Very much the peak example. Also why his career slid afterwards, he kept on picking clubs with dodgy owners in poor situations. I’m sure if he picked more wisely he could have kept to a higher level.
There was a great video on him a while ago. Can’t find it now but it illustrated how he’s actually been getting better at some of the things he was previously criticised for not being good at (against the ball, tackles, pressures). The major issue there is that he is a very specific use player who has been unable to adapt to changing roles. There are other historical examples of this, where players have a lot of ability but their inflexible nature has seen them become relics almost overnight. Ozil at Arsenal was similar. Pogba had a similar position in that it seemed that he only worked as a left sided component of a flat three. It’s why Dele has gone through managers playing with successive style changes and been totally unable to adapt. Why Everton took him on is beyond me. If they do terminate his deal, they are going to be losing massive amounts as they will be paying up the remainder of a quite significant contract. He is still a very talented player, but a team literally needs to be constructed around him to get his best stuff. Most modern coaches won’t do that.
These are exactly my own thoughts, too, Badger. I think the relegation battle this season has been fascinating and am sure that there will be further permutations. If I am honest, I cannot see either Norwich or Watford escaping but I feel Burnley may just claw their way out at the expesne of Everton. This week' result was fascinating but you can almost expect Burley to squander the opportunity they have created. Everton are woeful and I cannot see them picking up points. It is simply a matter of it Burnley can be brave enough to pick up points at Everton's expense. I would love to see Everton go down. It would send shockwaves throughout the English game and you wonder just how detrimental it would ultimately prove to be. I am thinking of something like a Leeds United scenario from early 2000s.
Think he cane on against us, but they were well beaten by then. That was when we were having our ‘Brazil’ phase.
This should be interesting, it's the MOTD PL top 10 set piece takers discussion... https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p..._SOUNDS~N~p0byxr24~P_MOTDTop10SetPieceTakers]
Another in the long list of players who got big money at a young age and think they've already made it so don't need to push themselves anymore. Honestly think he's more interested in his other activities than football. Wouldn't surprise me if he retired early tbh.
He went to the elephant's graveyard otherwise known as Goodison Park where many a footballer's career has expired.
Saw some talk that he was considering retiring before Everton came along and offered him another pay day. I’m pretty sure he’ll retire if they go down, no other PL club will take a chance on him and doesn’t seem motivated enough to play at lower levels or for a lot less money. Think he’s got his own clothing line and seems more interested in that
I wonder what kind of relegation clause is in his contract. I can’t imagine it is more than 50%. Which would likely still get him 40-50k a week. Unless there is a clause that lets Everton terminate the deal if they get relegated (which seems unlikely) then I don’t see why he’d walk away. If they paid him off in a lump sum he might retire.
Could see it being another Rodwell at Sunderland scenario where he just takes his money but doesn’t actually bother playing. I can’t imagine many/any Everton contracts apart from the Jan signings have relegation pay cuts in them. Could be interesting if they do go down
Someone on GOT suggested more than you would think do. But didn’t elaborate. For example I can’t imagine Pickford with a 30m fee attached would have such a clause. Maybe some later renewals? But they’ve been 8-12th until this season and never looked in danger I wonder who will definitely go? Pickford, Mina, DCL, Richarlison for starters. Doucoure and Allan as well I expect
It's understandable too. If you're a multi millionaire by the age of 19 then you have to be incredibly dedicated to continue to slog your body constantly and to make sacrifices elsewhere in your life. If it was me I think I would probably retire quite happy too.
I hope so on so many fronts. Probably none will materialise but here’s wishing (no real need to use any up on Saints for the remainder of this season).
