Everton’s five-game unbeaten streak under Carlo Ancelotti was put to an end by Arsenal at the weekend, as the Gunners overcame their opponents 3-2. However, the match marked the return of Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes, who made his comeback 108 days after sustaining a horrific injury against Tottenham Hotspur in November. Incredibly the Toffees playmaker missed just 17 games in total, and after the match, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson lauded the 26-year-old with praise.
What did he say?
Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson said: “It’s just brilliant to see, it was such a horrific injury on the eye and for the player as well.” The ex-England international added: “It shows the man’s resilience his willingness and toughness to get back because he could have quite easily taken a long time or not even come back from that injury. It just shows the application, determination and mental strength of the man.
Gomes’ timely Toffees return
Gomes, rated £25.2m (Transfermarkt), was one of Everton’s most influential assets at the beginning of the Premier League campaign, as the Toffees teetered narrowly above the relegation zone around the time he sustained the injury. As per WhoScored, only Fabian Delph has averaged a higher number of passes 48.8, than Gomes’ 39.8, with an accuracy of 84.1 per cent from the Everton midfield. The Portuguese midfield general has been running Everton’s midfield since arriving from Barcelona, and as Ancelotti attempts to push his side towards a European place, the midfielders return to action is incredibly timely.
Considering the rapid turnaround of the midfielder’s return the fact he was able to play 32 minutes against Arsenal was undoubtedly impressive. Once more he was outstandingly assured in possession, as per WhoScored, retaining a phenomenal 92.6 per cent accuracy from his 27 passes, with three of his five long balls finding a teammate. Considering he was introduced to the game midway through and had to adapt to the tempo, Gomes’ gave absolutely no indication what so ever that he is short of match fitness. Based on his display, the midfielder is a candidate to start Everton’s crucial next game against Manchester United.
