Ancelotti believes Gbamin can be a ‘top midfielder’ for Everton
Carlo Ancelotti believes that Jean-Philippe Gbamin can become an important player for Everton in the future following his long-awaited return from injury.
The Ivory Coast international midfielder came off the bench as a second half substitute against Crystal Palace on Monday, marking his first taste of action in 597 days.
Signed from Mainz for £25million in 2019, the 25-year old played just twice and has started just one game before suffering the first of a long string of injuries that kept him on the sidelines.
Now that Gbamin has finally made his return for the Toffees, Ancelotti has been full of praise for the midfielder who he believes could become a “top midfielder” in the future.
Talking to evertontv, Ancelotti expressed his hope that Gbamin can play a major role for Everton in their final nine games of the season.
The Italian coach said: “Jean-Philippe has a great desire to play.
“He is training now normally with the others, showing good quality. He can play without any problems, I think.
“He is a good guy. He is calm and focused. He has all the qualities – technically and physically – of a top midfielder.
“This season we have to be patient with him. He was out for a long time. But he is here, and he is working well. He will be important for us.
“With a strong character, he can be a top midfielder in the future.”
Though it was frustrating to see Everton waste a chance to make up ground on the top four against Palace, Gbamin’s return was a welcome highlight.
Gbamin hasn’t just been out of action for over 18 months, he has always been repeatedly denied the opportunity to return, coming close to fitness on a number of occasions before a late hiccup would rule him out for even longer.
Everton spent a sizeable amount of money on Gbamin in 2019 for a reason, namely because the club believe he has the sort of talent that we want to see at Goodison Park, and now hopefully we’ll get the chance to see him attempt to show that.
Given Everton’s injury issues, Gbamin could certainly prove vital for the Blues in the final nine games of the season. Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan are both out, while Andre Gomes was substituted in the first half against Palace due to injury.
Gbamin’s future is what remains of paramount importance, and hopefully we’ll get to see him develop and grow next season, but he could well have a chance to stamp his authority on Ancelotti’s side before the current campaign draws to a close.
In other Everton news, Carlo Ancelotti has shared an injury update on key Everton duo following the draw with Palace.
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