In what has to be one of the biggest surprises in recent months, Ronald Koeman announced yesterday that Oumar Niasse would return to Everton’s first team squad.
The Senegalese striker, famous for his trot around the half way line and head scratching price tag, has finally been given a locker. Amazingly, until this summer’s transfer binge, he was Everton’s 4th most expensive signing. Now, he figures to fit into Evertons short term plans.
With Arouna Kone having left and Dominic Calvert-Lewin showing promise when played in his right position, Everton were lacking in a whipping boy up front. Despite the strong links to Christian Benteke, Koeman has turned to Niasse who has experience in the position. Sandro Ramirez is believed to be very relieved.
Koeman has warned Niasse that he has to fight for his place in the side but praised him for his attitude. “His behaviour was perfect with the under 23’s,” said the Dutchman. “It’s now the right time to bring him back to the first team.
Niasse will have to work hard to win over the Goodison faithful. Many were unimpressed in his brief stint with the first team. He was heavily criticized for his touch, in particular in a 3 2 home defeat to West Ham. Everton were 2 nil up but down a man when Martinez brought on Niasse. His inability to hold up the ball was seen as a key factor in West Hams turnaround. That summer, Martinez was sacked, Koeman came in and Niasse was lockerless.
Attitudes softened towards him during his loan stint at Hull were he scored 5 goals in 19 appearances. One goal in particular increased his stock with Evertonians….
With the league cup game against Sunderland coming up, Niasse will be a valuable squad player. It also shows that our manager is a pragmatist and it wont be lost on certain players that good attitude will be rewarded. A timely message then, with Rooney, Barkley and Mirallas having question marks after the transfer window. Niasse has shown those 3 that a goal in a win against Liverpool will lead to redemption.
Can Niasse solve Everton’s striker problems? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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