Ahead of Sunday’s game against Aston Villa, we reflect on some players who’ve featured for both teams.
5 – Idrissa Gueye
Our midfield metronome. Even at the age of 36, Gueye remains one of the best at what he does.
He’s been a big miss while at AFCON, so I sincerely hope Senegal win it against Morocco to justify such a long absence.
Probably best remembered for being so hard to replace, we eventually just resigned him from PSG.
4 – Lucas Digne
What I wouldn’t give for a left-back of Digne’s quality in this current squad. The Frenchman and Grealish linking up for the Toffees; sacre bleu!
We’ve got that Kopite who should never have darkened our dugout to thank for that one. And the club for sanctioning the sale, knowing that Benitez was in line for the sack. Everton, that.
Best remembered for scoring his fair share of worldies.
3 – Tim Iroegbunam
He’s had a run of games lately, has our Tim, with Idrissa Gueye at AFCON. It’s debatable whether or not he’s truly seized his opportunity. There’s been some top performances, and a couple of stinkers.
However, he’s got potential, and if he could learn to release the ball quicker, those runs from deep could be very fruitful.
It’s going to be a big second half of the season for him. There’s plenty of room for development, but cutting out needlessly surrendering possession should be job number one.
2 – Gareth Barry
An absolute Rolls Royce of a midfielder. Criminally underrated at both domestic and international level. Perhaps he’s one of those players who’s hard to appreciate how good they are unless you watch them week in, week out.
I’ll always remember that tackle he made on his debut, preventing an almost certain Samuel Eto’o goal against Chelsea. One of the best I’ll ever see.
The man could read the game like a book and rarely put in a poor performance. It’s no wonder he made 653 top-flight appearances.
1 – Jack Grealish
Everton’s top creator this season, Grealish has found a club where he can enjoy football again.
His two goals so far this season were late winners, while he’s also provided six assists. He has a tendency to dwell on the ball at times, but with little movement in the box and Mykolenko offering no help whatsoever, perhaps it’s understandable.
He’ll be up for it on Sunday, returning to his boyhood club, and he’s due a big performance.
