technically he mightn't be as good as others but has a very good range and precision.

[SkStu]

A stubborn Derryman? Rubbish!

[geysir]

They have the weirdest kit I have every seen.
Obviously you haven't seen some of the French rugby club shirts like Stade Francais, Perpignan and Montpellier.

[Olé Olé]

Quarterback, a very good description of him. Phil is suggesting he isn't good in tight spaces, so technically he mightn't be as good as others but has a very good range and precision.

Can you get much tighter than this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtRO_kLkFJk

I think he was just highlighting that Osman is best at that, while Darron is best at long range. Hence, there's a nice balance struck in the Everton midfield. Not that either of them couldn't exercise the other's primary trait with relative adequacy.

I think there's something very contrived about using the term 'quarter-back'. Beckham was referred to as such for quite a while during his CM days at Real Mardid.

In relation to his comments regarding Ireland, it's quite disappointing he didn't state that he actually does feel passionate about representing Ireland. But, I guess to do so would be an indictment against the present regime, consequently jeopardizing future involvement further.

[DannyInvincible]

In relation to his comments regarding Ireland, it's quite disappointing he didn't state that he actually does feel passionate about representing Ireland.

He spoke about wanting to play and working hard in training - that requires at least some degree of passion - but, at the same time, it's clear that the decision-making at the Euros left him with a bitter taste in his mouth that he's found difficult to wash. That's not to justify how he's dealt with the situation. I think he's been extraordinarily petulant and prolonging the self-imposed exile won't do him any favours.

[DeLorean]

I worked hard for the four weeks, probably the hardest I've ever worked with Ireland because I thought I had a chance of getting on the pitch at some stage.

Says it all really.

[geysir]

Not really, because it doesn't consider what he had to offer to the team on the pitch, as opposed to what was actually sent out there on the pitch.
I'd have sympathy for his ...emotional distress... at the time, but I would expect him to have moved on and apply himself again with a similar determination.

[DeLorean]

Sorry, I meant it says it all about his attitude - working that bit harder because he felt he had a chance of making the team at a major Championship. I've no problem with Trap rewarding those who try their best all the time ahead of him, especially when it was only in little cameo roles which weren't going to really influence the outcome. I have zero sympathy for him but hold out minimal hope that he grows up and becomes a good player for us.

[geysir]

So, basically all he just has to do, is turn up, accept whatever and be himself on the pitch,
in order to demonstrate that he has grown up and is a good player for us. :)

[DeLorean]

Pretty much, although I don't really get the "accept whatever and be himself on the pitch" bit.

[geysir]

Accept whatever Trap decides, regardless of his own opinions on the matter and as he has already demonstrated his good midfield abilities with his club, he only has to repeat that form in order to be a good player for us.

[paul_oshea]

eh no you are missing the most important part, and don't try and mask it in the "accept whatever" bit because its not mutually exclusive to your second bit. If he doesn't play then he can't "be himself on the pitch" if he "accepts whatever" Trap says, which means he is not playing. There is a pre-requisite to that, which reads something like, If trap selects him, do whatever he says, and play the way he has been playing for his club.

[geysir]

eh no you are missing the most important part, and don't try and mask it in the "accept whatever" bit because its not mutually exclusive to your second bit. If he doesn't play then he can't "be himself on the pitch" if he "accepts whatever" Trap says, which means he is not playing. There is a pre-requisite to that, which reads something like, If trap selects him, do whatever he says, and play the way he has been playing for his club.
Afaiu you Paul in that post, first you claim I missed something which you regard is most important, then you assume a denial from me is coming, then you threaten me not to use the assumed denial, then you come up with an argument to the assumed argument I would make, after making the assumed denial.

Either that, or you are just having a normal conversation with the voices inside your head :)

[paul_oshea]

You got it in 2, geddit?

Well I'm just used to your usual rhetoric in your <reply_to> posts, so I thought ill try and circumvent that by covering all bases.

[geysir]

You got it in 2, geddit?

Well I'm just used to your usual rhetoric in your <reply_to> posts, so I thought ill try and circumvent that by covering all bases.

Now you persist with your assumptions, assuming your (something very small) mind:rolleyes: understands my way of thinking, and not only that but you imply that there is something distasteful and devious about my replies. Finally ending off with a tribute to your great debating skill.

Now, where's that bucket smiley?

[DeLorean]

Accept whatever Trap decides, regardless of his own opinions on the matter and as he has already demonstrated his good midfield abilities with his club, he only has to repeat that form in order to be a good player for us.

Oh right, so we're in agreement. I'm going to (naively) assume you're not being sarcastic.

[Irwin3]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjAdhc7eSEY

[DeLorean]

Lots of loose passes there. We'll stick with Glenn for now I feel :D

[Irwin3]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntilaNnKDMs

[Irwin3]

Lots of loose passes there. We'll stick with Glenn for now I feel :D

87% passing success vs. Man City at the etihad. For the record Glenn Whelan is at 82.2% for the season. Needless to say who attempts the more ambitious passes as well.

[paul_oshea]

How long did it take you to put that video together?