MARK LAWRENSON: Lescott paying price of versatility

Apr 29 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

Lescott

WHEN it comes to individual awards, Joleon Lescott pays a price for versatility.

I’m sure many Everton fans were dismayed to see the likes of Sagna and Clichy in the PFA Team of the Year, while no Everton player got a mention.

Lescott, for the goals he has scored and the dominant part he has played in Everton’s improvement this season, has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

But recognition in these cases goes to players who are more specialised in their roles. Clichy and Evra are out-and-out left-sided players whereas Lescott is seen as a centre-back and very often isn’t playing in his favoured position.

But his ability to be so adaptable will pay dividends in the long term – and should see him sweeping the board at the club awards next week.

In terms of team awards, their chances of getting into Europe will now go down to the last game of the season.

You have to assume Aston Villa will beat Wigan at home next week while Everton have the unenviable task of taking on a Arsenal side who will be desperate to give their fans something to cheer as a send-off for the season.

So the draw with Villa on Sunday makes it all the more exciting for the end of the campaign.

But the best thing about it now is I can now go to the post office and collect my tenner from the girl behind the counter who bet me that Everton would pip Liverpool for fourth!

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