Fabian Delph can stake a claim with first Premier League start of the season
Everton midfielder Fabian Delph has the opportunity to stake his claim in the side with a first Premier League start of the season against Tottenham.
As team news broke out prior to the Toffees’ vital fixture against Spurs, the names of neither Jean-Philippe Gbamin nor Tom Davies were included in the starting XI. Instead, Delph has been handed a first Premier League start of the campaign to partner Allan.
Following a seven-minute stint on the field against Leeds United earlier in the campaign, the former England international was kept out for seven league games.
His second-half performance last time out against Wolves not only marked his personal return from injury, but also a change in impetus for Everton as a whole.
With the 31-year-old’s introduction, the significant injury-enforced absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure was far less apparent, and Everton were able to assert some level of control into proceedings – eventually pulling a goal back to halve the deficit.
That game did subsequently end in a 2-1 defeat – the Toffees’ third consecutive loss – but the impact of Delph was significant.
Now, with a first start of the 201/22 season, he has a real opportunity. With the visit of a Tottenham side destined for a large upturn in morale and fortunes, comes a daunting task.
Antonio Conte’s appointment will inevitably yield better football and better results so, in their current situation, Everton will have to be on top form.
Key to stifling and confining the athleticism and intensity of a Conte team will be the work done in the middle of the pitch – Delph has a lot of responsibility this afternoon.
With Doucoure’s absence, though, someone must step up and prove their worth, which is exactly what Delph can do as Spurs visit.
In other Everton news, the Toffees’ Premier League clash with Tottenham will not be televised.