The NSNO Everton Forums

Shogun wrote: ↑Sun Jan 18, 2026 6:34 pm Brilliant in these sort of games. He was the same at Forest. When we're at home and need someone to take the game on, he doesn't seem capable of doing it.

Yeah these are the games you really appreciate him and he's a genuinely great option.

Low possession, low touches, work on hard, run them socks off, read the game well and compete in the middle.

Quality on the ball from deep for me is lacking. He very rarely switches it, he very rarely changes the tempo, he very rarely sprays a ball over the top.

But he does keep it moving and allows us to keep the ball which is valuable, and he can put a really nice ball into the box.

You can’t fault that today at all.

Huge performance.

It’s FPL stats like but he broke the record for defensive contributions with 29 today.

Lovely cross for the goal that should have been as well.

We need to get his contract sorted

Is it this summer or can we trigger a one year extension??

Dchans wrote: ↑Sun Jan 18, 2026 10:35 pm Is it this summer or can we trigger a one year extension??

The latter

Honestly this hype train might turn into a gravy train at this rate.

Could really see a big homecoming at United, a stuttering year at Spurs or even a big Geordie move.

Played very well today, lucky to not get the second booking.

He’s probably been our most important player this season.

It would be perfect timing if he’s played his way into a big money* move elsewhere though. We need someone who can spray it to earn all of the younger midfield talent we’ve acquired the right to do what they do best - apply pressure from the front, link up with the wingers and fullbacks in the wide areas, and crash late into the box.

If I can sell and reinvest in someone with serious passing range, I’m doing it. I don’t feel great about it, he’s been terrific for us under Moyes, but I don’t think he suits where we’re heading unless he’s going to become a fullback full time (and I assume he has enough leverage to not have to do this).

* relatively speaking because of his contract situation

We have to admit that whether we like his style, who he supports or his moustache/goatee (unforgivable in my mind), it’s time to accept he’s essential to us. He is a 7 to 8 every game, that is a wonderful thing to have where we are today. He’s growing week after week, he is improving when I didn’t think he could.

Kerryblueboy wrote: ↑Sun Jan 18, 2026 9:25 pm We need to get his contract sorted

Can we get his name right on the paperwork though?