Kevin Campbell: Rafa Benitez believes he can get the best out of Demarai Gray
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes Everton manager Rafa Benitez is confident of getting the best out of English attacking midfielder Demarai Gray.
The former Leicester City ace has moved to Goodison Park from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for £1.7million on a three-year contract with the option for a fourth year [The Athletic].
Gray, 25, has flattered to deceive despite showing a lot of potential during his formative years.
A return to the Premier League could be the last chance he gets to prove himself, and Campbell reckons joining the Toffees could be perfect for him.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Campbell said: “Talking about last chance saloon, I think he is a talented young player. Now, the key to a young player sometimes is the right fit.
“You’ve got to have the right fit, we know of his talents, but obviously Rafa Benitez believes with that talent I can get the best out of him, and that is why managers sign players.
“Now, Last chance saloon, no I don’t think he is, especially with that talent he’s got. But I think he needs a manager who is going to believe in him, and I think that Rafa Benitez finds in him, he definitely believes.”
No doubt
Gray made his senior debut for Birmingham at just 17, ending 2013-14 as their Academy Player of the Season.
He was named the club’s Young Player of the Season in 2014-15, picking up the Goal of the Season award too.
He joined Leicester in January 2016, winning the Premier League with them at the end of the campaign, but that is the most recent noteworthy thing he has done.
Bringing him back to the top-flight is a gamble on Everton’s part after Brendan Rodgers’ side discarded him, but we believe Benitez can revive his career.
It is easier said than done, though, and the onus is on Gray to do everything it takes to succeed.
The former England youth international is not guaranteed a starting berth, and would need to work hard and deliver consistently in the attacking third if he wants to play regularly.
His time at Leicester and Leverkusen did not go as planned, and he is not getting any younger.
We know Gray is talented, but that is not enough to become a Premier League star, and we want to see if he can take this latest chance handed to him.
In other Everton news, Toffees are in hunt to sign 18-goal dazzler born in France, rival bid rejected.
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