One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
A fine Euro 2016 campaign put Andre Gomes – than a Valencia player – under the spotlight and it wasn’t too long before Barcelona came knocking on the door with €35 million in the bag.
High expectations were placed on the Portuguese midfielder’s shoulders at the time but the pressure was too big for him. Gomes crumbled underneath it, widely failing to impress and justify the price tag, ultimately forcing the Catalans to get rid of his services.
Move to Everton – Right Decision
Two seasons into his life at Camp Nou, Andre Gomes was shipped out on a loan deal to Everton. The Premier League was always going to be a stern test of his qualities but at the moment the English top tier is proving to be just the playing ground the talented midfielder needed.
Having overcome an injury that kept him on the sidelines all the way up to October, the 25-year-old is slowly becoming a difference maker for Everton and the Toffees fans have every right to feel excited ahead of the 232nd Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Everton are given a huge 8/1 price to emerge victorious from their trip to the red part of Liverpool and plenty will depend exactly on Andre Gomes if Toffees are to pull their first away Merseyside derby win since 1999.
The Barcelona-owned midfielder has had a huge impact in recent weeks for Everton. His flying form is making Gomes a fan favourite already – after only five Premier League appearances. The influence he’s had is beginning to spark talks of a permanent deal with the Goodison-based club but such whispers are premature to say the least as Gomes has yet to display a much-needed consistency.
Silva’s Seamless Introduction
Andre Gomes is a player that fits perfectly into the style of football Marco Silva has introduced at Everton. Ever since his debut in Everton’s 2-0 home win over Crystal Palace, Andre Gomes has been a constant presence in the Toffees starting line-up.
His seamless introduction into the Everton commanding midfield role has helped the club move into the top-six of the Premier League and with a huge game at hand this weekend, another supreme performance could even earn him a cult status with the Everton most faithful.
Silva’s introduction has resulted in dominance in possession, which further allowed Gulfy Sigurdsson more room going forward and freedom in bursting through towards the goal. At the same time, Silva’s defensive qualities – in partnership with Idrissa Gueye – in protecting the back line commanded by another newbie Yerry Mina have given the Everton forward line a sense of protection.
What’s more, Silva is making attacking contributions as well. Even though he has yet to score his first goal for Everton, the former Valencia and Barcelona man is increasing his shooting rate. His exploits in the final third have become more ambitious which is speaking volumes of the midfielder’s growing confidence.
What Does the Future Hold?
Andre Gomes is the epitome of Marco Silva’s style which allows him to show quality on the ball and display his ability to take the team forward when in possession. The Portuguese international has yet to make it a consistent trait of his in order for Everton to consider making his deal permanent but the signs are more than positive.
Marco Silva has no doubts in regard to his compatriots quality and potential to shine at Everton. He is said to have already made up his mind on Silva’s future and is not hiding it.
“I think in the right moment we have to do something to achieve one player like Andre. We have time to do that. We are happy with him, he is enjoying the moment here and I don’t think it is a good moment to talk every week because it’s better they (Barcelona) forget a little bit about Andre”, Marco Silva said recently.
Everton do not have an option to make Andre Gomes’ loan deal permanent and he is supposed to get back to Barcelona once his loan deal concludes. The Toffees will have to discuss a transfer separately and it remains to be seen whether Ernesto Valverde is prepared to give up his man altogether.
The Catalans’ recent transfer activities – Arthur and his rapid emergence for once – point out towards the idea that Barcelona would try to offload Gomes at the end of the season and that will be the music to Everton fans’ ears.
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