European allure key to keeping talismanic Dane

Dec 28 2004 By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post

I REMEMBER David Moyes telling me that of all the players he's ever had, the one he's had most enquiries about is Thomas Gravesen.

That's enquiries from other managers - some of them Serie A managers - wondering about the availability of Everton's wild-eyed talisman.

Even if it may have been hard to understand such a high level of interest in previous seasons, it would seem perfectly normal this campaign such has been Gravesen's superb form - form that led Alan Irvine to describe him as one of the finest talents in the Premiership on Sunday.

The truth is there's always been the ability there. There's never been any doubting the talent. But in previous years, watching Gravesen has been like watching someone almost playing against himself.

Part of the reason for his consistency this season is that Moyes's system of playing allows him more freedom.

But he's also finally channelling the aggression that has all to often in the past seen him too regularly mixed up in referee-baiting. I've always felt he plays like children do in the school playground - he just chases the ball around wherever it goes. As long as he does that and doesn't stop off to have a few arguments on the way, then he's a much better player.

Of course the big fear now is that such a crucial player for Everton may be a crucial player for another club come next season.

Look at Steve McManaman and Sol Campbell - there's always a danger players can go and until they commit to a new deal then you never know. David Moyes will be half expecting the call to say he's signed a pre-contract agreement with another club.

The problem is there's only so much you can do as a football club. You can make the player an attractive offer, but you've got to draw the line somewhere.

Every player likes to be wanted, and Graves-en's agent will probably be telling him every day that x, y and z are interested in him.

I still don't think Gravesen will be in any hurry to sign, however, whether at Goodison or anywhere else.

He'll probably hang on to the end of the season, weigh up the situation and then make his decision.

I'm sure if Everton have a place in the Champions League then that could prove very difficult for him to resist.

And, of course, it is the Champions League that is becoming more of a possibility with every three-point haul. Like a juggernaut going downhill, Everton just keep on chalking up the wins and Sunday's victory over Manchester City was very, very good.