Sky Sports pundit predicts no Everton future for Fabian Delph despite role in key wins
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
The “boat has sailed” on an Everton future for midfielder Fabian Delph because he isn’t available frequently enough says Kevin Campbell.
The 32-year-old returned from a long-term injury for the win at Manchester United (9 April) but was only fit enough for the bench for the Merseyside derby, before returning to feature in the crucial defeat of Chelsea yesterday (1 May).
The former England international has made less the 40 appearances in a Toffees shirt in all competitions across three seasons at the club, and Sky Sports pundit Campbell believes that, despite his definite quality, this means he will leave the club at the end of his contract in the summer.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News the former Toffees striker said: “Yeah I just think the likes of Delph playing [regularly] would have been a good experienced player, lefty as well. Could do a real good job.
“But he’s just not available enough, and the best ability is availability, and unfortunately he just hasn’t been able to keep himself fit.
“So I think that boat has sailed. Frank Lampard needs players who are going to be fit and ready to go.
“Fabian Delph unfortunately isn’t one of them.”
The versatile former Aston Villa captain is a Premier League winner and brings stability to the midfield, but nine appearances this season tells its own story.
He has only played the full 90 minutes once and Frank Lampard has only been able to put him on the field three times.
Unless he is willing to accept a new contract that includes escalators based on how much he can feature it would seem that the club would be able to find better value for money elsewhere.
In other Everton news, one Toffees hero has been named as the toughest player a current Premier League referee has ever dealt with.
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