Ugh, we don't need Baines, sure ability wise he's better than Evra, but no one in our squad matches Evra in passion, and that's something you can't replace.
I mean there isn't much of a difference, I'd say Baines was the best LB in the league last, with Evra in second. Baines is also better at crossing. Got to say, Evra is great at getting forward and making surging runs from the back, but his crossing isn't so great.
I do agree that Baines stood out as the best in the league last season but I reckon Evra is a lot more capable in getting into the right positions to lay a decent cross. I've no idea of the stats but I would be surprised if Baines has more assists/goals than Evra (could be being biased here!). I would be happy to sign Baines though a little bit more age on his side Evra can only have 1/2 decent seasons left at the top of his game.
In the PL since the 06/07 season Baines has 20 goals and 35 assists, whereas Evra has 6 goals and 20 assists so Baines is a fair way ahead there. By comparison, Ashley Cole has 7 goals and 17 assists, so you can see how far Baines is ahead of him as well. Personally I'd be happy with Baines, but not gutted if he doesn't sign. Evra seems to have gotten over his form issues after the Suarez saga, so there's no desperate need for a new LB, but Evra is getting on quite a bit so we do need a replacement. Wonder if Buttner will get more chances this season, as he didn't really get much opportunity to play last year.
Do you think Evra will ask to leave of we sign Baines? I know he won't want to be second choice at this point in his career, and we wouldn't spend £15m or whatever the fee for Baines ends up being for a back up to Evra. I'd rather just keep Evra and give Buttner more playing time. Buttner reminds me of Rafael when he first joined. Little unrefined, but full of potential.
tbh those stats are boosted by the fact that Baines had lots of goals and assists from set pieces compared to Ashely cole and Evra .. with RVP in team, how many of them he will get? meanwhile, i remember seen a stats about crossing, and he was the best crosser in PL , so sure his qualities are not questionable.. my only issue with him, is that he will be 29 years old in December and for a guy at this age Everton are asking alots of money
isn't Evra tempted by a Monaco switch? although we can't be sure if all those reported news are correct
Monaco just signed Abidal or whatever from Barca, doubt they'd go for Evra too. Apparently Evra was upset about the original bid for Baines though.
Dont care about left backs, we'll stick a winger there if we have to. Midfield, only midfield and nothing but midfield should be sorted. bar Carrick the rest are all fat ****s or sick notes. we have one reliable midfielder.
Definitely not the position where strengthening is needed most. Must sort out midfield first. Baines is not really an upgrade on Evra, yes he's a quality crosser and freekick specialist but playing for England, I always remember him being pushed around, just being bullied. We've already got plenty of deadball specialists, maybe replace a few of our wingers rather. Evra, on the other hand, is a more imposing defender, and a natural leader.
I think Baines would be a great signing in a problem position. Evra has been poor defensively for at least a couple of seasons and I'd be very concerned if Buttner was considered to be a future first team regular.
I dont think left backs too much of an issue. We have 3 left backs. 1 who is decent though on his way out, 1 who is a little rash but ok for a back up and a young lad who given half a chance could be the answer to our problems if we give him a chance and he keeps fit. Buying Baines would give us 4 left backs.
Hopefully we'll sort out this whole Thiago mess and sign him up soon. Apparently Strootman is staying at PSV another year. I think Bradley from AS Roma would be a good, relatively cheap option.
