Martin Keown: Everton playmaker pushing to start v Palace ahead of Andre Gomes
Martin Keown has suggested that Everton winger Bernard is pushing for a starting spot against Crystal Palace.
The Brazilian was pushed into a playmaker role in the Carabao Cup clash against Fleetwood in the 5-2 victory in Lancashire.
Bernard scored and delivered a beautiful assist for Richarlison’s first goal and consistently tormented Fleetwood throughout the game.
Keown has suggested that Andre Gomes may need to drop out for Bernard, who can help bring the best out of Richarlison further down the line.
“Everton’s front three is set in stone but there is competition for places elsewhere in their 4-3-3, particularly in midfield,” he wrote for the Daily Mail.
“Gomes might not be defensive enough and Abdoulaye Doucoure got used to roaming at Watford and now needs to show more discipline. Doucoure is a great signing but Grady Diangana was allowed to run through unopposed to open the scoring for Albion.
“Allan’s spot seems safe, but Bernard’s midweek performance at Fleetwood suggested he is pushing to start, potentially ahead of Gomes.”
Carlo Ancelotti is giving himself headaches at the beginning of this season, but that is exactly what he would have wanted.
Last season, the Toffees were struggling too much in the Premier League and had little to no depth in their squad.
Now, their bench is packed with those players who were guaranteed starts last season, and that seems to have benefitted Bernard immensely.
It’s easy to get carried away against Fleetwood, but he controlled the game superbly and certainly gave Ancelotti something to think about.
In other Everton news, Sky Sports pundit slams Toffees mainstay after midweek disaster