Tara Kev

Kevin Mirallas is due to have talks with Everton’s new management team about his future at the club. After falling out with his 3rd Everton manager and failing on loan it Olympiakos, it’s time for Mirallas to say tara.

Early Promise

Before being dropped in yesterday’s 3-2 win over Watford, the Belgian had a mixed career with Everton. He showed glimpses of his talent scattered between hamstring injuries in his first few seasons at Everton. When he arrived, there was a settled squad with a much vaunted team spirit and a long established manager. You didn’t hear a lot from Kevin apart from the usual want to play in the champions league stuff on international duty. Windows came and went and no bids came in for him.

A Rare Talent

On his day, he had almost everything you want in a footballer. Great balance, dribbling ability, bags of pace and a good finisher, Mirallas could be unstoppable when he was up for it. He was always dangerous in the big matches against Liverpool and United and scored some important goals for the club.

He really came into his own in the first season under Martinez, culminating in him scoring the 2nd goal in Moyes last game as United manager. Within 12 months things had gone drastically wrong for both Martinez and Mirallas.

Paying the Penalty

The incident that started the decline for Mirallas was undoubtedly the West Brom penalty incident in January 2015. Despite Leighton Baines impeccable penalty record, Mirallas took it upon himself to grab the ball from Baines and promptly hit the post. West Brom were playing their usual brand of Pulisball and we drew nil nil. Martinez publicly backed Mirallas but he was rarely seen again that season and saw reduced playing time under the Spaniard.

New Start Under Koe

Mirallas gained a sort of anti hero status under Martinez with some fans seeing him as unfairly left out. After Martinez was fired, Ronald Koeman’s arrival brought a new opportunity for the Belgian flier. Initial signs were promising for Mirallas with Koeman preferring him over Gerard Deulofeu. At 29 years old, Mirallas was adopting a more senior role in the squad and was awarded with 35 appearances. In that time he only scored 4 goals though and whilst he signed a new 3 year contract, the new signings meant more competition in his position.

This pressure took it’s toll and he fell out with his second manager this September. Mirallas showed his displeasure at being substituted and was dropped by the Dutchman. He complained that he was not allowed to leave for Olympiakos and was left in the wilderness. At least until the club said ‘tara’ to Koeman.

Not (Uns)worth the Hassle

Mirallas latest chance came when he was returned to the starting line up in Unsworth’s first game in charge. Once more, he had been given another chance at showing his talent after terrible unprofessionalism. He failed to show it and it all came to a head on Friday.

One More Last Chance?

Everton are likely to have a new manager in the next few weeks. It’s debatable whether he will give Mirallas another chance. On the one hand, Mirallas is a fast, skillful player who is a handful for anyone. On the other hand, he has displayed a ‘me first’ attitude and has not performed consistently. This latest incident shows a lack of respect to the club who have paid him over the last 5 years. To not train to the fullness of your ability when your club is in the relegation zone is unforgivable. His loss is Lookman’s gain.

For me, he should be training on his own now and sold in the winter transfer window. Better players than him have come and gone from Everton. The club is far bigger than any player. Mirallas has failed to meet the standard in his 5 years at the club. Tara Kev. Don’t let the door bang you on the arse on your way out.

Would you give Mirallas another chance? Let us know in the comments below.