GRADING QATAR WORLD CUP 2022 KITS PART 2
When Everton snapped up Andre Gomes on loan from Barcelona in 2018 it was heralded as a coup. He went on to have a brilliant impact at Goodison Park before tailing off midway through the season.
However, Everton had seen enough. The evidence on show was worthy of Everton spending £22 million (Liverpool Echo) to make the deal permanent.
But his sale was not exactly being mourned by fans of Barcelona. They were happy to see the Portuguese go. His form at the club never matched the brilliance he often showed at Valencia. Fair enough, he is not good enough for Barcelona, not many are. However, Everton fans are now starting to see why Barcelona fans were so frustrated with Gomes.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Andre Gomes of Everton during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park on August 23, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle – Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images)
It comes down to consistency.
One week, Gomes is the perfect Premier League midfielder. Silky in possession, impactful with his passing, a real metronome in the heart of Everton’s midfield.
Then, as was the case against Brighton yesterday, he can have an off day.
When Gomes is not clicking he is a liability for Everton. Passes are sideways or astray, his effort lacking, and he gives away the silliest fouls. One of those led to Brighton’s first goal yesterday.
It is not the first time this season either. Gomes was abysmal in the defeat to Aston Villa earlier this term.
When Gomes is in the mood Everton are on fire but when he isn’t he really stinks out the joint.
Whilst nobody is expecting 10/10 performances on a weekly basis Everton fans would at least appreciate it if his bad days did not always equate to a 1/10 showing.
