Kevin Campbell: Rafa Benitez to thank for Demarai Gray flying at Everton

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 that Rafa Benitez is to thank for the flying start to life at Everton of Demarai Gray.

The winger arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for £1.7million and has scored three goals in his last three games.

Campbell believes that Gray has always had that in his locker, but needed a managers’ belief to bring out the consistency.

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Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Campbell said, “I think Demarai Gray was one of those players – you knew he had the talent.

“It was about the consistency because he can show flashes of brilliance. Now, that’s three goals in three games, he’s looked lively all season.

“I think Rafa Benitez is the one to get the best out of him, he’s flying.”

Brilliance.

Gray is showing phenomenal form this season, but it is about continuing that for more than these four games.

Benitez and his new 4-4-2 system appear to be working wonders, with the wingers critical to the success going forward.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison upfront, crosses into the box will be one of our main weapons, but Gray is thriving by scoring his own goals.

Finding the back of the net three times already is the perfect start, and hitting double figures has to be the target already.

Campbell clearly believes that is possible, and Benitez will be key to making that target a reality between now and May.

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