da gbg bet： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
da dobrowin： Former England international Darren Bent has heaped the praise on Fabian Delph and spoke of his importance now that Andre Gomes is sidelined.
What did he say?
Delph signed for Everton for £10m in the summer transfer window and has since been a decent addition to the Blues. The club may have been struggling this Premier League season, but the former Aston Villa man has proved to be a smart buy and could become an integral player in Gomes’ absence.
Bent told Football Insider: “Gomes is no longer there and even though Delphy is not a creative midfielder by any stretch of the imagination, he can create but that’s not his game.
“He’s experienced enough to go: ‘You know what, I know what needs to be done.’ He’s played in title-winning sides, he’s played in the Champions League, he’s played in so many big games in his career they’re lucky are Everton they’ve got someone of his calibre there.
“He brings that leadership quality and that is a character that you just can’t teach. A lot of guys haven’t got that.”
Proven experience
At Manchester City, the versatile midfielder proved to be of great importance to the side during the club’s two Premier League title wins. In 2017/18 when City steamed to 100 points, Delph played in 22 league games for the Citizens, registering two assists and a goal.
The Englishman would also go onto play in 16 Champions League matches for City, and therefore brings with him experience not many other Everton men can boast.
Gomes himself is experienced at the highest level, coming to Merseyside off the back of 78 appearances for Barcelona and 78 for Valencia. Now, it is essential Delph works alongside Tom Davies in the centre of the pitch to help keep things solid in Everton’s midfield.
The 29-year-old’s experience and proven track record will be vital in this tough period for the Toffees.