Everton fans, with how frustrating and disappointing recent times have been, are often forced to reminisce about a happier past.
David Moyes’ tenure at Goodison Park was lengthy and largely successful, but there was never much danger of them threatening for European spots or regular trophies. Not with the lack of investment.
However, with the more contemporary horrors lived under Farhad Moshiri‘s reign, the Scotsman’s tenure is now looked back on with overwhelming fondness.
And with good reason, given the plethora of cult heroes forged under his watch.
Steven Pienaar. Leighton Baines. Yakubu. Marouane Fellaini. This is just a tiny selection of a sprawling list of names, but it was arguably under Roberto Martinez, especially in his first season, where excitement reached an all-time high.
Gerard Deulofeu sends message to Evertonians
The closest they have come to Champions League football in just under two decades now, it was quite remarkable how the Spaniard moved to Goodison Park and just instantly got it.
Fans loved him, and the football he played was breathtaking, made even more impressive by how shrewd the business done under him was.
One particular addition, Gerard Deulofeu, remains a revered figure to this day for his magical exploits in Royal Blue.
The fact that he continues to send messages to the fanbase even now, seven years after his departure, speaks volumes about this relationship.
This latest one was just seven words long, as he took to X to pen a response to a compilation made of his time at Everton.
Detailing his best bits and well worth a watch, he would respond: ‘I really enjoyed spending time with you.’
Everton would love a winger like Gerard Deulofeu now
Joining from Barcelona, initially on loan in 2013, a modest six goal contributions in his debut campaign in the Premier League offered just a glimpse of his talent before he would finally join permanently in 2015.
Eight assists and two goals marked a fairer reflection of the magic that Evertonians knew he had, but it was arguably in the EFL Cup that year where the Spaniard shone brightest.
Two goals and three assists in just six matches as they were narrowly and controversially toppled by Manchester City in the semi-finals, many Evertonians still fondly remember their quarter-final trip to Middlesbrough where he dazzled the defence with a special goal and assist.
Direct and pacy, he is exactly what Sean Dyche‘s side are missing. What they would give to have someone of his quality in the current squad.
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