Moyes should gather fruits of the Forest

Jan 18 2005 By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post

THOMAS GRAVESEN, a Real Madrid player? I tell you what, you'd have got good odds on that happening at the start of the season from any bookmaker in Liverpool.

Alright, so he is talented when the mood takes him, but compared to the players he will be competing against in Spain, he is far from special or a first choice.

I was surprised when it was first mooted and I am equally stunned now. Do you think I should give Madrid a call?

Still, with Gravesen gone, it leaves a hole in the Everton midfield. As well as the Dane has played this season, it is not an unfillable one though. Mr Gemini is certainly not irreplaceable.

Just remember that for long periods of his time at the club, he was a liability who was miles away from the first team. Then when his contract is winding down, suddenly he plays like a world-beater.

Regardless of the reasons for his improvement, David Moyes now has to find someone to fill his position in the team, a need made all the more pressing by so many Everton players being one yellow card away from a suspension.

I don't think anyone in the current squad has the skill to do that - with the possible exception of Leon Osman - so that means bringing someone new in.

Several names have been mentioned and they all have some merit. For instance Scott Parker, although injured at the moment, is a class player, as is Stilian Petrov, while David Thompson would certainly add some fire alongside Lee Carsley.

Moyes has always admired Sean Davis too, but he has dropped off the radar at Spurs. I would not be surprised though if the Everton manager went down a division as he did so successfully to bring in Tim Cahill.