With a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa this afternoon, there are many players that could be singled out for having a terrific game. Ross Barkley, Romelu Lukaku, Gareth Barry and John Stones are all honourable mentions but the man we are focussing on is Gerard Deulofeu, the Catalonian dreamboat.
The winger had some part in three of the four goals, and could have had so much more if some of his imaginative through balls were latched onto. Kieran Richardson simply had no idea what to do about him, when he expected him to push it and run the line he would come inside, and the opposite the next time.
The only piece of his performance that was missing was a goal, and it nearly came on several occasions. The forward would make mazy runs into the box on several occasions, often cutting onto his left and trying his luck but was eventually snuffed out. Regardless, his pace, drive to get forward and his incredible passing ability made him man of the match for many.
Several Evertonians were joking that we don’t want Deulofeu to play so well, or Barcelona will be on the phone before we know it! There is no doubt Barcelona will be keeping an eye on the 21-year-old, but to say that he would even want to return is another aspect. Gerard has spoken out in the past of his treatment in Spain, and how the media single him out due to his apparent ego, and is clearly enjoying life in Merseyside.
After his horror loan spell at Sevilla, it seems as though Deulofeu has almost grown up, both in his attitude and in his performance levels. Evertonians will recall the wingers attitude during his loan spell, as well as his inconsistency. Of course, we saw his quality, but one second he would produce a piece of brilliance, and next he would run straight into an opposition player. He was frustrating yet brilliant, but now he is just brilliant. He now knows when to pass, when to run and when to shoot. A much more mature player than he once was and at only 21, the youngster can only get better in the next few years
With 5 goals during the international break, and another vintage performance today, the Catalan kid is becoming one of Everton’s most important players and long may it continue.
