The Athletic: Fabian Delph was Everton’s best performer in training throughout the week pre-Spurs
Everton held Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Sunday to halt their losing run, and Fabian Delph played a key role.
The 31-year-old English midfielder started his first Premier League game of the campaign before being withdrawn with 30 minutes left on the clock.
According to The Athletic, Delph was the best performer in training throughout the week, and Rafa Benitez was convinced there had to be a role for him against Spurs.
During Sunday’s game, one supporter in the directors’ box stood to loudly declare as he made way to a standing ovation: “He was the best player on the park”.
“Delph has been great but has had many weeks without playing and had a yellow card,” Benitez said after the match.
Finally?
Having struggled with his fitness for a while, the former England international was not ready to play all 90 minutes against the North Londoners.
However, Benitez would have loved to keep him on the pitch for much longer if not for the fact that he was on a booking.
Delph was starting a league game for Everton for the 16th time since joining from Manchester City two and a half years ago, and he was crucial to keeping their midfield ticking having done so when he came on against Wolves a week ago.
He made more interceptions (three) than any midfielder on the pitch and completed 86.5 per cent of his attempted passes.
It was a fine and reassuring performance from Delph, and while he is no Abdoulaye Doucoure, Everton can count on him as the Frenchman continues his recovery.
The veteran midfielder can play a huge role under Benitez if he manages to stay fit, and he will be looking to impress when the Toffees visit Manchester City after the international break.
Benitez will be hoping to prevent a fourth defeat in five Premier League games at the Etihad Stadium, and Delph could be key to making it happen.
In other Everton news, Sky Sports has been left to rue big Toffees decision amid £3.6billion investment.
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