Demarai Gray raves about Everton manager Rafa Benitez
By Max Parsons
Demarai Gray has opened up about his early experiences as an Everton player ad about what it’s like playing under Rafael Benitez.
The 25-year-old arrived at Goodison Park in the summer for a bargain £1.7 million, returning to the Premier League after a spell with Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen.
Talking in a video clip shown by Football Daily on Twitter, Gray cited his time in Germany as an essential stage in his career.
“It was a good experience. Obviously, I wanted a new challenge,” the Everton star said.
“From a football point of view, it did me a lot of good, it took me out of my comfort zone a bit and I learned a new trade in a new country.”
The former Birmingham and Leicester man spent just the second half of the 2020/21 campaign at Bayer Leverkusen before the Premier League came knocking again.
And, following his good early season form, Gray has only positive things to say about his time at new side Everton and working under Benitez so far.
“He (Benitez) loves coaching. Man-management, individual instruction is very good and done me good,” he said of his boss’ style.
“Having a manager that has faith and believes in you obviously helps. He’s a good manager; I’m enjoying my time.”
Reason to be happy
It’s hardly a surprise that Gray claims to be enjoying his time so far on Merseyside, having given plenty for the Goodison faithful and himself to be happy about.
The former England Under-21 international has been one of the Toffees’ best performers this campaign, having earned an average rating of 7.14 for his Premier League performances up to this point (WhoScored). Gray has featured in all nine of the side’s league fixtures while notching three goals and two assists.
The 25-year-old clearly has the backing of his new boss and has repaid the faith with generally scintillating showings that have been a key factor on Everton’s strong start under Benitez.
Admittedly, their last outing produced a shocker, losing 5-2 at home to Watford with what can only be described as a sloppy and muddled performance. However, Gray still grabbed a tidy assist for Tom Davies’ early opener.
As well as his tight and rapid dribbling, the 25-year-old seems to have added a consistent end product to his game while away from English football. He’s an integral cog in Everton’s machine with his work rate, progressive attitude in possession and influence in the final third and, for just £1.7million, the forward looks an absolute steal.
In other Everton news, Fabrizio Romano has shared a transfer update on midfield sensation the Toffees want to sign.
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