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).

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.

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!