George Overhill

Thu 19 October 2023 20:10, UK

Salomon Rondon says he “suffered a lot” after spending two months without playing during his time at Everton, as the Venezuelan has belatedly found new success in Argentina.

The 34-year-old spoke after scoring for his country in the 3-0 win over Chile this week, as per TNT Sports in Argentina (19 October), as part of what the broadcaster calls a “great moment” for the striker.

Having struggled in “difficult months” after departing Goodison Park Rondon has scored four in seven for River Plate since the start of the Copa de la Liga started in August, and has netted in both of Venezuela’s past two victories, but suggested his lack of football on Merseyside explained his poor start back in South America.

Rondon said: “I spent seven or eight difficult months in Argentina. For those who know me, I am a person who never gives up, I did not give up…I knew the criticism, I knew the demands of what River represented.

“I knew that going to River I could continue competing in the National Team because the Argentine championship is very complicated.

“I suffered a lot personally… I leave that for me obviously. I am a person who does not give up so easily.

“I continued working and doing what I did in my career, doing things well. I arrived at a very high-level team, without preseason, without training.

“I spent two months without playing for Everton and then I suffered a lot. I’m staying with what I am, living today. I enjoy it a lot and with my head well focused.”

Struggle

Rondon got his fair share of criticism at Everton as well thanks to a scoring record that left plenty to be desired, after just three goals in 31 appearances and two of those against Boreham Wood.

So the reason he wasn’t largely playing is pretty evident, as is perhaps his similar lack of form upon signing for River.

But it is a positive for him and his current club that he has continued to fight his way back into some better performances, at an age where other players might simply retire.

His lack of production at Goodison Park was part of a wider malaise in attack that saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin so often unavailable through injury but inadequate back up never available.

Rondon proved to be positively prolific compared to Neal Maupay, who scored just once 32 appearances of his own before a loan move to Brentford this season, but both can arguably point to a deficit of creativity behind them.

Sean Dyche still has plenty of difficulty to navigate but has possibly got a better attacking picture than for some time, with Calvert-Lewin playing more regularly, Beto signed in the summer, and Jack Harrison getting his Toffees career off to a strong start.

Rondon, like so many, was one that never really worked out for the Toffees and a parting of the ways was needed for both parties.

In other Everton news, the Toffees have their eye on an unexpected free transfer swoop.