Jonny Evans

[Cityfan]

Has this window been disappointing somehow ?

I was thinking it was one of the best ever.

Absolutely right and I can't think of a more thrilling start to next summer than Phil the Face.

 

[Neville Kneville]

It bothers me too that central defence seems to be so low on our priorities, I think it's ridiculous when we have such high quality in other areas that we only have one excellent CB and I really think VVD should have been a priority this window after the full backs. But we have Pep as manager and it's not the way it is. He'd rather sign Sanchez and probably even Mbappe as well before properly strengthening the CB area. It frustrates me but it is what it is and in these circumstances I'm just relieved we are getting someone in with a bit of leadership because I don't trust otamendi or stones to look after themselves or each other. Actually I'm not relieved, I'm underwhelmed and a bit pissed off but I suspect he will be better than the alternatives if we've decided we aren't going to buy someone first rate.

As you know, I agree, but I do think Stones looks like he is starting to get it right.

 

[fairhurst1]

We are going to score so many goals this season with the signings that the CBs will just need to be solid and dependable. Jonny Evans is no world beater but experienced enough that he won't stuff up like Stones is prone to. A good stop gap for us whilst Stones matures into a future City stalwart.

 

[hilts]

It bothers me too that central defence seems to be so low on our priorities, I think it's ridiculous when we have such high quality in other areas that we only have one excellent CB and I really think VVD should have been a priority this window after the full backs. But we have Pep as manager and it's not the way it is. He'd rather sign Sanchez and probably even Mbappe as well before properly strengthening the CB area. It frustrates me but it is what it is and in these circumstances I'm just relieved we are getting someone in with a bit of leadership because I don't trust otamendi or stones to look after themselves or each other. Actually I'm not relieved, I'm underwhelmed and a bit pissed off but I suspect he will be better than the alternatives if we've decided we aren't going to buy someone first rate.

Fair play mate underwhelmed is probably the best word to describe the situation

 

[BlueS]

We are going to score so many goals this season with the signings that the CBs will just need to be solid and dependable. Jonny Evans is no world beater but experienced enough that he won't stuff up like Stones is prone to. A good stop gap for us whilst Stones matures into a future City stalwart.

stalwart, that's the spirit!

 

[Rolee]

Fair play mate underwhelmed is probably the best word to describe the situation

I'm just whelmed.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

As you know, I agree, but I do think Stones looks like he is starting to get it right.

For all sorts of reasons we need kompany to stay fit. if Stones can play 20-30 matches next to him this season then it could be significant. He's clearly got potential.

 

[Exeter Blue I am here]

They don't. But my guess is they have done so this time with options running out.

Honestly, there is a reasons why transfers has been discusses till boredom on here. You and me being part of it. But nobody never ever came up with the name of John Evans. It is reasonable to ask yourself: why is that?
Furthermore whatever Pep and Txiki decide will come true and whatever is the general opinion on here won't. Luckily so. But that doesn't mean one can vent their opinion and that opinion with a lot on here (and count me in) is that Evans is at best a decent defender, 29 years, injuryprone, playing in an Albion/Pullis team that plays very defensively in contrast to the high line defence Pep is weighing up (either 3 of 4 men). It simply doesn't fill me with any confidence. Do you feel confident with Evans in the team?
And no, Mangala (probably on his way anyway) and young Tosin won't give me confidence but especially the latter would have been my choice over Evans any time of the day. I know you or many won't agree with that, but that is simply the way I look at it.
And I'm not talking about the money involved, as City has been an important influence in how todays market turns out. But if rumours are true, Mangala going for 10mill? And with Kolarov leaving for 5mill? We than buy back Evans for a mere 20-25mill? Sheik Mansour must either be blind to Pep and Txiki or this might actually open his eyes and make him wonder who is playing with his money.

Tosin's a hard one to judge at this stage, cos he's so young, and playing centre half in a Pep team (naked as a jay bird) takes some getting used to. From what I've seen so far, he's still a long way shy of the standard required, given to blind panic passing under pressure, not being aware of where his opponents are, and having an inconsistent first touch. I'd be interested to see him in 2 or 3 years time when he's filled out a bit, but right now I'd take Evans over him every time.
For the record I've always been too busy hating Evans on principle to ever look at his attributes, but my Rangers supporting mate Davey, who follows Northern Ireland over land and sea and far away, described him to me thus this morning......
"An excellent player, one of the most naturally gifted NI has ever had. Reasonable pace and reads the game well too. I remember Ferguson giving an interview to the Belfast Telegraph and saying he was stunned that Van Gaal let him leave."

None of us would have really wanted him in an ideal world, but we need a centre half, options are limited, and Evans is far from the comical choice that many are making out

 

[OB1]

They don't. But my guess is they have done so this time with options running out.

Honestly, there is a reasons why transfers has been discusses till boredom on here. You and me being part of it. But nobody never ever came up with the name of John Evans. It is reasonable to ask yourself: why is that?
Furthermore whatever Pep and Txiki decide will come true and whatever is the general opinion on here won't. Luckily so. But that doesn't mean one can vent their opinion and that opinion with a lot on here (and count me in) is that Evans is at best a decent defender, 29 years, injuryprone, playing in an Albion/Pullis team that plays very defensively in contrast to the high line defence Pep is weighing up (either 3 of 4 men). It simply doesn't fill me with any confidence. Do you feel confident with Evans in the team?
And no, Mangala (probably on his way anyway) and young Tosin won't give me confidence but especially the latter would have been my choice over Evans any time of the day. I know you or many won't agree with that, but that is simply the way I look at it.
And I'm not talking about the money involved, as City has been an important influence in how todays market turns out. But if rumours are true, Mangala going for 10mill? And with Kolarov leaving for 5mill? We than buy back Evans for a mere 20-25mill? Sheik Mansour must either be blind to Pep and Txiki or this might actually open his eyes and make him wonder who is playing with his money.

I said yesterday, I have not paid Evans enough attention to give an opinion on just how good he is but I don't think uninspiringly solid isn't far from the mark. No one on this forum would have picked him out because he is an ex-Rag and he's not a special player.

My point about how players are selected was a general one and not specifically about how City arrived at Evans' name and it is possible he was not on any previously complied list but I'd hope and expect some homework has been done on the player.

Would I feel confident with Evans in the team? With one or two of Vinnie, Ota, Stones, flanked by Walker and Mendy and backed-up by Ederson - probably in most games. Against certain opponents I'd rather have Manga's pace and I'd be fairly happy to keep Managa as 4th choice but I think Evans is a steadier player.

Tosin is a kid and we need a man. I'd be worried about any game that Tosin started. I hope he will mature into a valuable member of City's squad but he just isn't ready in my eyes.

I don't really have time to comment on the transfer fee comparison but each situation is different. I'm really not sure what Evans' correct price is but the seller holds the cards in this instance in an inflated market so we will "overpay" if we get him.

 

[OB1]

Tosin's a hard one to judge at this stage, cos he's so young, and playing centre half in a Pep team (naked as a jay bird) takes some getting used to. From what I've seen so far, he's still a long way shy of the standard required, given to blind panic passing under pressure, not being aware of where his opponents are, and having an inconsistent first touch. I'd be interested to see him in 2 or 3 years time when he's filled out a bit, but right now I'd take Evans over him every time.
For the record I've always been too busy hating Evans on principle to ever look at his attributes, but my Rangers supporting mate Davey, who follows Northern Ireland over land and sea and far away, described him to me thus this morning......
"An excellent player, one of the most naturally gifted NI has ever had. Reasonable pace and reads the game well too. I remember Ferguson giving an interview to the Belfast Telegraph and saying he was stunned that Van Gaal let him leave."

None of us would have really wanted him in an ideal world, but we need a centre half, options are limited, and Evans is far from the comical choice that many are making out

Well put.