Alan Hutton has been left slamming Salomon Rondon as he has failed to make a real impact since signing for Everton.
The Lowdown: Rondon struggling
Rondon has not really hit the ground running at Goodison Park so far, failing to score in any of his three appearances in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).
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He was criticised by some Merseyside club fans for his performance in the 3-0 loss away at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday evening, as he had to fill in up top for the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The Latest: Hutton on Rondon
Speaking to Football Insider, former Aston Villa and Rangers right-back Hutton has not been impressed by Rondon’s start to life under Rafa Benitez, and suggested that he does not look fit:
“It’s a huge ask. He doesn’t quite look up to speed, yet, for me.
“For Everton, as any team, if you take out Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Pickford, you’re going to be a lot worse off.
“Taking your top players out, it’s going to be difficult. Rondon, I think, is a decent replacement if Calvert-Lewin is injured. I don’t think he’s playing at the level where he wants to be.
“He looks a yard off the pace. It’s difficult for him. They’ll be desperate to get Calvert-Lewin back, he’s a huge player for them.
“Rondon’s going to have to work harder to get to a level where he needs to be.”
The Verdict: More time needed
Of course, it is very early in his Toffees career, and so Rondon needs to be given more time.
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If he can improve on his fitness and match sharpness, then he could certainly turn out to be a useful weapon, whether he is starting in the absence of Calvert-Lewin or coming on as an impact substitute.
Nonetheless, the Venezuela international has proven that he can score goals in the Premier League, and his time will surely come with a little bit of patience.
In other news, find out what transfer news has Blues raging here!
