Everton’s loss to Burnley was difficult to take in every possible way, and one player who could have made an impact was left sitting on the bench.
Bernard missed the game against Manchester City through an illness, and he couldn’t find his way onto the field against Burnley, as he was forced to sit and watch his side fall to a fourth consecutive loss in the Premier League.
The Brazilian has arguably been one of the best performing players for the club this season so far, which explains why many fans questioned Marco Silva’s final roll of the dice being Andre Gomes against the Clarets and not the attacker.
Since signing on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer, it feels as it Bernard doesn’t get the credit he deserves for the Toffees.
Many fans believe his ability isn’t in doubt though, with several fans suggesting that he should be one of the first names on the team-sheet. Taking to social media, a number of fans discussed Bernard’s importance to this Everton team, and there were a mixture of responses.
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 Bernard looks pretty on the ball, zero end product, not good enough (@stevepalin1)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 Mina is our best player (@kodeyyybrownnn)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 what does he actually offer. bang average (@wearethetwins)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 100% this. Should be one of the first names on the team sheet every time. (@miditheblue)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 Digne plays far better with Bernard (@GraemeMcV)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 Him and Digne have such a great understanding of each other on that left side, really don’t get wh… https://t.co/2xGBvAE9Im (@EvertonLuke_)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 1 goal and 0 assists in the last 10 months so for all the fancy touches he has no end product. (@ste_reeves)
Read Everton Verdict
I’m not sure I’d commit to agreeing that Bernard is the best player at the club apart from Lucas Digne, but I would agree that he needs to start.
In my view, Alex Iwobi, Bernard and Richarlison should be starting across the attacking line behind the striker most weeks. We need that additional creative spark and that burst of energy in behind the striker, and Bernard offers that, goal and assists aside.
Everton are more of a threat with Bernard in the team than with him on the bench, and for me he has to start.
