DAVID MOYES has just about calmed down at losing Momo Sissoko to Liverpool 21 months ago. But only just.
Rafa Benitez has gone out of his way this week to deflect any criticism which might be heading the young African’s way.
Both reactions tell you all you need to know about Sissoko’s qualities.
He enjoyed an outstanding debut season in English football – despite the setback of an horrific eye injury and being forced to wear a pair of goggles that even Elton John would have considered gauche.
Then, after establishing himself as an integral and influential member of the Reds midfield, he suffered a dislocated shoulder from which he only returned two months ago.
Sissoko will undoubtedly come again. He is only 22-years-old and his best years are still ahead of him – a fact clearly recognised when his early departure from the fray at Anfield on Wednesday was accompanied by loud and sympathetic applause.
Another player on the receiving end of sympathetic applause after a premature substitution last week was James Beattie.
But, try as I might, it’s difficult to see a long-term future for the Everton striker.
It’s now a quite mind-boggling 57 weeks since he managed a goal from open play in 23 starts and 15 games as substitute.
Everton do not play to the strengths which made him an England international at Southampton, and at 29 years of age he’s a little long in the tooth to change.
When Beattie scored 24 goals for the Saints in 2002/03, he was centre stage to a couple of regular wide boys in Fabrice Fernandes and Anders Svensson.
Mikel Arteta or an overlapping Gary Naysmith are the closest Everton come to employing out and out wingers, which is why a pacy, aggressive and mobile youngster like James Vaughan looks so dangerous , while a more aerially-equipped Beattie has struggled.
Like Sissoko, Beattie will continue to give his all when he is called upon. But only one looks like enjoying a long term future on Merseyside.
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