Seasons » 2015-16 » Everton News
De Boer tipped to get the best out of Stones


Having endured a chequered season in a defence that leaked a damaging number of goals under ex-boss Roberto Martinez, Stones has been the subject of plenty of speculation linking him with a move away from Goodison Park this summer.
Jose Mourinho hasn't even got his feet under the table of his Old Trafford office but there is already talk of him making a renewed effort to sign the England international after failing to land him last August.
New Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, has also been mentioned as a potential suitor as he seeks to make changes to the unusually porous defence he has inherited from Manuel Pellegrini.
Barcelona, too, could still be interested in the 21-year-old given his very Continental playing style but the elder of the two De Boer brothers has been trumpeting Frank de Boer as the ideal candidate to succeed Martinez at Goodison, particularly if the Blues want to keep hold of Stones.
The departing Ajax boss was a centre-half by trade, was capped 112 times for the Netherlands and played over 150 games for Barcelona in a glittering career.
"Frank was a type like Stones," Ronald says. "My brother never kicked the ball in the stands, never did it in his life. He was always trying to have a solution. Stones is the same and that is why he sometimes makes mistakes but that is also why people like him Frank can ever help him to get better. With his 112 caps and so many trophies, of course he can.
"Stones has to realise when to take risks or not, but you must never take away his qualities. If he now changes his game, he wouldn't be that special, because he can defend, but what makes him so exciting is that he can play from the back.
"Pep Guardiola would probably love him, a player like that. They want players like that. I know Frank likes players like that. Frank gets crazy if somebody kicks the ball out.
"Frank would never choose a player who's just defending, he would like to have a guy like Stones."
Meanwhile, another media outlet has been reporting the claim that Everton are interested in bringing Marc Overmars to Goodison in the director of football role he currently fulfils at Ajax.
The former Arsenal winger has worked alongside De Boer in Amsterdam since 2012 during which time the Dutch club twice won the Eredivisie title and finished runners-up to PSV Eindhoven in the last two seasons.
The Mirror report that Farhad Moshiri wants to create a sporting director position at Everton as part of a backroom shake-up and sees Overmars as part of that change.
Reader Comments (97)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
2 Posted 26/05/2016 at 23:23:54
3 Posted 26/05/2016 at 23:29:56
Anyhow... rumours are that we have been in talks with Emrey according to Twitter. He is my Number 1.
4 Posted 26/05/2016 at 23:32:41
5 Posted 26/05/2016 at 23:34:53
Why would Ronald be bigging-up his brother so much if a deal was already in the bag? Therefore, I take away from this that Frank and his brother don't yet believe they've got the job.
6 Posted 26/05/2016 at 23:43:48
7 Posted 26/05/2016 at 23:45:42
8 Posted 26/05/2016 at 00:04:06
Stones can dribble it well and pick a nice pass in stride. Then what?
After playing all these games, he's clueless on the basics of his position.
Stones didn't come up thru a system as "Frank" did. OFM just ran him out there to get picked on by opponents.
So, if DeBoer is the one coming, he has his work cut out for him regarding young CB John Stones.
9 Posted 26/05/2016 at 00:05:05
10 Posted 27/05/2016 at 00:06:16
11 Posted 27/05/2016 at 00:13:43
I really hope we hold onto John Stones and make him captain.
12 Posted 27/05/2016 at 00:38:57
13 Posted 27/05/2016 at 01:43:27
16 Posted 27/05/2016 at 03:05:14
17 Posted 27/05/2016 at 03:10:54
18 Posted 27/05/2016 at 03:46:53
19 Posted 27/05/2016 at 06:27:16
20 Posted 27/05/2016 at 06:57:06
21 Posted 27/05/2016 at 07:15:04
His he good enough? who knows? But he's got a very strong pedigree, and for a relative newcomer, he's already got a very Decent CV!
22 Posted 27/05/2016 at 07:19:33
Or maybe FDB is the man, and he's just taking a bit of a holiday before he takes over.
23 Posted 27/05/2016 at 07:26:33
My only hope is Bill is saying we are nuts going for a high profile manager and putting Eddie H forward or Moyes. Which is causing board tentision as everyone else tells Bill he is mad as a box of frogs.
24 Posted 27/05/2016 at 07:27:19
25 Posted 27/05/2016 at 07:34:03
I suspect he's identified who he wants and negotiations may be slow if it is De Boer or someone similar with lack of PL experience, because I would argue that there'll be a number of performance related clauses entered into any contracts.
26 Posted 27/05/2016 at 07:34:15
27 Posted 27/05/2016 at 07:57:33
He go's mad if someone just kicks the ball out of play.
Sorry there's sometime's when
Row Z is the best option.
28 Posted 27/05/2016 at 08:37:40
29 Posted 27/05/2016 at 08:46:44
These rumours that he plays the same as Martinez are not that true, his teams do not concede goals. Apart from the BS that came out of his mouth after every game if Martinez's teams could have defended he would have won games at a canter. this was his biggest problem scoring goals wasn't Martinez's problem it was at the other end. If De Boer can do both I would be happy.
30 Posted 27/05/2016 at 08:54:20
The clamour for him to move will be immense when the Manchester jousters take their seats. How much is what I am interested in...
31 Posted 27/05/2016 at 08:59:26
The Liverpool Echo were suggesting yesterday that it would take an offer of £6 million a year to lure Koeman, if that is the case then offer him £7 million.
32 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:02:20
JUST IN: The De Boer's, Jaap Stam & Dennis Bergkamp were 'Snapped' at Everton's Finch Farm today #SSNHQ #EFC #DeBoer
33 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:07:31
34 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:10:44
My (totally speculative) guess is that Emery is first pick but proving hard to extract from Sevilla and that Pellegrini and/or De Boer are the fallback options.
I would be pretty happy with any of these options, especially if De Boer brings Bergkamp and Staam, two Premiership legends.
There's no rush, its important to get the right man, so long as we have someone in by time the Euros kick off.
35 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:12:53
I would love Emery.
36 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:14:04
BPB "Langford, oh ! Those Titian locks !"
Elstone: "Well.... looks like Benitez.."
BPB "Ball ! Simply magnificent !"
Elstone "The red headed dynamo called Alan ?"
BPB (head shaking) " Gracious, No ! Michael, dearest Michael !"
Elstone "The Scouse left back ?"
BPB "Heaven forfend !"
Elstone "Mr Chairman, to return to the current issue of the managerial shortlist ? "
BPB (flutters fan distractedly) "Well if we MUST !"
Elstone "Supporters social media has thrown up a very interesting...."
BPB "Supporters dearest Robert ? Soap ! Mouth ! Away ! Away Robert ! "
Meanwhile in a boardroom far far away.....
FM "Alisher ? Box of frogs here comrade ! Utter bloody wendyhouse !"
(Several hours later)
Elstone (bubbles emerging from one nostril) " Madame Chairman, to return to the 'Managerial Agenda' ? "
BPB "David, sweetest David, bring him to me Robert ! Is he near ? Oh ! Those sweet Titian locks ! David .....?"
(Curtains).
37 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:19:59
Have we or haven't we contacted De Bore? Twitter says we have, papers say no.
I think it might be resolved by Monday.
38 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:21:56
39 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:29:35
40 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:33:59
Yer just seen that. hahaha.
41 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:34:17
42 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:38:48
43 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:41:16
44 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:42:09
45 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:44:11
46 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:44:47
Progress on Koeman's contract talks at Southampton to take a case in point.
However we have heard absolutely nothing on EFC that seems to have any basis to even call it a rumour - it is all total conjecture.
Very strange - but only at the end will we know if has been professionally handled or if we have been going through a process of total, typical EFC mishandling and we end up with Moyes.
47 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:53:27
48 Posted 27/05/2016 at 09:55:58
https://twitter.com/LauraMerrin
49 Posted 27/05/2016 at 10:16:20
If Overmars does come, I hope it's a sign, De Boer, Stam and Berkamp are on their way.
50 Posted 27/05/2016 at 10:16:25
51 Posted 27/05/2016 at 10:21:31
Think we'll find out next week who the new man is, believe there is a board meeting on 3rd June.
52 Posted 27/05/2016 at 10:24:35
No. Frank, the defender, was a much more accomplished player than Ronald, the attacking midfielder.
Frank often played sweeper. I've always found sweepers to be among the most intelligent footballers on the pitch.
53 Posted 27/05/2016 at 10:29:39
JLJ@35, interesting I didn't know that. Could well explain the delay then.
Is it bad that I'm slightly loving the uncertainty?! It feels a little like the days before Xmas. I just hope we don't unwrap our present to find a half eaten ginger nut if you know what (who) I mean....
54 Posted 27/05/2016 at 10:32:24
These rumours that he plays the same as Martinez are not that true, his teams do not concede goals. Apart from the bullshit that came out of his mouth after every game, if Martinez's teams could have defended he would have won games at a canter. this was his biggest problem scoring goals wasn't Martinez's problem it was at the other end. If De Boer can do both I would be happy.
This is spot on.
We leaked too many goals. Especially the soft, late goals which did serious damage to the player's self-belief and confidence in their own talents which in turn manifested as zero trust in the manager's methods and approach.
If De Boer brings his brand of defensive shut outs to Goodison and we kick on with our attacking approach, that would send us right back to heights of the 2013-14 season, which for me, unlucky enough to miss the 80s, is still the high water mark in terms of performances I have witnessed by an Everton side.
55 Posted 27/05/2016 at 10:45:21
The full backs do a lot more defensive work and a bit less attacking in De Boer's system (4-3-3)
With our current team:
Robles;
Coleman, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Baines;
Stones, Davies;
Barkley;
Deulofeu, Niasse, Mirallas.
I'd be tempted to play Baines in midfield and play Garbutt at left-back.
56 Posted 27/05/2016 at 10:55:38
57 Posted 27/05/2016 at 10:56:24
Futbol Agent â€@Futbol_Agent_ 11h11 hours ago
Exclusive: We understand Everton held advanced talks with Frank de Boer today. Both parties want a deal in place ASAP. #EFC
58 Posted 27/05/2016 at 11:07:59
De Boer I'm not really not sure about and all this rubbish his brother is constantly spouting sounds desperate. Stones doesn't know when to put it in Row Z, and will be leaving so it won't make a blind bit of difference to him who our new manager is.
59 Posted 27/05/2016 at 11:37:57
So our two central midfielders have the combined experience of ONE Premier League appearance in that position.
Clark OUT
60 Posted 27/05/2016 at 13:01:24
61 Posted 27/05/2016 at 13:02:41
No manager would want to come in and both of them leave. He might accept Lukaku because he's gradually making his role untenable every time he speaks. No reason why fresh faces and some investment couldn't keep Stones for another season. He didn't exactly have a stellar season so there is work to be done. Why not with us in a place he knows?
We haven't really installed Mirallas as the main man up front before as the likes of Lukaku, Kone and Jelavic have been around. Would be interested to see if that might be a striking solution although we do need back up.
62 Posted 27/05/2016 at 13:13:55
63 Posted 27/05/2016 at 13:17:18
64 Posted 27/05/2016 at 13:34:18
"He also said his brother would make Lukaku play in the reserves after what he said. He gets brownie points for that."
Is this made up?
John (29)
"These rumours that he plays the same as Martinez are not that true, his teams do not concede goals. Apart from the BS that came out of his mouth after every game if Martinez's teams could have defended he would have won games at a canter. this was his biggest problem scoring goals wasn't Martinez's problem it was at the other end. If De Boer can do both I would be happy."
The big problem for me was that the football (pass x 500) was BORING. It'd be better if we concede less, but if it's boring, no thank you. The sideways pasding drives me nuts.
Martin (33)
"For those who think they know more about defending than Frank de Boer, take a look at Eredevisie table. Only 21 conceded in 34 games - 11 fewer than anyone else. And not at the expense of attack - 81 scored, the 2nd highest in the division."
In the mighty dutch league, yeah?
Are people not worried about the no booting it in defence bit? Jags is for it!
Is Ron his spokesperson?? Getting a bit annoying relatives banging on.
I think if he was first choice, he'd be named. But I don't think we'll get Emery (but would love him) so think FDB will be the next EFC manager. Desperate to find out. Board's silence is fecking annoying!!!
PS John (48) I don't think she is attractive.
65 Posted 27/05/2016 at 13:50:25
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/518547/Frank-de-Boer-Ronald-de-Boer-Everton-Romelu-Lukaku-News-Gossip-Transfer-News-Latest
66 Posted 27/05/2016 at 13:58:21
67 Posted 27/05/2016 at 14:05:28
68 Posted 27/05/2016 at 14:14:11
But it's just so difficult not to shout and scream from the rooftops "GET ON WITH IT EVERTON", especially when there's nothing else going on to distract the ardent sports fan - the Euros haven't started, the cricket is too one-sided v Sri Lanka etc...!
2 weeks and a day since the sacking and counting...
69 Posted 27/05/2016 at 14:22:21
"it feels like the board is waiting for someone..."
All to be revealed after Saturday's CL final - Simone or Luis Enrique it is then!
(a fellah can dream, can't he..?).
70 Posted 27/05/2016 at 14:28:59
There is a rumour that if Zidane fails to win Emery is being lined up to replace him.
If RM do win then Emery may be tempted to us.
Could explain the delay?
All that's certain is nothing is certain.
71 Posted 27/05/2016 at 14:33:26
He'll have him in a shop window down Amsterdams red light district wearing nothing but a smile and an Everton hat next.
72 Posted 27/05/2016 at 14:38:22
Brilliant! And yes, I entirely understand the frisson of anticipation. By parallel, I could relate a teenage encounter etc
You are entirely correct in your fear of the "half-eaten ginger nut".
Your posting was both hilarious and startlingly accurate. My sincere admiration.
73 Posted 27/05/2016 at 14:45:01
74 Posted 27/05/2016 at 14:47:00
75 Posted 27/05/2016 at 14:56:38
Maybe Moshiri wants him to stay so that Frank can put him in the reserves. Same hymn sheet ;)
76 Posted 27/05/2016 at 15:05:24
Nice one! Sometimes the slowest players are dumped at sweeper as well.
I agree about the anticipation. With new owner/manager, few quid to spend, possibilities of big players leaving/signing, this has to be the most exciting summer I can remember (I'm 29). Could well be underwhelming, but let's complain about that later.
77 Posted 27/05/2016 at 15:27:23
TD 36 What are you on sunshine? Sounds like something that flew over the cuckoo's nest! Certainly over my head!!
78 Posted 27/05/2016 at 15:33:58
Easy really, don't know what all the fuss is all about, the board have sussed it all out, no problem.
79 Posted 27/05/2016 at 15:35:41
Jay:
"All that's certain is nothing is certain."
Agree. And humans hate uncertainty!
I'm getting frustrated with the wait, typical Everton.
80 Posted 27/05/2016 at 16:04:00
81 Posted 27/05/2016 at 16:08:08
Its getting embarrassing, imagine if he became manager his brother would be constantly at it in the press saying this saying that.
82 Posted 27/05/2016 at 16:51:40
83 Posted 27/05/2016 at 16:51:40
84 Posted 27/05/2016 at 16:58:14
The way things have gone and are going I think it will be Pellegrini. He would not be my choice due to his age but he has the necessary credentials.
85 Posted 27/05/2016 at 17:01:33
86 Posted 27/05/2016 at 18:05:19
87 Posted 27/05/2016 at 18:09:40
88 Posted 27/05/2016 at 18:36:57
It's called imagination mate.
It's what you can do when you allow your mind to stray beyond the short and narrow, "Moyesian grey lines".
Give it a go, it's a fuckin' blast !
89 Posted 27/05/2016 at 18:42:21
Unless a cat/dog runs across Oakfield Road in the meantime.
90 Posted 27/05/2016 at 19:24:40
I can't stand this deafening silence from Everton. Have we someone lined up or not? This is shit.
91 Posted 27/05/2016 at 20:15:43
93 Posted 28/05/2016 at 05:48:34
"Stones is clueless on the basics" ? . .Oh the irony
How silly will the worlds leading coaches look when they scramble for his signature this summer. If only they'd asked Jimmy the soccer fan. He'd have put them straight long ago.
De Boers refusal to kick the ball into the stand will not go down well with the Philistines. . .let alone Jagelka and Funes Mori
94 Posted 28/05/2016 at 05:59:52
95 Posted 28/05/2016 at 07:58:38
What is the big game tonight? Champions League that's what. Holding off announcing Simeone until its finished.
Read Neville's article in the Mirror. Simeone is the bad ass we need and I'm sure he would relish getting stuck in against the Manc and RS puppets.
I live in hope.
96 Posted 28/05/2016 at 08:13:34
97 Posted 28/05/2016 at 08:55:28
98 Posted 28/05/2016 at 13:38:46
His popularity was fueled by the hype of the first season. When the team functions well, Stones is the best centre-back in the Premier League. When the team fails like this season, Stones is average at best. He has tremendous potential, but as Flynn said, get the fundamentals right and he will be Barça bound in no time.
99 Posted 28/05/2016 at 19:20:31
It needed a very special boring lone forward who could hold the ball up and a completely negative 2 defensive midfielders, an anti football formation practiced by managers like Moyes with weaker squads and idiots like Martinez who had a squad who could play an alternative way. I hope that we don't get a manager who is wedded to one system and that should be a key interview question.
We should also not have a manager who like RM was blinded by the Barcelona myth of tippy tappy football. They were good not because of tippy tappy but were so good that they could tippy tappy the ball around lesser teams. There is a massive difference. Tippy tappy is idiotic football.
100 Posted 29/05/2016 at 11:33:25
“Do I have to continue with Atlético or is it the end of a cycle? I have to think about that” Simeone told a news conference."
Come on folks, fingers and toes crossed.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
1 Posted 26/05/2016 at 23:18:40