Troy Deeney wowed by what he saw Tim Iroegbunam do in Everton v Doncaster
Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam was praised by Troy Deeney after he opened the scoring against Doncaster Rovers in their EFL Cup tie.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Soccer Special (27 August, 08:54pm), Deeney was impressed by Iroegbunam’s ball-striking as his edge-of-the-box effort made it 1-0 eight minutes into the second half.
Iroegbunam’s goals was followed by a strike from another recent arrival in Iliman Ndiaye 21 minutes later, before Beto rounded off the scoring from close range late on to give Sean Dyche’s side a 3-0 victory.
In the immediate aftermath of the goal, Deeney said: “It’s come down there right-hand side, it’s been cut across, and then the new signing – Tim Iroegbunam; they got him from Aston Villa – nice player, but it’s just a great strike from the edge of the box.”
Tim Iroegbunam fast becoming an undroppable player for Everton
For the second time in just three competitive matches as a Toffees player, Iroegbunam was the best player on the park for Sean Dyche’s side, overshadowing individuals far beyond his 21 years.
Playing alongside James Garner – who was making his first appearance of the season – at the base of Dyche’s five-man midfield against Doncaster, Iroegbunam stood tall once again with a strong showing.
One of four new signings to make their cup debuts for the club amid six changes from the side beaten 4-0 by Tottenham, Iroegbunam looked by far the most at home amidst a nervy Goodison Park atmosphere.
While the 21-year-old was, like the rest of his Blues team-mates, overrun in their heavy North London defeat, the Toffees are fast becoming dependent on Iroegbunam’s strong running and positional sense.
Further arrivals are arguably needed given the injury crisis Dyche is currently trying to navigate, but in midfield, the most under-the-radar of his summer signings is quietly making himself a key asset.
In other Everton news, John Textor’s influence is already present as the Toffees close in on a loan move late in the transfer window.
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