BBC commentators gush over Fabian Delph as he leaves field against Tottenham
BBC commentators didn’t hold back in their praise of Everton midfielder Fabian Delph after being substituted in Sunday’s clash with Tottenham.
The 31-year-old was making his first start of the season for the Toffees, and impressed with his performance in the middle of the park.
He was sacrificed by Rafael Benitez on the hour mark – likely as a precaution – and his exit from the field was met with rapturous applause from the home fans. BBC Radio 5 Live commentators Alistair Bruce-Ball and Michael Brown were also impressed by the midfielder’s showing.
“Standing ovation for Fabian Delph,” said Bruce-Ball. “That can only be a fitness issue.”
Brown added: “It’s a real positive that; when you haven’t played for such a long time. It’s a sensible decision, it will have been hard for the manager to make that change. But it was a good, solid performance, wasn’t it?”
“It’s good to see the fans recognise that as well,” Bruce-Ball replied. “Because it’s not flashy stuff, is it?”
“He’s winning challenges, he’s breaking it up,” Brown added.
“But (Benitez) is going to try someone a little more advanced. When you’ve not played for long it’s a big ask and you don’t want Delph to break down,” the BBC co-commentator said on the issue of the midfielder’s fitness.
Enforcer
It was always going to be a tough test for Delph against Tottenham. Making a return from injury, inevitably tasked with providing his backline with protection and trying to stifle Spurs’ intense attacking play – it was a daunting afternoon’s work for the 31-year-old.
He undertook his tasks, brilliantly, however. Contrary to the largely helpless Jean-Philippe Gbamin against Wolves, Delph was stable and assured at the heart of the Everton side, providing an imposing presence throughout his 60-minute stint on the pitch and proving key to keeping the score at 0-0.
As Brown said, the Englishman was integral in breaking up play alongside Allan in front of the back four. Delph eventually managed three tackles, three interceptions and a clearance in his defensive work (WhoScored).
While no one in a blue shirt managed more than his six ball recoveries before he was brought off, he was also efficient in his build up play. Maintaining a pass accuracy of 86.5%, Delph managed one key pass for his teammates.
His inclusion from the outset made this game a huge opportunity; stepping up in Abdoulaye Doucoure’s absence would go a long way to helping him up the pecking order.
His performance was subsequently totally competent and assured, and completely vindicating to Benitez’s decision.
In other Everton news, Benitez has assured fans that his side will do well this season.