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Manchester United: Why Moyes’s Record On Youth At Everton Isn’t A Valid Topic Of Criticism
After Sunday’s 0-3 defeat to Liverpool, it was probably hard to get your voice heard amongst the growing crows of dissenters opposed to the downwards direction David Moyes seems to be taking Manchester United on as his first year in charge at Old Trafford. The Red Devils sit 12 points behind Champions League qualification and on course for their lowest Premier League points tally since the competition began.
After Liverpool marched away from Manchester having thoroughly outplayed United, the anti-Moyes sentiment that appears to be growing with every passing set-back hit feverish levels. Along with the emergence from boardroom level that the club’s hierarchy was for the first time considering the rival of the ex-Everton manager, it was the Tweeted views of his former club’s under-18 coach that resonated.
Kevin Sheedy took to the social media site to say that Everton’s, and now United’s, tactics amounted to punting the ball up to Marouane Fellaini. Slightly earlier, in a message that has now been deleted, he took the view that Moyes, during his time at the Toffees, took no interest in the club’s youth team.
The latter barb was slightly harsh on Moyes who gave débuts to Ross Barkley, Jack Rodwell and a 16 year old Wayne Rooney when at Goodison Park. Seamus Coleman, now Roberto Martinez’s first-choice right back, Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman were all guided through the transition from academy to first-team under Moyes while Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan both passed through to represent the club at senior level before moving on. At United, Moyes has already overseen the progression of Adnan Januzaj to one of the Premier League’s most highly-rated youngsters.
Adam Forshaw
Moyes, and indeed Sheedy, would have been interested to learn that on Monday evening it was a former player of theirs that went away with the award of player of the year for League One. Adam Forshaw has been instrumental behind Brentford’s promotion push this season, putting together a run of 24 consecutive starts before a calf problem ruled him out of a win at Port Vale in early January.
His omission, plus the superb form he had shown in the engine room of Brentford’s midfield, lead to questions over his future, though the 22 year old remains dedicated to the Bees’ cause.
“My aim is to get promoted with Brentford. I’m really enjoying it here. I feel I’m gaining a lot of experience playing regularly. Last year was a massive learning curve for me”
That last year involved Forshaw playing 53 times in his debut season at Griffin Park, scoring 3 goals and earning a new contract despite the Bees’ defeat in the play-off final to Yeovil and subsequent failure to go up. He had earlier joined the London club on loan from Everton alongside Jake Bidwell and impressed enough to be given a permanent deal in the summer of 2012 after the Merseyside club had released the youngster after his contract expired.
Moyes had given Forshaw his competitive debut three years earlier in a Europa League tie with BATE Borisov though, despite a Premier League appearance as a substitute against Wolves and a handful of appearances on the bench, the energetic midfielder couldn’t break into the Everton first-team. He exited Goodison Park having been named reserve player of the year in 2012, having scored twice in 13 appearances.
With 7 so far this season Forshaw has added goals to his game though his primary game involves patrolling midfield to break up play before distributing the ball to keep Brentford’s array of attacking quality ticking. His imposing 6ft 1 frame allows him to brush off defenders as he charges into the opposition half, using his energy to play as a complete box-to-box midfielder and make incisive runs into the box, hence his total of 53 shots so far this season. As such a role could encourage indiscipline in a young player, Forshaw seemed to have learnt under Uwe Rosler and now Mark Warburton to become well-regarded around the club for his attitude and consistency.
It would be very hard to criticise Moyes for releasing Forshaw given the inevitable enthusiasm the young player would have for first-team football and the huge chasm in quality that now exists between the Premier League’s top 6 and League One, though he is still displayed proudly on photograph on a wall at Everton’s Finch Farm academy.
The picture includes the teenage Forshaw in his Everton jersey the night he played against BATE in the European game in which he played alongside Barkley and Bidwell, who is now with the midfielder at Brentford on a permanent basis. Also pictured are his team-mates that night, those now plying their trade in the lower leagues; Hope Akpan, Kieran Agard, Nathan Craig, Jose Baxter and Shane Duffy. Also playing was Shkodran Mustafi, a defender of Albanian descent who now plays for Sampdoria in Italy.
After the game with BATE, Mustafi failed to make another first-team appearance for Everton and was allowed to leave on a free transfer in January 2012. Now 21, he has made 41 appearances for Sampdoria and has impressed so much in Serie A this season that Germany have recently handed a national team call-up to the right-sided centre-half. The defender, who played for Hamburg prior to his move to Everton, was naturalised in Germany and was a member of the team that won the European under-17 Championship in 2009 and has two caps at under-21 level.
“So we have decided to look at a few new faces who have been consistently good for their clubs” said Die Mannschaft manager Joachim Low, picking Mustafi for the February friendly with Chile.
Mustafi
Sampdoria have struggled defensively this season but Mustafi has been outstanding in his 23 league appearances so far, playing as a resilient centre-half who, with the help of his hulking build, has won 89 out of his 129 aerial battles. A no-nonsense and rugged central-defender, Mustafi has won 69 tackles and made 78 interceptions while his clearance count stands at a massive 178, an average of 7.4 clearances per game.
Mustafi has played under Delio Rossi and now Sinisa Mihajlovic in Genoa, though they have refrained from using the 21 year old as a right-back, despite his versatility, given his lack of comfort on the ball, he has used the long ball 137 times this season and prefers the uncompromising approach to defending.
Together with John Ruddy, who was acquired from Cambridge as a teenager to provide back-up to Tim Howard in goal, Mustafi and Forshaw mark three players who were perhaps prematurely released by Moyes at Everton. The Scot also showed a clear interest in Sporting Lisbon’s 20 year old centre-half Eric DierDier, taking him on loan in 2011 in a move designed for the youngster to grow in a more demanding competitive environment.
Dier made no senior appearances for Everton but it was clear Moyes was a fan of the 6′ 2” defender, bemoaning his return to Portugal.
“We wanted him to stay with us” said Moyes of the centre-half who has represented England at all youth levels including four times at under-21,“we knew he wanted to be in the first team, even though there would be little chance.”
Over a decade spent at Goodison Park it is hardly a record that portrays Moyes as disinterested in youth and regardless of what Forshaw, Ruddy or Mustafi go onto achieve, the proud pictures of the players that Moyes handed an opportunity to and those who seized it, the likes of Osman, Rodwell, Barkley and Coleman, will remain outside academy director Alan Irvine’s office at Finch Farm. Former Barnsley prospect John Stones, the 19 year old defender on whom Roberto Martinez recently issued a glowing review, was Moyes last signing as Everton boss and has since gone on to thrive as he converts from a right-back to a possible successor to Sylvian Distin centre-back slot.
“He is a confident boy. He knows that he is quicker, stronger and more athletic than the striker he is marking at any time” said the Spanish coach. “John will develop into a special centre-half for England.”
Moyes was arguably naturally cautious when it came to young players, possibly preferring to manage the prospect’s progress gradually which may have translated to some as holding promising talent back. Though he can boast a lot of success stories from his time at Everton as well as an expanse of anecdotal evidence of his dedication to academy football, regardless of outside views from fans or even Sheedy who seemed to be tweeting from a position of vast bitterness as he laid into the Scot while he faced bile from all-comers as Liverpool so resoundingly crushed United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Some of it was warranted given how inept his team looked, but to aim jibes at the man for something that has no basis, was as unfair as it was opportunistic and, most of all, completely wrong.
Argentina will be aiming for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title when they take on Colombia
The Copa America 2024 is set for an electrifying conclusion as defending champions Argentina face off against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. This highly anticipated final marks the first-ever Copa America final meeting between these two footballing powerhouses. Argentina aim to secure a record-breaking 16th title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
Argentina’s road to the final has been marked by grit and determination. They navigated a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarter-finals before securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring, followed by a historic goal from Lionel Messi, who now stands as the second-highest male goalscorer in international football with 109 goals.
Argentina’s unbeaten streak now extends to 10 matches, and they remain unbeaten in major tournament knockout games on American soil since the 1994 World Cup. It is no understatement that they go into the clash as favourites.
Colombia are no pushovers, however. They have been in exceptional form. Since their 1-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying in February 2022, they have embarked on a record-breaking unbeaten run of 28 matches.
Jefferson Lerma’s header gave Colombia the lead before Daniel Munoz’s red card put them at a numerical disadvantage against Uruguay. Despite this setback, Colombia’s resilience shone through as they held on to secure their place in the final. The victory over Uruguay was marred by a brawl involving Uruguayan players and Colombian supporters, but Colombia’s focus remained unwavering. This final represents a chance for Colombia to end a long wait since their first Copa America triumph in 2001.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
For the final, Argentina face no injury or suspension issues. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup. The defence will feature a solid back four with Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Emiliano Martinez as the goalkeeper.
In the midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul are anticipated to keep their places, even though Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios are pushing for a start. Angel Di Maria is poised for his international farewell on the right wing. Alexis Mac Allister, who has been impressive on the international stage, will play a crucial role, linking up with Messi from the midfield.
Lionel Messi, who overcame a leg injury to play the full match against Canada, will lead the attack alongside Julian Alvarez. Lautaro Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, is expected to begin on the bench and should be brought on in the second half.
Predicted Playing XI (4-4-2): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lis. Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, E. Fernandez, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez
Colombia
With Daniel Munoz suspended, Santiago Arias is set to start at right-back, joining Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, and Johan Mojica in a solid four-man backline. Camilo Vargas will likely be the goalkeeper.
In midfield, Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos are expected to form the double pivot, providing protection for the defence and allowing the attacking players to push forward.
Captain James Rodriguez, who has recorded a tournament-high six assists, will continue in the number 10 role. He will be supported by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias on the flanks.
Jhon Cordoba, who has contributed with two goals and two assists, is expected to lead the attack, with Jhon Duran and Rafael Santos Borre available as options.
Predicted Playing XI (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Key Stats
- Victory will see Argentina win their 16th Copa America title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s illustrious history.
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last 28 international games.
- Argentina have won 26 of their 43 meetings against Colombia in all competitions.
- A win for Colombia will see them win just their second Copa America title, their first since 2001.
Match Deciding Duel
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) vs James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Argentina have been solid in defence and penetrating their backline has proven to be a challenge for most sides in the competition. Colombia have a rather dynamic attack but will depend on the veteran James Rodriguez to act as the playmaker.
With the likes of Luis Diaz able to make the most of opportunities, the onus will be on Enzo Fernandez to ensure Rodriguez does not have space to manoeuvre in. The duel between the two players could certainly set the tone for which way the cookie crumbles on the night.
Prediction
Argentina 2-1 Colombia
The clash is likely to be an entertaining one with the midfield battle expected to set the tone for the result. Argentina. however, have more strength in depth and the ability to bring a player of Lautaro Martinez’s calibre off the bench in the second half is akin to a cheat code. The Inter Milan star is expected to lead the defending champions to a close 2-1 win on the night.
Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final
As Euro 2024 reaches its climax, the football world braces for a thrilling final between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This highly anticipated match will determine the champions of Europe, with Spain looking to add to their illustrious history and England aiming to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy for the first time.
Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente, entered the tournament somewhat under the radar but quickly established themselves as a formidable contender. They navigated the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with ease, securing nine points from three matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Impressively, they emerged from the group stage without conceding a goal to an opposition player.
In the knockout stages, Spain demonstrated their resilience and quality. A stunning 4-1 comeback against Georgia in the last-16 and a tense extra-time victory over hosts Germany in the quarter-finals showcased their grit and talent. The semi-final against France was another test of their mettle, with young star Lamine Yamal lighting up the Allianz Arena and Dani Olmo sealing the win.
Spain’s journey to the final has not been without challenges, but their blend of experience and youthful exuberance has seen them through. They now stand on the brink of history, aiming to become the first European men’s team to win four major tournaments consecutively.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Gareth Southgate’s men had a mixed group stage, winning only once against Serbia and drawing against Denmark and Slovenia. Their knockout phase has been a tale of resilience and drama, coming from behind in both the last-16 and quarter-finals.
A lacklustre win over Slovakia and a penalty shootout victory against Switzerland set the stage for a semi-final clash with the Netherlands. Despite early setbacks, including a goal from Dutch prodigy Xavi Simons, England produced their best performance of the tournament. A late winner from Ollie Watkins, following a perfect penalty from Harry Kane, propelled them to their second consecutive Euro final.
Southgate’s squad has shown incredible determination and character, setting new records along the way. Kane’s scoring feats and the team’s ability to perform under pressure have been pivotal to their success.
We take a look at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News and Predicted XI
Spain
Spain’s bad-tempered quarter-final against Germany saw Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand fall foul of the referee, leading to their suspensions for the semi-final. Both players are now back at De la Fuente’s disposal, bringing much-needed fresh legs to the Roja XI. Carvajal will replace Jesus Navas, while Le Normand should push Nacho to the bench.
Spain are expected to maintain a 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simon in goal. Daniel Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should hold the flanks in defence, while Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte should form the centre-back pairing. Rodri should form the midfield pivot, with Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz pushing forward.
Skipper Alvaro Morata should lead the line with the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing support. Morata was initially a concern given his freak injury after the win against France. Thankfully for Spain, he trained normally and should lead them out.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams
England
England arrive in Berlin with a fully fit squad, including Luke Shaw, who has recovered from injury. Shaw’s performance against Switzerland and his effective stint in the semi-final suggests he may start, replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back.
Southgate is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Jordan Pickford will guard the goal, with a back three of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi.
Shaw and Kyle Walker will operate as wing-backs, while Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham form the midfield pivot. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will support captain Harry Kane in attack. Southgate has enough game-changers on the bench and it remains to be seen if he will have the nerve to make bold calls or play the long game and roll the dice.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Key Stats
- A victory on the night will see Spain secure their fourth title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
- A win for England will see them triumph in the European Championships for the first time in their history.
- Spain and England have faced off 27 times in all competitions. La Roja have won 10 games while England have won 14. Three games ended in a draw.
- England have never lost to Spain in a UEFA European Championship clash before.
Match Deciding Duel
Lamine Yamal (Spain) vs Luke Shaw (Spain)
Lamal has been a critical difference-maker for Spain in this year’s tournament and will hope to end it on a high. Up against the recently returned Luke Shaw, he will aim to run rings against the English veteran.
Shaw’s ability to get caught out could provide Yamal the space he needs to run into and put the English backline into disarray. This should also subsequently free up Dani Olmo to make his trademarks into the box.
Prediction
Spain 1-1 England (Spain to Win on Penalties)
England will be keen to end their trophy drought and also go one better than last time around. While they have a strong squad with plenty of depth, Southgate’s inability to take calculated risks should play right into Spain’s hands. It remains unlikely that the trophy will go ‘home’ anytime soon.
Argentina and Canada will face off in the first semifinal of Copa America 2024, a repeat of the competition opener from Group A
Canada have a golden opportunity to make history as they face defending champions Argentina in the first semi-final of Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
In a rematch of their tournament opener, Canada can become the second CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America final. Both sides advanced to the semi-finals via penalty shootouts, with Argentina defeating Ecuador and Canada overcoming Venezuela after 1-1 draws in regular time respectively.
Argentina’s path to the semi-finals has been fortified by their exceptional defence and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The victory over Ecuador secures their fifth consecutive appearance in the Copa America semi-finals. Historically, Argentina have been strong at this stage, progressing in seven of their last eight attempts, with the only setback being against Brazil in 2019.
A triumph on Tuesday would mark the first time Argentina reached the Copa America final as defending champions since 1959. Scaloni’s team has been defensively sound, conceding just once throughout the tournament. The Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, allowing only three goals during this period.
On the other hand, Canada has shown remarkable resilience since their initial loss to Argentina. Jesse Marsch’s squad has conceded just once in their last three games. They are the third CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America semi-finals in their debut appearance, following Honduras and Mexico. They are also the first from the region to advance this far since the USA in 2016.
This semi-final marks Canada’s fifth appearance in the final four of a continental tournament this century. They have progressed beyond this stage twice, in the 2023 Nations League and the 2000 Gold Cup. Canada aims to emulate Mexico’s 2001 Copa America run, where Mexico reached the final before losing to Colombia.
Argentina’s defensive stability and tactical discipline under Scaloni will be pivotal, also giving their world-class frontline a base to build upon. Canada, under Marsch, has transformed into a more disciplined and resilient team. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies will be crucial in breaking down Argentina’s defence. SoccerSouls takes a closer look at this clash.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
Lionel Messi was not at his best against Ecuador and will be keen to make amends for the penalty miss in the shootout. he missed the final group game with a hamstring injury but now appears to be back to full fitness.
Lionel Scaloni is likely to retain his flexible 4-3-3 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes should perform the role of the pivot in the centre, giving Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister and the dynamic Rodrigo De Paul the freedom to push forward. Lionel Messi is expected to don the playmaker’s role with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez leading the line. Angel Di Maria will offer Argentina another option off the bench should they need to shift gears.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez
Canada
Inter Milan Tajon Buchanan remains a major doubt for Canada after he suffered a broken tibia during training just days before their match against Venezuela. This injury puts his participation in doubt not just for the semi-final clash against Argentina but also for the remainder of the tournament.
Jesse Marsch has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from for the clash and is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Maxime Crépeau in goal. The shot-stopper should be protected by the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio should form the double pivot, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker. Cyle Larin should start up front, with Richie Laryea and Jacob Shaffelburg providing support out wide.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin
Key Stats
- Argentina have never conceded a goal against Canada.
- Argentina have not lost a major tournament match on U.S. soil since a 3-2 defeat to Romania in the 1994 World Cup’s round of 16.
- A win on the night will see Canmada make it to their first-ever Copa America final at the first time of asking.
- Argentina have not made it to the final of the competition as defending champions since 1959.
Match Deciding Duel
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) vs Derek Cornelius (Canada)
Lautaro Martinez is the top scorer in the tournament this season and has made it a habit of scoring late goals for Argentina. This augurs well for a side that is defensively compact, giving them a second wind to settle the game as the opposition gets tired. Derek Cornelius will have his hands full all night but will know that he cannot slack off for even a second with Martinez on the prowl.
Argentina’s ability to score late coupled with Canada’s vulnerabilities in the second half of the game makes for a thrilling finale in the final 30 minutes of the first semifinal. While Argentina do have several threats and matchwinners in their lineup, Martinez’s clinical touch has given them the edge this summer. He will certainly be aiming to make a difference once again on Tuesday.
Transfer Watch
Jonathan David
The LOSC Lille attacker is Canada’s trump card going forward and is expected to leave the Ligue 1 giants this summer. David is a pacy player whose ability to get into space and clinical ability in the box helps make a difference. While several clubs are keeping tabs on him, a solid showing against the defending FIFA World Cup holders will only help boost his profile among potential suitors.
David will be up against the meanest defence in the competition on the night. The duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez aren’t just formidable defenders but their ‘take no prisoners’ approach will certainly add a physical element to the duel. David is unlikely to come up against a meaner backline in the competition and how well he handles this challenge could determine his stock this summer.
Prediction
Argentina 2-0 Canada
Both teams will be familiar with each other having felt each other out on the opening day. The stakes are much higher this time round and Canada will be hoping for a monumental upset. Argentina were handed a late scare against Ecuador and that perhaps will ensure they don’t take Tuesday’s game for granted. The game should be a hard-fought one with Argentina’s match winners making the difference in the second half of the game.
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