Rafael Benitez blown away by Everton winger Demarai Gray
Everton boss Rafael Benitez has suggested that he does not need to give a rest to Demarai Gray.
The 25-year-old, who joined in the summer transfer window from Bayer Leverkusen, has been ever-present for the Toffees this season.
Benitez has made it clear in the press conference today that he will play Gray in every single game in the Premier League, provided he stays fit.
Everton will face Tottenham Hotspur in a crucial Premier League on Sunday at Goodison Park.
Ahead of the match, the Toffees boss has said that Gray has the quality to make a difference to the side. The Spaniard has been left impressed with his desire and commitment.
“Not really. I want to rest him at the end of the season! I want him to play every game if he’s available,” said Benitez, as quoted by Liverpool Echo.
“He can make a difference. He’s a young player with desire, commitment and quality. We need that.”
Impact
Eyebrows were raised when Everton signed Gray this summer for a paltry transfer fee. But what a signing he has turned out to be!
The 25-year-old winger has scored three goals and provided two assists in the Premier League already and his contribution to the side has been immense.
While Benitez has given him the freedom to express himself, Gray has impressed with his overall work rate and defensive contributions.
With Everton missing several key players, Benitez simply cannot afford to drop Gray at the moment. He is that important to the side.
We have a massive game coming up on Sunday. Both the sides are struggling at the moment, but Spurs have got a huge lift this week following the appointment of Antonio Conte.
The Toffees are heading into this match on the back of a 2-1 defeat against Wolves. We were lacklustre in the first half, but we did really well in the second half after an extra body was introduced in midfield.
Benitez will have to be spot on with his tactics on Sunday. We have lost three games in a row, and another defeat will be disastrous heading into the international break.
In other Everton news, Mark Lawrenson has made his Tottenham prediction for Sunday.