How's he doing?
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How's he doing?
Could have done better for the goal Everton conceded against Liverpool, according to the BBC's live updates:
Quote:
Originally Posted by BBC Sport
That was harsh, he was a bit flat footed. He was really good overall. Good couple of surges forward, put the foot in, always available, countless interceptions, one really excellent through ball and think it was his tackle that led to Lukaku's equaliser also. Could have scored a winner at the very end but was bottled up.
Yeah that is a bit harsh. Particularly since the Everton defence decided Coutinho could have Doctor Who levels of time and space from a corner.
I thought he should have done better for that goal myself.
No matter, Andy Hunter in the Guardian referred to him with that adjective I think we all crave is more frequently attached to James.
Quote:
while the commanding James McCarthy was a comparative veteran at 23 in central midfield.
James might have done a bit better, like stand on the goal line and not behind it, but there was no way of stopping the shot unless he had just happened to place himself in the line of fire before the ball was struck.
It usually follows that if an opposing player is allowed space and time to collect the ball unopposed and set up a shot from 5 metres out, that he's a hot favourite to score with a well struck shot.
I thought he was anticipating a ball back across and was ready to step out towards a ball across. I don't think he expected the ball to go where it did, as quickly as it did. Still, should have done better. Like a lot of the defending in that game! Great game.
I don't think the slow motion replays do him any favours as it makes it look as though he has time to readjust. I wouldn't blame him at all really. For those who haven't seen it....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6xkvKS7Mek
Here's a few more angles
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x17jh1e_everton-vs-liverpool-3-3-goals-highlights_sport
SkStu described his performance against Stoke as "imperious". Can you elaborate a bit Stu? I thought he was really excellent against Liverpool as well, real progress from the "neat and tidy" we were getting slightly bored of. The Roy Keane factor?? :confused:
Never one for hyperbole, I think "imperious" was understating McCarthy's performance.... ;) (perhaps I got carried away)
Seriously, he was excellent from what I recall. He played deep with Barry and Osman was the more attacking of the midfield trio. That said, McCarthy did get forward when the situation allowed for it. There was one moment when he linked up excellently with Lukaku and played a one two with him, receiving the return and trying a placed shot from the left side off his left peg which had Begovic beat but went perhaps a yard wide of the near post.
That said, again, he simply did the simple things well. He linked up defense and the wide players with great effect and always providing an outlet for players. He reminded me of a metronome, just kept on ticking things over. He was one of the main reasons that Everton were so relentless going forward, he just kept pushing them forward. He wasn't alone. The Everton display from 1-11 was phenomenal against an admittedly toothless team.
Defensively he was solid making a few interceptions though Barry probably stood out more with tackles and covering. It is his decision making and doing the simple things that impresses me most about him. In that respect he really is like a young Roy Keane - hopefully he can add that Keane dynamism to his game over time.
Just gotten the imprint of Fellaini's size 102s on the back of his thigh, but he's OK to continue. Everton bossing the game but goalless. United have been throwing in heavy challenges all night.
edit: Coleman just chopped down by Valencia and United pay the price for their robustness. Coleman and McCarthy both heavily involved in the move that led to Everton's goal
McCarthy was immense in the first 20 minutes of the game and was excellent for the remainder. One poor touch in the attacking third in the second half that United almost scored from was the only error I can recall. The Irish team will be built around him in two years time.
I thought Coleman had a poor enough first half especially going forward but was far better in the second, attacking well and defending heroically at times.
Charlie, I thought Everton rode their luck at times would you agree? United had some great chances but Everton, as you said, bossed things. It was a strange game that way.
I only saw the first half in patches because I was working, but watching it back on MOTD they certainly gave up a lot of chances, which hasn't been typical of recent years, but in the second half they looked quite comfortable barring a couple of great chances for United. I'd put that down to the fact they're still adjusting from Moyes' defensive style to Martinez's attacking style. I think they will get better with players like Jagielka and Distin (and hopefully Duffy) becoming great front-foot defenders.Quote:
Originally Posted by SkStu
The contrast was very interesting. It was very much like the game at Goodison last year, where Moyes' side were very conservative but breaking with speed and accuracy, whereas the opposition were controlling the ball and creating space with pressure. The only constant was Moyes.
Man Utd 0-1 EvertonQuote:
Originally Posted by BBC Football
The Everton fans love James.
http://www.grandoldteam.com/forum/th...arthy/page109?
I wish there were also Colemaniacs on there.
Coleman's no longer the new kid on the block. His popularity and position as a firm fan-favourite is already well-established.
Interesting, the last 3 games James has been getting great reviews, I haven't seen enough of Everton to comment in those 3 games, but it all sounds very promising, but i've heard similar before.
If he continues on this, we should bear the fruits in the March friendlies.
This is one aspect I don't think he has, I think he is a confidence player and feeds off those around him.Quote:
this is the kid who will have the head for it when the chips are down.
Match Choice is repeated on Sky Sports 3 at 13:30. I'm at work so can't access the actual match choice via the red button option. I've just set the programme to record and hopefully United Everton will be the default game. Probably not though if it's decided by the most entertaining match though which I think it is.
Were these online reviews or actual ones we can take seriously?Quote:
Originally Posted by paul_oshea
from people inside or outside the green bubble?Quote:
Originally Posted by DannyInvincible
Well he was obviously a major success at Wigan, a side who struggled for pretty much the whole time he was there. There's a difference between having a bit of a shyness in your game and being a confidence player. I think he has been more the latter, a little bit too shy to really force himself on a game, but he was like that in most games, not necessarily the ones where his team were playing poorly.Quote:
Originally Posted by paul_oshea
Feck! Sunderland v Chelsea main game.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeLorean
Ive seen two of the last three games in full (missed the first half of the derby as I was snoozing - time difference eh?) and he has been worthy of rave reviews, including the ones I have given him here. Good thing I appear to be in touch with feelings of the average fan on the street with this one. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by paul_oshea
ACtually that bicyclehead fella, sounds like an ROI fan :D HE gave the greatest review!Quote:
Originally Posted by tetsujin1979
You mean the former?Quote:
Originally Posted by DeLorean
Indeed I do. :o
Was just scanning through the early stages of this thread and came across this, a link to a Wigan forum thread reacting to his departure at the time. I particular like this one...Quote:
Originally Posted by Crosby87
Quote:
Originally Posted by DRAGNET (WIGAN FORUM)
He was a GBP13m rated player in September and that was about right for the talent that was evident. He didn't need to prove anything about his ability, just carry on where he left off at Wigan and it's going well. So far, he's making that slouch Barry look good.
Coleman is back up in the stats rankings at no 29, that is pretty much his highest ranking I have seen for him or not far off.Quote:
Originally Posted by DannyInvincible
McCarthy is at 73 which is an improvement for him I think, I guess they both benefited from recent results.
Ciaran Clark between them at 63. Delaney is at about 96 and Long and O'Shea at about the 150 mark.
Wilson and Brady not far behind.
Is there a bit of a lack of urgency about his game when he hasn't got the ball or when he's not directly involved?
From what I've seen I think there is...
I've a feeling that its all just about to "click" for him! Exposure to Barry and then Keane at this stage is a boost.
I'm not sure Keano or Gareth Barry would be too happy if McCarthy exposed himself to them. There's better ways of getting noticed.
Wasn't aware he was suspended for the next game.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SkStu
I think he 'took one for the team' in his last match, brought down a player making a dangerous breakaway.
Could not really fault him for it, it had to be done, which reminds of the Keane v Vierra thing on TV the other say when
they showed Giggs pretty much single-handedly going right through the whole of the Arsenal team and Keane
was saying he could not believe nobody had brought him down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHgkQr12Z5Q
Keane "I would have actually just took him out"!! 2:10
McCarthy named Everton's player of the month for November: http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archiv...ber-s-top-blue
(Christ those auto-play videos are annoying)
Can do no wrong at the moment.
Martinez: McCarthy a future skipper
James McCarthy possesses the qualities that could make him a future Everton captain, according to his manager Roberto Martinez.
The midfielder has only been a Blue for four months but has already made a significant impression since his £13million move from Wigan Athletic.
In Everton’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa six weeks ago, McCarthy passed the 250-game landmark at club level, despite being just 23-years-old.
And it’s this maturity, both on-and-off the field, which makes Martinez believe the Irishman could one day become the occupier of the armband at Goodison.
Asked whether the midfielder has the credentials to follow in the footsteps of past midfield Club captains, Martinez declared: “Yes, he has that. He's a real example.
“When you're talking about players who you want to set an example to the youngsters, he's clearly that.
“To be able to reach that landmark [250 appearances] at that age shows you that he's never changed, he just embraces challenges.
“He wants to get in positions where he can help the team and he's such a humble footballer and example of how a modern footballer should behave.
“Looking at the way he's been enjoying his football at Everton, it's been a real joy for everyone and he deserves that milestone and deserves to be an example.”
On Wednesday, McCarthy was recognised for his excellent contribution so far by scooping the Club’s Player of the Month award for November.
Interview with him on Football Focus on BBC now.
Seems it was all just an elaborate set-up so they could fawn over Ross Barkley some more.
Liverpool Echo
McCarthy's our Mr Reliable
McCarthy makes team tick, says Martinez
Roberto Martinez has hailed the reliability of Everton FC’s unsung hero James McCarthy.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder was temporarily shifted to right-back on Saturday as the Blues chased the game against Aston Villa.
McCarthy, 23, slotted in seamlessly to help Everton regain the upper hand and ultimately grab three points, and Martinez believes he can rely on his £13m summer capture from Wigan in any situation.
He said: “James is one of those players you sometimes don’t appreciate but he’s always there making sure the team has the right balance and what it needs.
“He allows others to shine.
“He can adapt to different situations during a game when you need him to because of the tactical awareness that he has.
“At the weekend you saw that influence in the manner that we were able to get men forward, and give us the momentum to make it hard for Villa to keep a clean sheet.”
McCarthy has already made an impressive 156 Premier League appearances despite only being 23, and made his top flight debut for Wigan Athletic against Manchester United at the age of 18.
It is that maturity and wealth of experience which make him such a valuable player, added Martinez.
“James never plays according to his age because of the incredible amount of experience he already has at 23,” he said.