With the recent injuries to Fabian Delph and Jean-Phillipe Gbamin, it has become more evident that Everton’s midfield options lie thin.
The departure of Idrissa Gana Gueye, who was arguably Everton’s best player during the 18/19 campaign thanks to his extensive performances, didn’t help and his exit has left a significant hole in the middle of the park. Andre Gomes’ most recent performance away to Aston Villa can only be described as agonising with both Tom Davies and Morgan Schneiderlin coming under severe criticism over recent weeks.
Our second summer signing saw the arrival of Fabian Delph from Manchester City. The 29-year-old has an impressive CV, having won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three League Cups with the Cityzens. This choice of recruitment appears to be one that aims to bring experience within the dressing room, providing competition both in central midfield and at left-back.
Since Marco Silva’s appointment as Everton Manager in May 2018, the boss has opted to play two central midfielders behind Gylfi Sigurdsson. Most prominently, these roles were filled by Andre Gomes and Idrissa Gueye during the majority of the 18/19 season. However, this summer led to the departure of the highly rated Senegalese midfielder to PSG. He left the club boasting the highest tackling stats since his arrival in the Premier League in 2013.
This loss prompted the arrival of Jean-Phillipe Gbamin who, at first, was seen as Gueye’s replacement. However, on seeing him play, it’s clear that he brings something different to the team with his physicality being more influential in the play.
With Andre Gomes, JP Gbamin and Fabian Delph, it leaves both Morgan Schneiderlin and Tom Davies as cover options.
It can be argued that criticism over Schneiderlin in recent weeks has been unfair, as statistics show he has been a solid addition to the squad when called upon. As for Tom Davies, the homegrown talent has struggled for game time under Marco Silva. The England Under-21 international possesses raw talent and has so far failed to showcase his skills when given the opportunity to do so. It’s yet to be determined whether the youngster will flourish under the reign of Silva.
With Andre Gomes yet to hit the form we know he’s capable of, JP Gbamin injured for ‘at least eight weeks’, Fabian Delph only just getting fit again and Morgan Schneiderlin and Tom Davies only being used sporadically, Everton’s midfield options are proving to be a headache for Marco Silva.
Leading to question whether our midfield options are good enough for Everton to be challenging for a top 6 spot this season.
