Goodison News View: Praise from BBC pundit shows Everton ace is main man
Whenever you consider who the most important Everton player is your mind tends to go towards Lucas Digne, Mason Holgate or Richarlison.
Digne has been a model of consistent excellence at left back for some time now, while the Brazilian is arguably the most talented player at the club. Meanwhile, Holgate has really emerged as a top player this season.
However, there is another Toffees star who is perhaps the key to making the whole team tick.
Yes, that’s right, Bernard. The mercurial playmaker is a magnificent footballer who is one of the most creative footballers at Goodison Park.
He scored against Crystal Palace in the Toffee’s 3-1 victory last time out, and was rightly recognised in Garth Crooks’ Premier League Team of the Week for his efforts.
“If you’re going to make your 50th appearance memorable, then why not do it with a glorious finish,” he wrote on the BBC Sport website.
“The ball from Theo Walcott was superb but the goal by Bernard against Crystal Palace was an exquisitely taken side-foot volley.
“Interestingly enough, the Brazilian’s recent performances are in tandem with Everton’s resurgence in form.”
That last sentence from Crooks is the interesting one. Everton have done better recently now that Bernard is back in the fold.
His last four WhoScored ratings stand at 7.42, 6.03, 7.56 and 7.38. Apart from that dud against West Ham, he has been terrific. Plus, he’s got a goal and an assist in his past two games.
The 27-year-old is rounding into form nicely, and it’s clear that Carlo Ancelotti values what he brings to the party.
There’s simply no-one as creative, no-one who plays in between the lines so well, as Bernard in this Everton squad. That’s why he’s a key man for Ancelotti.
In other Everton news, a report has revealed what the club are looking for in their next shirt sponsor.