Clinton Morrison: Rafa Benitez facing big Everton test after recent losses
Everton have lost their last two Premier League games, and they cannot afford to suffer another defeat when they play Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
Some Toffees fans are already questioning whether Rafa Benitez has what it takes to take the team to the next level after the 5-2 loss to Watford, and the Spaniard is starting to feel the heat.
Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison wants the Everton boss to prove himself following those uninspiring performances from his side, insisting the big test is now on the cards.
The former Crystal Palace star said on Soccer Saturday (as shared by Football Daily): “I think he (Salomon Rondon) was even the back-up for Calvert-Lewin and he was going to be back up for Richarlison. It’s been a struggle. I think he was a player, Rafa Benitez, when he’s looking at maybe bringing in for the last 15 or 20 minutes when you’re winning the game to hold the ball up.
“They have not done a lot of recruitment, but they have spent a lot of money. You look over the last two or three years, they have spent a fortune, so they are not able to bring in a lot of world-class players at this precise moment.
“They need (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin back. He’s their main man. He’s their talisman. He scores the goals. I knew it was going to be a struggle for them last weekend because there was no (Abdoulaye) Doucoure. Doucoure has been outstanding for them in midfield alongside Allan.
“Now is the test for Rafa Benitez to show his credentials, because now is the big test. People will be questioning after losing those games. Now is the big test.”
Spot on
Benitez started life as Everton boss on an impressive note, but consecutive defeats at Goodison Park have put an end to the honeymoon, and he needs to find a way to start winning again sooner rather than later.
Given his experience and with almost 1200 games under his belt, the former Newcastle United manager is definitely no stranger to such a situation, and he knows exactly what to do to get his side firing again.
Everton hugely miss Calvert-Lewin and Doucoure, but they had no excuse for losing heavily to Watford, and they have to find a way to win without the duo, and potentially Yerry Mina, against Wolves.
The Blues will not always win, and while the fans know that and are realistic in their expectations, they will never tolerate defeats like the ones the Hornets inflicted on them last weekend.
Having not been a popular appointment, Benitez has to turn his side’s fortunes around immediately to stop the fans from turning against him.
In other Everton news, Toffees ace flouted Rafa’s tactical orders vs Watford, it kickstarted disaster.
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