THE PERFORMANCE OF James McCarthy was one of the biggest talking points after Ireland’s 1-1 draw with Poland last Sunday night. The midfielder is one of the few Irish players performing at a big Premier League club and after the game Eamon Dunphy was critical of his display.
The following day he went on the radio and was even more harsh, saying that McCarthy was a ‘flop’ and ‘overrated’.
The day before the Poland game Liam Brady questioned the Everton man’s passion for playing for Ireland and last night John Giles made it three RTE pundits from three on the Off The Ball show.
“I think McCarthy is gifted with a lot of ability, but he doesn’t impose himself,” Giles said.
“It’s no good having the ability on the field if you’re not going to impose yourself. When you’re playing in that midfield position you have to demand the ball.
“He lets the game pass him by. So all the ability he has is not being used.”
Giles also disagreed with Everton manager Roberto Martinez’s view that McCarthy is a dominant force when playing for his club.
“Next time you’re watching Everton play look how many times the ball is in and around McCarthy and he’s pointing for the player on the ball to give it to somebody else,” Giles said.
“Where he should be the man demanding it himself to dictate the game.”
For years McCarthy was a favourite of pundits and fans when Giovanni Trapattoni refused to pick him but now that he is in the team, it is interesting to see how opinions have turned.
Do you agree with the RTE panel’s view of McCarthy?
