Sue Smith plays down Everton top four chances
Former England international Sue Smith said that having James Rodriguez back fit is a ‘huge boost’ but that a top-four finish seems unlikely for Everton this season.
The league table shows Everton in eighth place, but if they were to win their two games in hand, they are within two points of fourth.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have looked threatening this season, and the only argument against their top-four credentials has been their home form.
On Sky Sports‘ The Football Show, Sue Smith had a similar take on the Toffees as well. She said, “When you look at the position they’re in and the games in hand, of course, you’d say they’re in with a shot, but I don’t think it will happen. Top four is a huge ask, unfortunately.
“It’s a real positive that James Rodriguez is back fit. He just improves the team. He’s a huge boost.
“Everton’s home form has let them down. They seem to struggle when the onus is on them to take the games to sides. That needs working on.”
Can James take us home?
James has been a good signing for us, but the rest of the players have been performing well in his absence.
In fact, in a number of games, we’ve looked more organised without the ball as James doesn’t contribute too much to the defensive side of things.
That being said, he gives us a different dimension going forward, and Carlo must start him whenever he’s fit.
He is one of the few players in the side capable of making something out of nothing.
Per WhoScored, the Colombian has averaged 1.7 key passes per game in the league – making him the most efficient chance creator among the Everton ranks.
He’s 14th in the overall list (per 90) and is ahead of the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan, Mo Salah and Harry Kane – all of whom have had good individual seasons.
The 29-year-old is in line to start today, and it remains to be seen whether he can impact the game in the same way as he did a week ago against Crystal Palace.
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