All this talk over Jack Rodwell has got me thinking. I have been a season ticket holder at Goodison for well over twenty five years so have seen many players rise through the ranks.
What I see in Rodwell is not that of a future world beater, but a competent midfielder but will make in this day and age a good living as a professional footballer.
World beater and future England Captain in my view cannot be levelled at Jack. I have watched his progression closely and the hype built up around him. He is at best a good Tom Huddlestone at Spurs, a good solid pro, but no more than that.
We had Wayne Rooney from a young age, love him or hate him that was real quality. I know they play in different positions but for potential as world class footballers as Jack is being talked about, they are chalk and cheese.
Moyes is no fool. He sees this lad in training day in day out. He also see's in my eyes a far better player playing in the same position in Felliani. Against Birmingham the other week, I never once saw Rowdwell play the ball forward, he was like Ray 'the crab' Wilkins in his heyday.
Now this is not a letter slating Rodwell, as I said he is a good solid professional, but a future star of the English game, I think not.
Moyes is talking him up, as I believe if someone does come in with silly money this summer, Jack will leave with the best wishes of his Manager, and hopefully we will have some serious cash to sort out the positions we need to sort out, which are out wide and up front.
If you look at his quotes of late over Rodwell, he is saying he wants to keep him, as he can't say anything different. He ends though with if he has to go he has to go. A canny Scot, you bet he is;
'It is the same with me. I wanted to keep Wayne Rooney. I also want to keep Jack. Torres wanted to leave, Liverpool held out for the best price and reinvested the money. I am reluctant to sell my best players. I don't see that as being good for any manager.
But I also understand that there may be financial situations which might mean that has to be the case.' (Source; Liverpool Echo and Bluekipper)
Gary Parker Widnes
Email Bluekipper at mailbag@bluekipper.com
