Marouane Fellaini | 2013/14 Performances

[Zen86]

No, work on Jones' development in the CB because Vidić and Rio are ageing and stop pretending that 'there's no problem' because we can keep moving other players out of their positions and thus hampering their development. It's cool that Jones can do things that Fellaini can do, problem is, the former is not a natural midfielder and we want to shape him into our long-term CB cover for Rio/Vidić.

In the long term yeah, but this season, unless Fellaini steps up, he's seemingly more valuable to us in midfield.

 

[Ringo 07]

13 million man James mccarthy was voted Evertons player of the month for November and Martinez said he will be the future captain one day....oh what might have been!

 

[bosnian_red]

He was never the type of player we needed. He was never good defensively, he hardly ever performed well in central midfield in a way that would be useful for us. He was good as a target man, and he's always going to be shite for us unless we switch to evertons old tactics under moyes. Which we won't.
All he ever did defensively was throw elbows and foul players, I've said it all along. For some reason plenty of people thought he was some good ball winning midfielder, seemingly because he is a big player. He never was though, or when he played there he wasn't very good.

He might turn out to be a decent squad option. That's at the very best of scenarios though. A united team that has fellaini as a key player will be quite a shit united team to be honest.

At least when we spent 30m on berbatov, he obviously had talent, even though then it was also pretty obvious he wasn't suited to our style of play and would only harm the Rooney-tevez partnership that was growing. Veron was also clearly a top class player, who for whatever reason didn't work out. Fellaini though? Never had talent, obvious from his Everton days he'd be shit here, and moyes being the one bringing him in just makes it worse. He was his manager for the past 5 or so years, why on earth did he think he would be a good signing, and for that much money as well. Absolutely ridiculous really.

 

[Rood]

He was never the type of player we needed. He was never good defensively, he hardly ever performed well in central midfield in a way that would be useful for us. He was good as a target man, and he's always going to be shite for us unless we switch to evertons old tactics under moyes. Which we won't.
All he ever did defensively was throw elbows and foul players, I've said it all along. For some reason plenty of people thought he was some good ball winning midfielder, seemingly because he is a big player. He never was though, or when he played there he wasn't very good.

Not true at all - he was very good as defensively midfielder when he first came to Everton - have a read of this: http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/01/18/marouane-fellaini-superb-in-a-deep-lying-role-for-everton/

Also I note you (and many others) voted him MOTM in his last start for us so I find your comments quite strange.

 

[Shimo]

Phil Jones can play that role when/if needed. I'll reserve judgement on Fellaini until he actually gets a couple of seasons under his belt but I genuinely struggle to see, based on his performances at Everton, what he could offer that we didn't already have at the club, waiting to be utilised.

Jones has definitely done a very good job there but, we needed to get a player for the long term. Personally I would have been fine with getting a player like Wanyama and then maybe one other but, with Fellaini IMO we got a player that can be tough plus good with the ball. I know there is (strong) disagreement on his more technical ability but, having watched him last few years I do think he is quite good with the ball, just is lacking the confidence right now to show it.

 

[bosnian_red]

Not true at all - he was very good as defensively midfielder when he first came to Everton - have a read of this: http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/01/18/marouane-fellaini-superb-in-a-deep-lying-role-for-everton/

Also I note you (and many others) voted him MOTM in his last start for us so I find your comments quite strange.

His last start for us yeah he was our man of the match in my opinion, but that highlights more how poor we were rather then him doing really well. He was decent, but it just don't think he has it in him to ever become a starter for united. He's just not very talented, and not mobile enough. I'm obviously exaggerating a bit with his defensive contributions, but he's still not that great defensively, or good enough to be a starting defensive midfielder for united at least.

Don't remember much from when first came to Everton other then hearing a lot of people laugh at moyes spending 15m for him, until they started rating him as a good player when played in an attacking position. Personal opinion of course, would like to be proven wrong and him turn into a player good enough to love up to his price tag and earn a spot at united, but he'd basically have to change everything about himself right now.

 

[Amir]

Yeah, the funny thing about that Everton match is that several people (me included) said he had a pretty good game... And that it also showed why he won't be right for us.

 

[sullydnl]

...

Ha, that's not really a contradiction. He isn't going to be any more than a squad player for us, but if he proves to be a useful squad player then signing him can hardly have been a disaster. Not like we don't need squad players too. Overpaying for him was a mistake, as was not signing anyone else, as was expecting him to ever be more than a squad player. His actual presence in the squad isn't a problem though, it's not like he's our worst midfielder.

If we end up selling him within a couple of seasons, then he'll have been a monumental mistake.

 

[#07]

Ian Ladyman ~ Fellaini could miss two months with back and wrist problems as ´prehistoric´ Moyes is blamed for injuries by Dutch coach Verheijen

 

[RedDevilCanuck]

He's been shit.

But I saw him for Everton in the attacking midfield role and he was actually very good.

He destroyed us and is capable of destroying other teams. He is a unique weapon.

 

[Amir]

Of course he's a good player with unique abilities and the fact we used Jones on him last season is a testament that. But his strengths don't play to the sort of football we want to play.

 

[Smores]

Of course he's a good player with unique abilities and the fact we used Jones on him last season is a testament that. But his strengths don't play to the sort of football we want to play.

Not for the majority of games but he's a useful tactical alternative. If we'd have spent 10 mil less he's be a brilliant signing. I don't think he can be judged on his time here so far, neds time to adjust.

 

[Amir]

Even for 17m - heck, even for 10m - I wouldn't say a player who isn't right for 'the majority of games' is a good or correct signing...

I can see him being a squad player, which isn't enough. The big point is, the weaknesses he was brought in to help us solve are still there. We needed a defensive minded player with power and hopefully pace. I feel we still need one.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

He might no be the player everyone thinks we needed, but let's just hope he can at least become the player we thought he could. I didn't think his touch, passing and overall football intelligence and alertness would be so weak. He wont justify the fee, but hopefully he can at least be an effective destroyer at some point.

 

[sullydnl]

I can see him being a squad player, which isn't enough. The big point is, the weaknesses he was brought in to help us solve are still there. We needed a defensive minded player with power and hopefully pace. I feel we still need one.

It certainly isn't what we'd have wanted from our big money cm signing. But...

Let's say we do sign the two quality midfielders we need to fix our problem. At that point signing Fellaini doesn't seem like such a big mistake, does it? Suddenly we have a very useful jack-of-all trades midfielder on our bench, one who can fill in in DM, CM or AM depending on injuries etc. Obviously not worth the price we paid, but still useful to have, no?

I see him being a squad player too. It's not his fault that's not currently enough though, that's down to the fact that so many of our other cms are weaker than him. Once we replace our other cms, then a squad role will be enough, I think.

 

[Siorac]

It certainly isn't what we'd have wanted from our big money cm signing. But...

Let's say we do sign the two quality midfielders we need to fix our problem. At that point signing Fellaini doesn't seem like such a big mistake, does it? Suddenly we have a very useful jack-of-all trades midfielder on our bench, one who can fill in in DM, CM or AM depending on injuries etc. Obviously not worth the price we paid, but still useful to have, no?

I see him being a squad player too. It's not his fault that's not currently enough though, that's down to the fact that so many of our other cms are weaker than him. Once we replace our other cms, then a squad role will be enough, I think.

But will we sign those two quality CMs? Do we have the money to do so, considering that other areas of the squad already do or will soon need attention as well?

 

[devilish]

He's been shit.

But I saw him for Everton in the attacking midfield role and he was actually very good.

He destroyed us and is capable of destroying other teams. He is a unique weapon.

At Everton Fellaini exploited an anomaly in the EPL which tend to give less protection to goalkeepers (Cech, Cudicini and Taibi can vouch for that) + defenders and therefore encourage crosses and a more physical approach to the game. The top EPL sides (who have embraced continental football) are not equipped in facing a big dirty guy playing in the hole, nodding the ball down and making a nuisance of himself hence why he was so effective against us. Credit for Moyes to exploit such weakness. However he should have acknowledged that this trick won't work with the big guys.

If you play the Everton (lead by Moyes) way in the CL you'll end up slaughtered.

 

[Amir]

It certainly isn't what we'd have wanted from our big money cm signing. But...

Let's say we do sign the two quality midfielders we need to fix our problem. At that point signing Fellaini doesn't seem like such a big mistake, does it? Suddenly we have a very useful jack-of-all trades midfielder on our bench, one who can fill in in DM, CM or AM depending on injuries etc. Obviously not worth the price we paid, but still useful to have, no?

You're certainly making every effort to look at the bright side. But we're not City and Chelsea and that 27m we paid is now something we won't be able to spend on other players, maybe in other positions. Heck, we need to see if we still intend to sign two midfielders or we think Fellaini is still one of the two.

Besides, even as backup, I'm not sure he'll be a perfect fit for us. And he actually may want to leave in order to play regularly.

 

[datura]

Looks like he may have the surgery done on his wrist that will put him out for 2 months.

 

[NinjaFletch]

There's so much retroactive bollocks spouted about Fellaini.

With a 6 week lay off looking likely I'm expecting the consensus opinion to be on here that he's a League 2 footballer, possibly Conference.

 

[Amir]

Credit for Moyes to exploit such weakness. However he should have acknowledged that this trick won't work with the big guys.

He's not trying the same trick here, though. He's playing him in a different role, asking him to do different things. Obviously Moyes thinks he's capable of doing that to a high level. He said he was very good technically when he just arrived. I think he got it dead wrong, though.

 

[Amir]

With a 6 week lay off looking likely I'm expecting the consensus opinion to be on here that he's a League 2 footballer, possibly Conference.

Normally players being away - even the worst ones - makes them look better in the eyes of the fans. He'll be Yaya Toure in six weeks.

 

[B20]

Normally players being away - even the worst ones - makes them look better in the eyes of the fans. He'll be Yaya Toure in six weeks.

I don't know. Allen diminished to barely a footballer when he was injured.

 

[Nighteyes]

I don't know. Allen diminished to barely a footballer when he was injured.

Lucas however turned into a Makalele when he was out

 

[B20]

Lucas however turned into a Makalele when he was out

He was making great strides at the time and had some great performances against the likes of City. I don't think Fellaini has really given you lot anything to remember for his absence to make the heart grow fonder.

 

[devilish]

He's not trying the same trick here, though. He's playing him in a different role, asking him to do different things. Obviously Moyes thinks he's capable of doing that to a high level. He said he was very good technically when he just arrived. I think he got it dead wrong, though.

I agree and thank god for that.

Unfortunately for us, Moyes failed to recognise that Fellaini in a deeper role is less effective and not a MUQ player.

 

[Sunny Jim]

Jones is much better midfielder than Fellaini.

 

[DevilRed]

So apparently now there is something wrong with his back? Probably should get all that fixed up along with his wrist. Needs to be 100% healthy and come back to try and prove himself properly.

 

[sullydnl]

You're certainly making every effort to look at the bright side. But we're not City and Chelsea and that 27m we paid is now something we won't be able to spend on other players, maybe in other positions. Heck, we need to see if we still intend to sign two midfielders or we think Fellaini is still one of the two.

Besides, even as backup, I'm not sure he'll be a perfect fit for us. And he actually may want to leave in order to play regularly.

Ha, looking on the bright side is exactly what I'm trying to do. I never wanted us to sign Fellaini, I didn't think he'd fit into the team and I didn't even think he was worth his 23m release clause.

He's here now though, so I'm hoping for the best possible outcome. According to the club money isn't an issue and we should have the ambition to go for a couple more top CMS (not like we don't need them).

He'd be mad to want to leave though, we're the only top club that'd have him. This is definitely as good as it's gonna get for him.

 

[Amir]

According to the club money isn't an issue and we should have the ambition to go for a couple more top CMS (not like we don't need them).

Of course the money is an issue. It may not be hugely limiting, but we still have our limits. And that's 27m gone. If we go for two more midfielders, it won't be a vote of confidence in Fellaini.

As for Fellaini's future, if the odd game is all he can get here he may prefer to play regularly at a smaller club.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

I've been critical of this signing but it will be interesting to see him once we get some better CM's in.

If you have him as a pure DM behind 2 creative CM's then he would likely impress a lot more. I don't know what formation Moyes will look to play once he gets some more of his own players in. I think he may change to a tweaked 4-3-3 with Januzaj as a number 10.

 

[gasmanc]

Poor cnuts not even been allowed to settle, a big name signing would be given at least a season and its echoed back to our manager, the opinions being thrown about with reference to Fellaini are equivalent to that of Moyes.
Moyes is proving wrong and hopefully the big hairy will follow suit. Lets not forget that big daft get offered a lot at Everton and despite his "not played at a big club" he still has a talent to offer. Lets see what he brings and reserve our judgement despite me being as sceptical as most.

 

[Gerald G]

I've been critical of this signing but it will be interesting to see him once we get some better CM's in.

If you have him as a pure DM behind 2 creative CM's then he would likely impress a lot more. I don't know what formation Moyes will look to play once he gets some more of his own players in. I think he may change to a tweaked 4-3-3 with Januzaj as a number 10.

Once we get better central midfielders he'll be even further away from the starting 11.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

Once we get better central midfielders he'll be even further away from the starting 11.

I don't know. I'm not going to argue Fellaini's case too aggressively because I've been harsher on him than anybody.

But I do remember how good he was around 2010 when he played as a holding midfielder for Everton. One match that really sticks out was when Everton beat Man City 2-1 at the Etihad. They couldn't break down Fellaini to save their lives. And this was Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez.

Back around then they had Fellaini as a strict DM just in front of the defense with Arteta, the more creative, just ahead of him as his CM partner. Injuries meant these two had to be pushed more advanced and they never really got a chance to play like that again.

 

[Gerald G]

I don't know. I'm not going to argue Fellaini's case too aggressively because I've been harsher on him than anybody.

But I do remember how good he was around 2010 when he played as a holding midfielder for Everton. One match that really sticks out was when Everton beat Man City 2-1 at the Etihad. They couldn't break down Fellaini to save their lives. And this was Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez.

Back around then they had Fellaini as a strict DM just in front of the defense with Arteta, the more creative, just ahead of him as his CM partner. Injuries meant these two had to be pushed more advanced and they never really got a chance to play like that again.

Meh. Sorry but I wasn't too impressed by him when he played as a defensive mid. Much better for Everton when he played behind the striker in my opinion. Just don't think he's ever been a great defensive mid.

 

[Sunny Jim]

Once we get better central midfielders he'll be even further away from the starting 11.

true. as things stand he is 3rd/4th choice midfielder in our team (Carrick, Jones, Fellaini / Clev). If we do bring in two players it means he is pushed to 5th/6th place. Keep in mind we still have Fletch. If he comes back to any sort of EPL fitness he will push everybody down in pecking order (bar Carrick).

 

[Carl]

If he needs surgury we should just bite the bullet and go ahead with it. We have Fletcher available for the minute and who knows how long that will last.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

Well you have to consider we have signed him for a reason. I totally understand fans berating him and wanting him down the pecking order, I'm not going to deny you that. But don't rule him out too quickly.

Naturally I see Jones going back to CB. Giggs unfortunately won't be able to stay forever. I love Fletcher but sadly don't see him becoming a first team regular. Carrick has been fantastic but if Moyes in building towards his team for, say, 2017 you cannot include Carrick.

Personally I would guess that the plan is to have Fellaini as DM, his partner to be the more creative one just ahead of him, like how he played Arteta in 2010/11 (I think that was what we wanted from Cesc) and Moyes has publically said that he see's Januzaj as his future number 10. Very strong IMO. This season I think his ideal scenario was to have Fellaini-Fabregas-Rooney-v.Persie through the middle.

 

[Gerald G]

If he needs surgury we should just bite the bullet and go ahead with it. We have Fletcher available for the minute and who knows how long that will last.

Nah I think we should just wait for Carrick to get back. I heard some reports he could be back for the Hull game but I highly doubt it.

 

[Carl]

Well you have to consider we have signed him for a reason. I totally understand fans berating him and wanting him down the pecking order, I'm not going to deny you that. But don't rule him out too quickly.

Naturally I see Jones going back to CB. Giggs unfortunately won't be able to stay forever. I love Fletcher but sadly don't see him becoming a first team regular. Carrick has been fantastic but if Moyes in building towards his team for, say, 2017 you cannot include Carrick.

Personally I would guess that the plan is to have Fellaini as DM, his partner to be the more creative one just ahead of him, like how he played Arteta in 2010/11 (I think that was what we wanted from Cesc) and Moyes has publically said that he see's Januzaj as his future number 10. Very strong IMO. This season I think his ideal scenario was to have Fellaini-Fabregas-Rooney-v.Persie through the middle.

Agreed.