James McCarthy

[Snarfalicious]

Make of this what you will:

Tottenham are making a £10million move for Cup Final star James McCarthy as part of a major summer signing spree, writes the Sunday People.
Spurs supremo Daniel Levy is heading up a chase for young stars and Wigan’s 22-year-old Republic of Ireland ace is now a major priority.
McCarthy is set to quit the Latics this summer after helping his side to win the FA Cup yesterday.
Spurs have already teed up a deal in the past few days as they look to revamp their squad. They have been tracking the powerful and skilful Glaswegian for months and think he can bring new dynamism to a midfield that has been hit by injuries this season.
Brazilian Sandro’s absence has hurt them while Scott Parker has battled back but is not quite the force he was before his lay-off.
McCarthy has been playing at Premier League level for three seasons and looked the part at Wembley as Wigan outplayed Manchester City. He also has the potential to improve, which appeals to Levy.
Spurs are now in pole position for McCarthy although Newcastle are also weighing up an offer – with a possible signing battle on the cards.
The Toon’s interest suits Wigan who would like to get as much as possible for McCarthy.
But Everton have dropped out of the race with David Moyes leaving. The Scot sent a three-man team to look at him last week as a possible replacement for Marouane Fellaini.

Link: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-prepare-10m-move-wigan-1883960?

My Thoughts:

I like McCarthy a good bit. I think he's a better all-around player than Livermore as well, who would presumably be his direct competition/block to the squad. So, if AVB/Levy were to rate McCarthy more than Livermore than it makes sense. Also, Scott Parker should be sold to anyone who wants him which will be opening up a spot for another DM/CM.

He's a really good passer of the ball (88% over the entire season) and he completes about 75% of his long passes which is a pretty good number. Good movement off the ball and while he's not a true defensive midfielder in the mold of Sandro, he's got a nice knack of breaking up play. He's more of an all-around midfielder like a Dembele in that he can be great in possession, pick out a pass and also function as a more defensive-minded midfield should it be necessary.

From the times I've seen him, he can be susceptible to costly errors. And when you play on a squad like Wigan, those errors usually end up biting you in the ass because your teammates aren't the best at picking you up after your mistakes.

But at only 22 with a nice little array of talents, I would like the move to add some quality depth to the side, that has played at a good level in the EPL.

 

[Syn_13]

Sunday People really is putting me off this, but he's a decent player and I get your point Snarf. I doubt he'd be any better than a squad player and at £10m that's a fair bit of money.

 

[Snarfalicious]

Sunday People really is putting me off this, but he's a decent player and I get your point Snarf. I doubt he'd be any better than a squad player and at £10m that's a fair bit of money.

And I'd much prefer Jordy Clasie, but I'm at least happy that we are looking for a well-rounded midfield type.

 

[Syn_13]

And I'd much prefer Jordy Clasie, but I'm at least happy that we are looking for a well-rounded midfield type.

Well-rounded midfielder is exactly what we need. If AVB is going to transition to a 3 man midfield next year we need someone who can come off the bench and cover a couple of jobs. There's always the inevitable injuries and cup games to merit that. With a 3 man midfield we'll need at least 5 CMs. Dembele and Sandro are the 2 we have right now that would be starters and a Moutinho-esque player will complete that 3. Holtby will be an option from the bench as I think he's looked better in a deeper central midfield role than as an attacking mid, and he can be a water-carrier with his energy. Someone else who can pass the ball around and break up play like McCarthy wouldn't be a bad shout, but only if the price is right.

 

[Cavehillspur]

There was ITK on us having an interest in McCarthy last summer iirc, wouldn't surprise me to be honest, especially if Wigan go down.

 

[Pete Spur]

I've rated McCarthy for awhile he's a good young player. I'd take him over Hudd or Livermore in the middle.

 

[Mouse!]

What about Strootman? Saw our club (among others) mentioned by Advocaat when talking about him.

 

[Snarfalicious]

Well-rounded midfielder is exactly what we need. If AVB is going to transition to a 3 man midfield next year we need someone who can come off the bench and cover a couple of jobs. There's always the inevitable injuries and cup games to merit that. With a 3 man midfield we'll need at least 5 CMs. Dembele and Sandro are the 2 we have right now that would be starters and a Moutinho-esque player will complete that 3. Holtby will be an option from the bench as I think he's looked better in a deeper central midfield role than as an attacking mid, and he can be a water-carrier with his energy. Someone else who can pass the ball around and break up play like McCarthy wouldn't be a bad shout, but only if the price is right.

I think Dembele, Sandro, Carroll, Holtby and a Clasie/McCarthy might be a nice well-rounded midfield corps. It's also got guys that can play in a pivot which is valuable in the event that we need to go with a 4-2-3-1 because of injuries.

 

[Snarfalicious]

What about Strootman? Saw our club (among others) mentioned by Advocaat when talking about him.

I think he's going to be really expensive and I think Man United are really keen to sign him.

 

[Syn_13]

I think Dembele, Sandro, Carroll, Holtby and a Clasie/McCarthy might be a nice well-rounded midfield corps. It's also got guys that can play in a pivot which is valuable in the event that we need to go with a 4-2-3-1 because of injuries.

This sounds pretty reasonable. Not sure how much Carroll would feature though, only early League/FA cup games and group stage games if we're in the Europa League. I'd be tempted to loan him off next year for a full season. Swansea is the best club in the EPL for him to go to, their style will suit him down to the ground and they did a great job with Caulker. They may not be able to afford De Guzman and Carroll could be a cheap option for them.

Having said that, although he's a bit more attack minded, De Guzman has impressed me this year and would make a great squad player.

 

[wishkah]

so.....anal?

 

[beats1]

With the likes of Sandro, Dembele, Sig(I can see him doing the lampard role i.e. coming late in the box) and Holtby. We then also have two very good CM's prospects in Bentaleb and Carroll and then you have some younger ones training with the 1st team like winks. We also have Falque who could be a AM in a 433 like he has at times for Almeria and we should loan out Livermore to see if he can develop or not before we make a decision.

Now looking at that I don't see the need or point in getting a Young Cm, we need a experienced CM or a dirty cheap DM that would accept a squad place to replace Parker that will fill in imo until Bentaleb and Carroll are ready. I don't Parker is cutting it so I would want, now moutinho would be great if wasnt so fucking expensive. I like Clasie but the move for Holtby for me ended that scenario as I cant see us going for another young un as current midfeild is 24(Sandro),25(Dembele),23(sig), 22(holtby), 20 (Carroll) and 18(Bentaleb). This is of course considering Parker and Hudd on their way out.

If the Diame rumours are true I would go for him for the cheap squad option but we need a parker option that can still do it a high level.

 

[Snarfalicious]

With the likes of Sandro, Dembele, Sig(I can see him doing the lampard role i.e. coming late in the box) and Holtby. We then also have two very good CM's prospects in Bentaleb and Carroll and then you have some younger ones training with the 1st team like winks. We also have Falque who could be a AM in a 433 like he has at times for Almeria and we should loan out Livermore to see if he can develop or not before we make a decision.

Now looking at that I don't see the need or point in getting a Young Cm, we need a experienced CM or a dirty cheap DM that would accept a squad place to replace Parker that will fill in imo until Bentaleb and Carroll are ready. I don't Parker is cutting it so I would want, now moutinho would be great if wasnt so fucking expensive. I like Clasie but the move for Holtby for me ended that scenario as I cant see us going for another young un as current midfeild is 24(Sandro),25(Dembele),23(sig), 22(holtby), 20 (Carroll) and 18(Bentaleb). This is of course considering Parker and Hudd on their way out.

If the Diame rumours are true I would go for him for the cheap squad option but we need a parker option that can still do it a high level.

Bibras Natkho. He might honestly be better than Dembele.

 

[matthew.absurdum]

I seriously thought he was 27 something. How come he is so young

 

[Snarfalicious]

I seriously thought he was 27 something. How come he is so young

Well, he'll be 23 in November...

 

[Archibald&Crooks]

I seriously thought he was 27 something. How come he is so young

Because he was only born in 1990

 

[EastLondonYid]

He is a young Carrick type imo, i have been an admirer of his for a long time, he is always available for a pass, never ruffled, keeps things ticking over, and will become a top player in a better side...I would love to have him at the Lane.

 

[Gbspurs]

He will end up with one of the bigger boys this summer definitely.

 

[jolegend]

Ive liked him for a long time. top player who will only get better.

 

[camaj]

I just watched the highlights and his two runs impressed me, we don't really have anyone that can dribble like that. On the other hand I know nothing about him other than that, so there isn't much basis for wanting to sign him