For what seems like forever, Everton have looked a team capable of breaking into the Premier League top-six. The Toffees have a fantastic history and now have decent financial backing from Billionaire owner Farhad Moshiri.
Some predicted that this season would be the one for the Merseysider’s to break into that relative elite group of teams. However, Marco Silva’s side has shown all sides of their game in the Premier League this season.
On Sunday, they showed good spirit to see-off Wolves 3-2 at Goodison Park to head into the international break sixth-place in the league. Brazilian forward Richarlison may receive the plaudits for a brace, but one of the key players in the victory was midfielder Fabian Delph.
▶️ | Fortress Goodison! 🏰1️⃣ for @alexiwobi2️⃣ for @richarlison973️⃣ points for the Blues! #EVEWOL pic.twitter.com/uwPzBZhhJt— Everton (@Everton) September 1, 2019
▶️ | Fortress Goodison! 🏰1️⃣ for @alexiwobi2️⃣ for @richarlison973️⃣ points for the Blues! #EVEWOL pic.twitter.com/uwPzBZhhJt
The former Manchester City player was simply everywhere for the Toffees. According to boss Silva, Delph was not the replacement for the outgoing Idrissa ‘Gana’ Gueye, but he played the Senegalese’s role against Wolves.
🔥 | Here, there, everywhere...Fabian Delph, the enforcer with a cool head! #EVEWOL @Davanti_Tyres #PerformanceDriven pic.twitter.com/iCST2Hvw51— Everton (@Everton) September 1, 2019
🔥 | Here, there, everywhere...Fabian Delph, the enforcer with a cool head! #EVEWOL @Davanti_Tyres #PerformanceDriven pic.twitter.com/iCST2Hvw51
Delph played the role of more than just a destroyer though. The experienced midfielder used the ball well and maybe most importantly of all used his leadership skills to help get the Toffees over the line.
Some would argue that Everton have lacked a player with Delph’s leadership in recent seasons. The 29-year-old is a good example of a player whose technical ability is often underrated due to the fact that he is so versatile and can be physical.
He was not always a regular starter at former club City. However, Citizens boss Pep Guardiola was a big fan of the former England international. The versatile star left the men from Manchester in search of more regular first-team football.
The Toffees have a number of central midfielders in their squad in the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Andre Gomes and Tom Davies, so Delph has a bit of competition for a starting place.
Sunday’s win against Wolves was Delph’s first league start for the Toffees, due to injury. If his display against Santo’s team is anything to go by, then the midfielder could have a key role to play in helping the Merseysider’s achieve their main objective this season.