With Darron Gibson, Leon Osman, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Phil Neville competing for the two central midfield slots, the Belgian has been able to play in a more advanced role. It is still up for debate which position best suits Fellaini, but a return of six Premier League goals so far shows that it has been effective. A Cahill return would provide competition for this role. But would a two month loan stint to possibly sit on the bench and be brought on for the last ten minutes similarly to how Ferguson was used towards the end of his career suit either party?
3. The recall of Ross Barkley
The Wavertree born star was sent out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the season. He took a few games to settle in but a return of four goals from 13 appearances in a midfield berth is an impressive return. Moyes has decided to recall the 18-year old after it was confirmed that Phil Neville will be missing for 6-8 weeks and Darron Gibson still battling his way back to full fitness. Barkley appeared to be benefitting from first team football at Hillsborough and it would be a shame to see his progression halted purely to act as cover for Everton’s first team. The potential return of Cahill would surely see Barkley pushed further down the pecking order at Goodison and it is important that this stage of his career is not spent sitting on the bench.
4. Everton’s expansive style of play
It has been widely reported that Everton have been playing a more expansive style of football this season. In fact, at the risk of glorifying pointless stats as so often happens, David Moyes’ side have had more shots at goal than any other team in the top five leagues this season (England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France). This attacking football has been a result of some intricate play between the more creative players such as Pienaar, Baines, Mirallas, Osman, Fellaini and Jelavic. Cahill wouldn’t really suit this style of play. He thrived off late runs into the box and darts to the near post. The current style that Everton appear to have adopted would arguably be wasted on the Australian.
5. The board have to appear to be looking forward
That point should read, ‘the board have to look forward’, which of course they do. But even if they are looking to the future, bringing back Cahill would not signify this. They sanctioned a move to sign Belgian midfield general Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe in the summer only for the deal to be blocked by FIFA. Unless that money set aside has disappeared, surely a second attempt to sign Ofoe would be more beneficial in the long term for Everton Football Club. Also, looking forward doesn’t necessarily have to mean being in the market for new players (though it would be welcomed). The likes of Apostolos Vellios, Matthew Kennedy, John Lundstram, Junior Silva and Conor McAleny will be chomping at the bit for first team action and beginning to blood them into the side would surely be a better option.
There is no doubt that there is something about Tim Cahill that is different to most modern day footballers. He clearly cares a lot about Everton Football Club and his eight years of loyal service will always be remembered. Those memories should however, remain untarnished and a sentimental return would jeopardise that.
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