Everton and Levante: Two Peas in a Pod?

The manager religiously sticks to his favoured formation, the team’s most consistent defender is an aging centre back, the club sold their best player in the last transfer window and the club have spent no money in 3 of the last 4 seasons, says Luke O’Farrell.

On the surface, the similarities between Everton and Levante are frightening, although Levante are in a much worse position financially. Despite that, The Granotas sit 4th in La Liga, whilst Everton are now 12th in the Premier League; ten points off the Top 6. Levante’s great start is even more impressive given their financial problems.

Everton sold their most creative player, Mikel Arteta, on deadline day in the last transfer window. Levante did likewise selling top scorer and former Manchester City player Felipe Caicedo. The Ecuadorian front man spent the 2010/11 season on loan at Levante and was instrumental in keeping them up with 13 goals. Levante purchased Caicedo, in the summer, from Manchester City for a mere £880,000 and then sold him to Lokomotiv Moscow for £6.6million.

Aside from that business, Levante’s only summer spending was the loan signing of goalkeeper Keylor Navas for £220,000. Prior to this, their last cash signing was Pedro Leon for £4.4 million; before the start of the 2007/2008 season. Later that same season, relegation compounded their problems as none of the players received any wages.

The club have had just 7 top flight seasons in their 102 years, they have never won an official trophy and until the 8th game of this season; they had never topped the league. Midfielder Xavi Torres, on loan from Malaga, didn’t play against his parent club. The privilege would have cost Levante £50,000; they couldn’t afford it.

171 – The total age of Levante’s first choice back four and goalkeeper:

Gustavo Munúa – 33

Javi Venta – 36 Sergio Ballesteros – 36 Nano – 31 Juanfran – 35

Levante are the surprise package of Spanish football with only Barcelona and Real Madrid outscoring them, this season. Despite their meagre annual budget, aging squad and lack of resources; they don’t let their problems hamper the team.

Before Everton played Manchester City, David Moyes said “it’s like going into a gun fight and we are only armed with a knife”. This could be construed as a defeatist comment, whilst others may say it’s just realistic. Either way, Everton followed it up with a meek 2-0 surrender at the Etihad. A week earlier, Levante had beaten Real Madrid 1-0.

A week later, Everton welcomed bitter rivals Liverpool to Goodison Park. During his pre-match press conference, David Moyes spoke of how Everton try “to be competitive”, try “to hang onto their shirt tails” and try “to get above them”. The operative word being trying; this implies that failure is an option and settling for mediocrity is acceptable.

After the international break, Everton made the trip down to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea emerged victorious with Vellios netting a late consolation in a demoralising 3-1 defeat. During his post match interview, David Moyes again raised the money issue, “Maybe that £400million difference might have showed up after 15-20 minutes, eh?”

That same weekend, Levante won 3-0 at home to big spending Malaga. Levante’s last 50 transfers cost them less than £1 million; Malaga spent over £50 million in the last transfer window alone. Rather than talk about finances or a lack of, the Levante team applied themselves and came away with the 3 points. Whereas the Everton manager complained about the difference in spending power; after his negative tactics failed to pay off.

Even before Everton’s visit to the Emirates today, Phil Jagielka claimed Everton can’t progress because “they have no money”. The England international is now the Everton captain. Teams look to their captain to lead by example and inspire others. These sorts of comments won’t inspire any confidence; especially among disgruntled fans.

Yesterday, fans saw David Moyes replace the team’s only forward with a central defender. As a result, Everton were left with two defenders in the heart of midfield. John Heitinga was having his best game at centre back moving him into midfield was a scandalous decision. Meanwhile over in Spain,

Levante were beating Sevilla 1-0. The result leaves the high flyers just a point behind rivals Valencia in 3rd.

The Levante manager has no top flight experience, making his work at Levante even more commendable. Given his lack of experience, it would be easy for Juan Ignacio Martinez to hide behind his team’s crippling financial situation; he chooses not to. A look at Levante’s annual budget; 22 million Euros provides an insight into their plight; Barcelona’s annual budget is 461 million Euros.

Moyes’ recent pre and post match press conferences could be deemed realistic or defeatist; depending what side of the fence you sit on. Given Everton’s away records at the so-called Top 4, a more positive approach from both manager and players would do no harm.

• Everton’s last win at Old Trafford: August 1992
• Everton’s last win at Stamford Bridge: November 1994
• Everton’s last win at Highbury/Emirates: January 1996
• Everton’s last win at Anfield: September 1999

Money is a large part of football and it is generally the best clubs that have the biggest spending power. Whilst financial strength is often vital, it isn’t everything and Levante are proving that hard work, a will to win and a positive attitude still go a long way.

So next time David Moyes or his players talk about how Everton can’t succeed, due to financial constraints, spare a thought for this little known team from Valencia.

You can read more of Luke’s views on Twitter  @lukeofarrell  or on his blog http://viewfromtheroyalbluemersey.wordpress.com/