Original Dub wrote:CityGer wrote:Original Dub wrote:CityGer wrote:Original Dub wrote:Exactly the type of player we need, but there is far better out there. I'd rather an in from Stevie than Arteta, but I know we can't depend on that for now, so I'd sooner go for Gourcuff.
Madness, utter madness. To compare Ireland with Arteta, that is. The two players are worlds apart.
Sorry, I'm not getting you mate?
Ireland from last season pulled the strings in midfield, got stuck in and broke up attacks and had a killer pass on him, as well as finishing.
Arteta does all that to a certain degree, but I'd prefer Ireland from last season to him now.
I'm saying that I believe Arteta to be a top class footballer who has performed consistently well in the Premiership for a few years. Everton's upturn since his return is no coincedence. I don't want to slag Stevie off but I just don't think the two of them are comparable. Worlds apart.
Look at my OP again chief.
I'd rather Stevie from last season above Arteta any day of the week. There's a difference between performing "consistently well" and being nominated for YPOTY. I agree Arteta has been better than good for the last three of four years, but since Ireland matured, he's had one outstanding season and one pretty shit. And he's only 23.
Who would you rather, Ireland from last season or Arteta from any one season he's EVER had?
Arteta, without a shaddow of a doubt. Seriously mate. I think he's top drawer. For all those years he has been at Everton they have been without a decent centre forward yet his assists and goals scored is up there with the best in the league. He is class. He's grown a set of balls at Everton which he never had at PSG, Rangers or Sociedad. Put it this way, if a top team wanted them both this summer, Arteta would command a fee at least triple Stevie's, at least.
I would love to see us buy him.
I'm not down on Stevie, we should keep him. He was superb for us last year and could well go on and reach those levels again. I just don't fancy him to do it and think that even on last seasons form, he isn't in Arteta's class.