Everton legend Peter Reid criticises the current team

Peter Reid isn’t sure the current Everton team is capable of rolling up their sleeves for a scrap, but is the Blues legend right?

Watching the way Everton has struggled so far this season, has been tough going for everyone connected with the club. This includes former players, such as Peter Reid.

Reid is remembered as an integral part of the 1980s’ side, which regularly challenged for honours. In fact, as a boyhood fan, you imagine he feels the pain and frustration more than most.

However, no matter how passionate the 1985 PFA Players’ Player of the Year might be about Everton, you know he is capable of being objective in his analysis. You don’t get to manage in the Premier League, if you’re prone to being ruled by emotions and bias.

With this in mind, Reid’s words need to be heeded, when talking about the current Blues team. As he told Jim White of The Telegraph:

"“I think this Everton team is in a scrap. The team I was in could scrap. I am not sure this team can.”"

This is a damning verdict of Ronald Koeman and his players, who find themselves at the wrong end of the Premier League table after seven games. But is Reid right?

Certainly, the 61-year-old is better-qualified than most, to offer an opinion on his beloved club. In addition, there’s no denying the current squad isn’t at the same level of the team from the 1980s.

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However, you could argue it’s unfair to compare most teams around the country, to Howard Kendall’s two-time league winners. Further, we’re not convinced Everton don’t have players who are capable of getting stuck in.

Just off the top of our heads, we can think of Wayne Rooney, Michael Keane, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Idrissa Gueye. All strike us as the type of people you want in your team, when you’re preparing for a fight.

However, is it possible Reid still has a bit of the manager in him? Perhaps he’s looking for a way to motivate the current team, knowing full well they will hear what he’s said about them?

In any event, White asked the former England international what he would do if he was in charge, to get Everton back on track. Reid said:

"“I would ask them to roll their sleeves up. You get back to basics. You have to say: ‘Lads we have to make it hard for them when they have the ball’. I’d love to be part of that. I am not saying I want to be the next Everton manager, but this is what that club needs, it needs a depth of desire.”"

Of course, it’s a shame Reid is too old to lace his boots up, because you know he would be perfect for what lies ahead. Instead, it’s up Rooney, Jagielka and company to prove him wrong, while at the same time making him proud.

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What’s your take on Reid’s opinion of the current Everton side? Is he right? Or is he just looking for a way to motivate the players, given his love for the club? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.