Source: Liverpool_Echo
Leon Osman must find form - Everton boss David Moyes
DAVID MOYES has challenged Leon Osman to recapture the form that has made him such an integral part of Everton's squad.
Since marking his debut with a goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers in May 2004, Osman continually contributed to the club's development and has made 207 appearances.
However, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's £9m arrival from Lokomotiv Moscow has left some supporters wondering what the future might hold for Osman in terms of his starting place.
Though Bilyaletdinov is naturally left-footed, he can operate just as effectively on the opposite flank which is why questions have started to be asked about Osman.
Osman, though, is a tough character - as proven by the way he bounced back from shattering his knee cap in 2001 - and has never been put off by a challenge.
That is why his manager knows he can expect a positive response from the midfielder - his performance against SK Sigma Olomouc last Thursday was much improved - but he has urged him to not waste any time doing so.
'Bilyaletdinov can play on the right as well,' said Moyes. 'We have just needed extra in midfield. We just haven't had enough balance or enough players in those areas.
'Ossie has always been someone that we can rely on. He always starts the season off a bit rusty but when he gets his form back, he can be a really important player for us.'
