Originally Posted by Fortitude

Your comparisons in this thread don't make sense - none of them match the situation for Evans or Pique and you're also tending to go back almost a decade and a half to give examples. The game and the pressure to deliver now is nothing like how it was back then so comparing anything Neville did in breaking into the team to what the youngsters have to do now to break in is like the difference between night and day.

As for Richardson. He played in central midfield for West Brom. He did not play there for us, so drawing up a direct comparison and then attaching bottle, or the lack of, to it, is pointless. Maybe he would have been just as shite on the wing for them as he was for us, we have no evidence either way.

Comparing anyone to the Maldini influence over Milan is also rather pointless. The exploits of Cesare and his hand at that club bought Paolo the time others would not get. Young defenders are not trusted in Italy even if they are exceptional, for the most part. There is no question that Maldini's foot could get in the door because he was connected, well before his talent could be scrutinized. The same will go for his son should he go on to prove himself a player anything close to his dad or grandad.

You'd be best off judging Evans off the back of his own exploits to date. All your examples of other players can be strongly argued against for various reasons. If Evans is good enough he should get his chances. Full stop. He is his own man and there's no need for this 'next insert former legend' stuff you're spouting.