Goodison Stats: Gomes shines for Everton against Southampton
Andre Gomes first joined Everton on a season-long loan from Barcelona for the 2018/19 season, and it quickly became evident that the club needed to sign him on a permanent basis.
Gomes made the permanent transition the following summer and since then his Everton career has been marred by inconsistency, with a fracture dislocation to his right ankle last season not helping matters.
This year he has seen his form ebb and flow, with his technical display against Southampton on Monday ranking as one of his stronger performances.
Everton claimed a 1-0 win over Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints side at Goodison Park, courtesy of a first-half strike from Richarlison, and Gomes played a major role in the home side’s victory.
According to stats collated by WyScout, Gomes made 38 passes for a 92% success percentage, while he achieved a 100% success percentage in long passes [5] and dribbles [3].
The Portugal international has occasionally found himself on the receiving end of fan criticism this season, but performances like the one against Southampton show just why he remains an important figure on Merseyside.
Playing alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan in Everton’s midfield, Gomes is relied upon to be the creator. Doucoure handles the energy and leg-work needed in that area, while Allan acts a spoiler by breaking up play. Gomes meanwhile is required to flex his creative muscles.
In only having a single shot on target, Everton didn’t exactly create a plethora of chances against Southampton, but they were able to utilise their midfield trio to retain possession for large periods of the game and keep momentum ticking along.
Gomes might no longer be an essential starter for Ancelotti, but he is still someone whose presence in the Everton squad is needed and appreciated.
In other Everton news, Ancelotti explains that owner Farhad Moshiri has no bearing on team selection.