Patrick Boyland: Salomon Rondon looked off pace v QPR
Everton lost 8-7 on penalties after being held to a 2-2 draw by Queens Park Rangers in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, with Salomon Rondon unimpressive.
The summer signing started the game in the absence of the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but he was not able to influence proceedings.
With the game level at 2-2 and with 17 minutes still to play, Rafa Benitez took Rondon off for Demarai Gray.
The Venezuelan striker, 32, has not hit the ground running at Goodison Park, and The Athletic journalist Patrick Boyland shared what he noticed about him during the game.
He posted on his personal Twitter account on Tuesday night: “Not much sticking with Rondon at all.
“Still looks off pace – hardly surprising given lack of pre-season.”
Cannot be blamed
Rondon joined the Toffees on transfer deadline day as a free agent after his deal with Dalian Professional ended, signing a two-year contract with the option for a third season.
He was with CSKA Moscow on loan during the second half of the last campaign, and he is yet to reach full fitness having not trained much with the team.
Missing pre-season preparations has definitely taken its toll on him, and Rondon will be looking to start firing on all cylinders sooner rather than later.
A lot of Everton fans are likely to be disappointed that the former West Brom striker is the only primary striking option available to cover for Calvert-Lewin, but he is definitely going to come good once he hits top gear.
Benitez was keen to reunite with him after two spells together, and everyone has to be patient.
Having bagged 35 Premier League goals while with the Baggies and Newcastle United, the South American has a lot to offer, and he needs more than three games to hit the ground running.
In other Everton news, Rafa Benitez is laying Toffees groundwork with reported blockbuster move ready for January.
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