Darren Bent rips into underperforming Everton midfielder
Fabian Delph’s transfer from Manchester City to Everton last summer was, at the time, heralded as a fine bit of business by the Merseyside club.
For the England international, too, it seemed like an ideal switch, allowing him to free himself from the left back shackles of Pep Guardiola and return to his native central midfield position.
However, things simply haven’t worked out the way anyone hoped. The veteran has struggled to find top form at Goodison Park, while his battles with niggling injuries have been frustrating as well.
If the 30-year-old was expecting some sympathy from a fellow former Aston Villa man in Darren Bent, though, he will have been sorely disappointed.
“I don’t think he’s hit the heights, the standards that we’ve seen from him,” he told Football Insider.
“Obviously a great player at Manchester City, did really well for them but was asked to do a lot less at Manchester City because obviously [they are] a dominant team. At Everton he’s been exposed a little bit.
“I’m sure Ancelotti’s watching the situation, evaluating all these players and assessing where they can go, who’s there to stay and who maybe he wants to move on. I think at the minute they’re all having to do their bit.”
Has Delph really been exposed this season?
Well, in terms of the raw numbers he certainly has been. He is down in average passes, pass success rate, shots, tackles, interceptions and clearances per game this season compared to his last with City.
His influence – bringing with him the winning mentality so evident at the Etihad – has been far from what was anticipated.
So overall he’s certainly disappointed. Exposed is a harsh word, because there have been plenty of other under-performers at Goodison, but Delph’s definitely not been at his best.
In other Everton news, the supporters have ripped into one Toffees starter against Newcastle United on Tuesday.