MARK LAWRENSON: Five-man midfield suits everyone at Everton

Oct 30 2007

THE Merseyside derby seems like three months ago now.

I mentioned last week that having a midweek European game was important for getting the defeat to Liverpool out of the system and, two wins later, Everton’s mission is accomplished.

All helped in no small part by the return of Tim Cahill. Not just for what he contributes as an individual, but the system David Moyes is able to go with when he is available.

Because I feel the five-man midfield is the best one the manager can play.

Cahill and Mikel Arteta need that licence to get forward and not worry about what they’re leaving behind them.

With five in the middle Everton have the perfect platform – it’s no coincidence Cahill scored within minutes of his return and Arteta netted his first of the season at Derby on Sunday.

But ahead of them, the formation can also bring the best out of Yakubu.

He’s not an Andrew Johnson-style worker who will run the ball into corners and chase defenders.

However, he is a physical presence who can hold the ball up and bring the runners from midfield in.

He did it perfectly with that dummy for Arteta against Derby – it just proved how well the system works for them.

And I wouldn’t go changing it too much for tomorrow’s trip to Luton either.

Moyes should play a good side and, a bit like they did at Pride Park, do enough to make sure they get the win.

That will mean the last eight of a cup competition and new territory for Moyes during his Goodison reign.

A home draw at that stage and being one tie away from Wembley is a distinct possibility.

All premature maybe but one thing can definitely be said here and now.

It’s not the time to be worrying about all the extra games in Europe and in the cups. It’s time to enjoy them.