Football FanCast guest columnist Jim
Bates reacts to the news that David Moyes is considering a third
loan move for Manuel Fernandes; a player that completely perplexes him.
If there is one
thing that I will praise David Moyes for, during his years in office at
Goodison Park, is he has an eye for a bargain. Whether it is raids on the
Championship, Bundesliga or whatever country in the World, he seems to find
these little gems.
Pienaar, Lescott,
Jagieka, Arteta and Cahill are all examples of the Scots masterful judgment of players,
who have all gone on to prove their worth and become an integral part of what
is becoming a successful era for the club. Of course the reason for this success
is that they are all hungry footballers and Moyes always tends to move for players
who have fallen out of favour or who are primed for a possible step up to the
Premier League.
It is a policy that will always continue why funds continue to be scarce at Goodison Park and once again this morning it looks as if Moyes is planning a third loan spell for Manuel Fernandes. I have to say that I am extremely perplexed by this move because with the exception of his first few months at the club, during his first spell, he has been a player that for me has flattered to deceive. In games he seems to go from the sublime to the ridiculous and his inconsistency drives me crazy. I talk to a lot of Evertonians who talk about the lad's potential but for me I really can't see it. What is also of concern to me is the fact he went and joined Valencia last summer and supposedly turned us down. Whether it was down to funds, third party ownership - I just don't feel the player puts a shift in on the park nor has the commitment for the club.
Moyes seems to think that despite a shaky start the Portuguese star may have turned a corner and will consider a third loan spell, speaking to Setanta:
"Fernandes' form towards the end of the season was much improved. He has got better, he passed the ball well. Much like last season when he arrived and got better as things went along," said Moyes.
"He certainly looked in better shape, physically, than he did when he first came (in January). We are going to assess his situation over the coming weeks.
"I have got a few ideas of what I want to do with him. It will happen in time."
Should David Moyes be really entertaining a move for Fernandes and is he really what we need? If the Scot really rates him then should he be moving heaven and earth to get him signed on a permanent deal? Should the club be looking to move for someone like Andrei Arshavin? Am I the only Evertonian who has doubts about Manuel Fernandes and whether he has all the right attributes for Everton football club?