---
title: "Flashback: Fabian Delph has been underwhelming at Everton since his arrival in 2019"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/flashback-fabian-delph-has-been-underwhelming-at-everton-since-his-arrival-in-2019/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Uways Nisar"
section: "Everton"
published: "2020-03-25T09:05:29Z"
modified: "2020-04-05T09:19:39Z"
---

# Flashback: Fabian Delph has been underwhelming at Everton since his arrival in 2019

***According to notable transfer expert [Duncan Castles](https://twitter.com/TransferPodcast/status/1242005367346860032), this summer’s transfer window is likely to be a ‘depressed’ one compared to previous years amid the current suspension to football, largely around the world. With that in mind and the fact there’s nothing to give us a footballing fix, the Transfer Tavern are doing their best to remind their readers how some of their club’s fans reacted to the biggest signings of*** ***this season in order to focus on what’s been before us, rather than the uncertainty ahead.***

When Fabian Delph made the move from [Manchester City to Everton](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48998009), there was a feeling among some of the supporters that he would bring a load of experience. After all, he had just joined the club having won back-to-back Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola, making the expectations quite realistic.

> Experience and leadership. What we need. Welcome and enjoy the ride kid.
>
> — willfman (@willfman) [July 15, 2019](https://twitter.com/willfman/status/1150871407372492803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Important signing this that only small minded people wont understand.
>
> — Joe (@JoeEFC\_1878\_) [July 15, 2019](https://twitter.com/JoeEFC_1878_/status/1150870861458694144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Very smart signing this.
>
> — bladder (@TyroneHollow) [July 15, 2019](https://twitter.com/TyroneHollow/status/1150870722300010499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Great signing a proper winner he will bring so much!!
>
> — Garyegerton (@Garyegerton1) [July 15, 2019](https://twitter.com/Garyegerton1/status/1150871280717127680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Get in, you shiny-headed tank.
>
> — dogs are better than people (@anorthernstorm) [July 15, 2019](https://twitter.com/anorthernstorm/status/1150871446186598400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Great appointment… Skills and leadership qualities. Just need to keep fit. At the transfer price we got him, a very good bit of businesse indeed!
>
> — アンドレ・ウォン (@Drooberius) [July 15, 2019](https://twitter.com/Drooberius/status/1150878747454627842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Great signing. It will prove invaluable to have someone at the club who has experienced a winning changing room at the highest level.
>
> — Mike Ode (@Mike\_Ode) [July 16, 2019](https://twitter.com/Mike_Ode/status/1150989403143266304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

However, the move has proved to be a pretty underwhelming one, especially for a player who enjoyed trophy-laden success prior to his move to Goodison Park. Having started the season out as a regular under Marco Silva, he picked up an injury, [as has been the norm throughout his career](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-delph/verletzungen/spieler/50362), and was subsequently left out of the team following his return. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the England international has started just [seven of the last 12 Premier League](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-delph/leistungsdaten/spieler/50362) as he’s struggled to hold on to a regular place in the side.

His performances haven’t exactly been easy on the eye either with Delph struggling in the middle of the park. The £13.5m-rated, [as per Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-delph/leistungsdaten/spieler/50362), midfielder averages the joint-fourth most fouls for the Merseysiders, proving to be incredibly rash despite his vast experience, [as per WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/31/Show/England-Everton). He almost cost the side back in February after being sent off in their late win over [Watford](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51246503).

Former Arsenal man [Perry Groves](https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1192768729073012738) didn’t hold back in his assessment of Delph after he was included in England’s squad back in November, claiming he was a ‘waste of a position’. After [185 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-delph/leistungsdaten/spieler/50362) in the top-flight of English football, you’d expect more from the Englishman. However, he has been underwhelming thus far and will need to perform better to win a permanent spot in the side.

***Everton fans, do you think Delph has met expectations this season? Let us know your thoughts below!***