The Everton Half Term report

The Bolton game is Everton‘s 19th this season as the Toffees reach the half way mark of the 2011/ 12 campaign, writes Luke O’Farrell.  This season has been one littered with poor performances and indifferent tactics, yet Everton find themselves in the Top 10; perhaps another case of if only or what might have been.

Top of the Class – Leighton Baines

Without hitting the heights of last season; in terms of assists, the full back has been consistent all season. Despite being a full back, Baines has created the most chances and the most passes in the opposition half of any Everton player this season. The main challengers to his crown have been the influential Marouane Fellaini, the tricky Leon Osman and the composed John Heitinga; when used as a centre back.

Most Improved – Tony Hibbert

The local lad has finally made the right back slot his own. Phil Neville‘s form has been erratic at best and Seamus Coleman isn’t good enough defensively to play at right back; yet. Hibbert’s limitations are well documented, with his failure to drive into open space being one of them. Despite that, he offers 100% commitment, strength in the tackle and a much improved crossing ability. He will never set the world alight, but is enjoying his most consistent season at Everton.

Best New Student – Royston Drenthe

The on-loan winger has been a breath of fresh air since his arrival from Real Madrid. With an ability to dribble, at pace, and a fierce shot; Drenthe is the nearest thing Everton have had to a winger since Andrei Kanchelskis. Injuries and suspension have stalled his progress at times. However, Everton look a better team with him cutting in from the right and wreaking havoc. Ideally, Everton will sign him up; when his Madrid contract expires in May.

Teacher’s Pet – Phil Jagielka

There was talk of him going to Arsenal, in August, for around £12 million. The decision to keep a committed, yet limited centre back and sell Arteta remains a debatable one. Selling the best passer and retaining the worst was always going to have a negative effect on the team’s football. Jagielka appeared unsettled at the start of the season, with many calling for him to be dropped. Moyes chose a slightly different method; he made him team captain.

Detention – Louis Saha

Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford were sold; giving Saha the chance to cement his place as Everton’s frontline striker. Sadly, the Frenchman has read the wrong script; with just one goal and no assists. The veteran forward often appears lethargic and is unwilling to work hard. He is at his best in a front two but that does not excuse his lack of effort as a front one. A lot of work needs to be done, if Saha wants a new deal in May.

Exclusion – Phil Neville

The Ex-Manchester United utility man has been a very good servant and a terrific captain. Sadly, this season, he appears to be reaching the end of his playing days. The captain has struggled for form all season, lost his place at right back and looked totally out of his depth in midfield. The captain has expressed an interest in coaching; once he retires. Now seems as good a time as any; to put that plan into action.

School Leavers – Mikel Arteta, Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford

In terms of business, the Arteta deal was good for all concerned. In terms of the timing and lack of replacements, the deal was a catastrophe. Everton sold their most creative player; of the last 20 years, without anyone coming in. The Spaniard has flourished at Arsenal, mainly due to playing in a better team. He averages the highest number of passes, per game, of all the player in the Premier League; this season.

Yakubu is doing his best to prove David Moyes wrong with 12 league goals in a struggling Blackburn side. The decision to sell Yakubu and Beckford whilst keeping Saha is a questionable one. The latter offers little in terms of goals or work rate. The other two, at least, scored goals at Everton. Beckford has struggled at Leicester, with just 2 goals in 18 appearances. This helps to justify Moyes’ decision to sell him on for a profit.

The School of Science is in danger of being closed down; mainly due to the financial mess the club is in and partly due to the safety first approach of Moyes and his backroom team. With no investment forthcoming, it falls to all involved to make the most of what they’ve got. Starting Wednesday, a positive approach is a must. Then, maybe 2012 will be a better year for troubled Evertonians.