Darron Gibson

**Murfinator** · 13/01/2012, 5:47 PM

Originally Posted by Ol� Ol�

I suppose you could play Gibson in a sort of Pirlo-esque deep-lying midfield role with a propensity to make good passes, take set-pieces and late arrivals for goal-scoring opportunities. Arteta played in this role quite a bit but moved to a more advanced and occupied the number 10 shirt. It depends on how Moyes wants to play Fellaini who is quite versatile as the role he plays in the middle. Maybe Cahill's best days are past him.

From Moyes description it sounds like he wants him to play like a Lampard/Cahill deep lying striker sort of midfielder. They've no shortage of passers and tacklers in midfield and are quite good at controlling games, what they lack in abundance is goalscorers and I suppose since Cahill stopped performing that may be the root of the problem. I'd imagine he sees him as the successor to Cahill unless the departure of Rodwell or Felliani is imminent.

**French Toasht** · 13/01/2012, 8:04 PM

I'm not actually as optimistic about this move as everyone else here appears to be. I can't see him being an automatic starter.

Whisper it quietly but I just don't think he's that good.

A statement like that is probably tantemount to treason here, but I think he will find it hard to get a starting position and will end up vying for a position on the bench.

I hope I'm proved wrong and will gladly eat humble pie on this one if it transpires he is a success at Everton but I just can't see it.

**Predator** · 13/01/2012, 8:31 PM

Originally Posted by French Toasht

A statement like that is probably tantemount to treason here, but I think he will find it hard to get a starting position and will end up vying for a position on the bench.

Everton usually play 5 men in midfield. Consider their recognised central midfielders.
Fellaini (24) - versatile, solid player. Seemed to be preferred as a DM type player.
Rodwell (20) - this kid started as a centre back but has played in midfield in all but one of the games that he has played for Everton. Allegedly attracted interest from United, et al, but I think he is quite overrated and can't see him dropping back into defence.
Cahill (32) - hard working midfielder, plenty of heart, great in the air, but he has been uninspiring for Everton this season. Fears that he's over-the-hill
Ross Barkley (18) - a talented guy, no doubt, but lacks experience.
Leon Osman (30) - skillful, versatile, but seems injury prone.
Defender-cum-Midfielders
Phil Neville (34) - experienced, versatile, not spectacular, better at RB.
Johnny Heitinga (28) - versatile, experienced, solid, prefers playing CB.

I see no reason why Gibson can't challenge these guys for a place. I just hope he's not written off after one game.

**Charlie Darwin** · 13/01/2012, 9:05 PM

I think Gibson will walk into that midfield, even more quickly than he walks around the pitch. He's something different - not Man Utd class but a very good Premier League player. He'll learn how to win the ball better than he would at Stoke too.

**the bear** · 13/01/2012, 10:32 PM

great chance to make a name for himself, congratulations to darron for taking on the challenge, hope it goes well for him and us

**gastric** · 13/01/2012, 10:42 PM

All of the debate on here has been about his attitude and ability. Now in a completely new environment under another good manager, Gibson has the opportunity to silence his critics or to reinforce their opinions. While this is stating the bleeding obvious, it is certainly going to be interesting to watch and I think while there will be hiccups along the way, he will silence his critics in the medium term.

**Charlie Darwin** · 13/01/2012, 11:23 PM

I think it's fitting that user gastric should make the definitive comment on Darron's hunger or lack thereof with a side-reference to hiccups.

**SwanVsDalton** · 14/01/2012, 10:53 AM

Some views from an Everton fan board. Most seem guardedly positive.

Originally Posted by Groucho

I think anybody who signs will boost squad numbers at the very least and with prem experience that's only a good thing at the minute

Originally Posted by toffee-bhoy

id say he s average at best but if there is anyone who can turn that into solid form its DM

Originally Posted by ElmoFooty

Great to have a kid like this on the squad. Eager to prove himself at a place where we need to prove something this season.

Originally Posted by Tennessee Blue Mike

Calm down everyone he is light years ahead of Neville and can actually pass the ball to his team mates as well. i think this could be a gem of a signing.

And a personal favourite...

Originally Posted by Julio Ananas

My car it is broked.

DARRONGIBSON SUPERFOOT GOAL!

**Bayern Munchies** · 14/01/2012, 1:34 PM

Staring for Everton today. Will be watching the premiership tonight with intrest to see how he gets on, and hopefully shut his doubters like me wrong.

**dr_peepee** · 14/01/2012, 1:56 PM

I'm hoping to see him after a good run of games outside of the glare of being a Utd player or international football were every contribution is torn down and built up to the nth degree..

**Murfinator** · 14/01/2012, 1:56 PM

http://www.realtvsport.com/channel.php

Stream for Everton vs Villa if anyones interested. 7 Irish players involved.

**BonnieShels** · 14/01/2012, 2:16 PM

watching it now on vipbox. Involved a lot so far.

**Murfinator** · 14/01/2012, 2:19 PM

He's playing deeper than I expected, very much the area he usually plays in for Ireland. His first involvement was a poor return in a series of short passes that gave away possession and broke down the attacking move. His next was a wonderful Pirlo-esque pass from deep to release Cahill who should have scored but botched it badly.

**Carrigaline** · 14/01/2012, 2:27 PM

Darron Gibson has been very good so far.

**Sullivinho** · 14/01/2012, 2:53 PM

I'm not an ABU or anything of the sort but there's something refreshing about seeing Gibson in a different shirt. Seems to be playing deeper to me too. Not a single rocket from him in that first half either!

**Carrigaline** · 14/01/2012, 2:53 PM

Very solid first half from Gibson. One poor mistake at the start of the game, but he has more than made up for it with a combination of short and long passing, and robbing possession from the opposition a few times. Only criticism is that he looks a little casual at times.