Mikel Arteta’s infuriating injury loss sparks memories of other Everton FC flair men

MIKEL ARTETA’S current injury plight could have snuffed out Everton’s brightest creative flame for a crucial period in their season.

The depressing sight of the Spaniard hobbling off the Goodison pitch last Wednesday was enough to chill the hearts of watching Evertonians.

After a season when he has largely struggled to capture his best form, the 28-year-old’s most recent performances had suggested that the man Bill Kenwright once compared to Alex Young, was back.

A star turn against Sunderland, followed by an even more sparkling destruction of Newcastle United hinted that it was only a matter of time before the song dedicated to ‘The best little Spaniard we know’ echoed around Goodison once more.

Everton supporters have been fed on a rich diet of thrilling creative players over the decades, men who have possessed the guile and ability to produce a goal out of nothing, often feeding the legendary status of that other noble Goodison breed; Number Nines.

To lift blue spirits, the ECHO decided to revisit the memories of some of the performers who shone on the Merseyside stage.

ALAN BALL: Grown men battled back tears when Harry Catterick sold Alan Ball in 1971.

A World Cup hero with Alf Ramsey’s England in 1966, Everton secured Ball’s mercurial talent from Blackpool for a fee of £110,000 shortly after the Wembley victory, at the time the costliest fee in British football. He became part of the legendary midfield ‘Holy Trinity’, with Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey, that helped Everton to the league championship in 1969/70.

Ball had a fiery temperament and an eye-popping array of skills that meant he was ever popular among the fans.

He combined courage, confidence, and a burning desire to win, with a fine touch on the ball and an eye for goal.

Sadly just two years after the success of the championship-winning season Catterick sold him to Arsenal for £220,000.

KEVIN SHEEDY: Quiet and under-stated in person, Kevin Sheedy’s renowned left foot spoke loudly enough for him.

Making the rare move from Anfield to Goodison in a £100,000 deal as a raw youngster in 1982, the Wales-born player was frustrated at the lack of chances under Bob Paisley.

It proved to be one of the smartest deals Howard Kendall ever made.

Sheedy’s potential became astounding performances, as he made the role on the left side of that legendary Eighties side his own.

The Republic of Ireland international could pass the ball smoothly and accurately and his tally of a goal almost every three games was testament to his attacking ability.

Sheedy excelled at set-pieces, lethal from 30 yards with amazing regularity, but his career was hampered by injuries which prevented him from reaching his complete potential.

He scored the third goal against Rapid Vienna in the 1985 Cup Winners’ Cup final and was a vital cog in the Everton side that cruised to the 1986/87 title.

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