Leon Osman Defies Critics to Remain Integral to Everton Plans
Leon Osman grabbed Everton's late winner against West Ham, scoring his 56th goal for the club in his 400th appearance.
The strike was a fitting way to cap a distinguished landmark for the midfielder, but more fitting was the way it magnified his polished overall display.
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Not for the first time in his career, Osman's presence on the teamsheet left several fans a little concerned ahead of kick-off.
Many, including myself, feared a midfield featuring the veteran as one of two central players would be far too accommodating against West Ham's diamond.
How wrong we were.
While there were times Osman was guilty of losing a midfield runner, the 33-year-old's performance was the best of any Everton player, particularly in possession.
He found space in a congested middle third of the field, linking up with those ahead of him and manoeuvring the Hammers' defence out of position.
His goal secured three points, but he was also heavily involved in all of his side's best attacking moments.
It was his pass that split the visitor's defence and enabled Seamus Coleman to find Steven Naismith, who should have scored. He then linked up with Naismith again before Ross Barkley's shot found Romelu Lukaku for the opening goal.
Finally, his ability to distort a defence was fully showcased as he craftily passed and moved his way around the final third, eventually setting up Samuel Eto'o, who should have added a third goal.
Without Osman's input, Everton barely conjured up any attacking threat of note.
In total, the midfielder had the most touches, passed with the highest accuracy, created the second-most chances and recorded the most regains of any team-mate.
He not only justified his selection; he also made the key contribution.
Modern football fans always seem to need a player to turn upon first. For Everton, it's been Osman for a large portion of his career, especially since Phil Neville's departure and Naismith's remarkable improvement.
The veteran does disappear in games, and there are times his influence is either understated or simply not there. This game, though, showed the decisive return the 33-year-old can still produce when called upon.
Roberto Martinez loves his flair players and his direct runners, but the presence of a creative player who possesses intelligence, guile and the ability to combine with others is a key part of the Catalan's approach.
It balances his team and compensates for the fluctuating input of those more explosive options.
With Steven Pienaar continually battling injury, Osman has been that player more often than not under Martinez.
He was the only Everton player to appear in every Premier League game last season. Although his appearances have been reduced this season, Saturday was another example of his value.
Not for the first time in his career—and certainly not for the last—Osman's performance proved many doubters wrong.
Statistics via WhoScored.com and TLS app (paid subscription required).
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