When Darron Gibson was signed by David Moyes for £500k in January 2012 there was a definite division on Evertonians over the Irishman’s use in an emerging team. Forums were awash rumours with comments ranging from “Eeez onli got a shot la”, “Eee cudn’t even get in Fergies team”, “eees not gud enuff” to “In Moyes we trust”, “He will do well with a run of games behind him” and “You don’t lose with Gibbo in the team”. Sir Alex Ferguson even opted to bring Paul Scholes out of retirement than keep hold of Gibson.
It’s fair to say that at United, Gibson was a bit part player. He would play every few games, score a wonder goal from 30 yards and then be rotated until he was on TV for a champions league match (without a run of games) that would make him look poor. The underlying and somewhat brilliant fact though was that with Gibbo in the team United rarely lost.
This stat was brought into the blue of Everton and it’s fair to say that with him anchoring the midfield, his team very rarely loses. He is the type of midfielder that goes unnoticed, until he thwacks a 30 yard lightening bolt and then everyone sits up and notices. Other teams say he is crap, but with him in the team you start to notice the brilliant technique, the hungry attitude and the sublime passing. I’ll say it now, Everton fans should be grateful to have a player like Gibson in the team. He is a winner.
The longer he has been at Everton, the better his fitness has become and the better he plays. The lad has an engine. Injuries are still a problem, but hopefully his impending marriage (he is on his stag do at the moment) and having the summer off and then back into a strong pre-season will help him.
Looking at the overall picture, the importance of Darren Gibson to the Everton side is clear – We are a much better team with him in it. He links up the midfield and defence perfectly and is not scared to put his foot in when needed. He also finds the attacking players with ease, meaning players like Super Kevin Mirallas can make darting runs and they will know that the ball will find them.
Having looked around at some of the prices for midfielders going, it’s fair to say that Everton got Gibson for a snip at £500k and even at the top end cost of £2.5m they will still have a bargain.