Marco Silva embarked on a summer spending spree which was designed to facilitate the emergence of a new brand of football at Goodison Park, and so far the performances of Richarlison have been the most outstanding of the recent recruits.
Even Richarlison’s biggest critic would be forced to admit that they were wrong to question Everton’s decision to sign him for £40 million in the summer. He has rapidly silenced his doubters with a string of fine performances, with six goals from ten games providing the tangible results the Toffees were hoping for, but another of Everton’s signings has also made a profound, albeit comparatively understated impact at the club.
That man is no other than Andre Gomes – one of three players to swap charming Catalonia for Merseyside during the summer. Following a mentally troubling time at Barcelona, the opportunity to move to Everton provided Gomes with a cathartic relief which he simply couldn’t turn down.
Demons of a forgettable past have rapidly been exorcised due to the welcoming attitude of the Everton supporters, who have been impressed with his neat style of play and composure in possession. But it’s not only the Toffees faithful whom Gomes has endeared himself to thus far, as Guardian journalist Simon Burnton has also recognised his quality in his piece which pays homage to ten underrated Premier League players.
‘He is yet to reach top gear at Everton, perhaps excusable after arriving with an injury and slotting into a new team eight games into the season, but already he is already showing immense technical quality and class, and none of the self-doubt that affected his performances in Spain.’
While Gomes is still clearly lacking a level of match sharpness which will allow him to thrive in the Premier League, the early indications suggest that he will become a regular at the heart of Silva’s midfield this season.
Perfectly complementing the defensive-minded Idrissa Gueye, Gomes oozes class in a playmaker role at the heart of Everton’s midfield, with his extensive range of passing and immaculate ball control forming the foundations of his talent.
A manager of Silva’s expertise and preferred playing style needs a player like Gomes to dictate the tempo in midfield and provide a level of creative thinking which smashes through the ceiling which most players can provide, even at this level.
Like Burnton, Everton fans will be mightily impressed with what they have seen from Gomes so far this season, and it’s fair to say that the best is yet to come from the Portugal international.
Everton fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
