After an underwhelming spell on Merseyside, Anwar El Ghazi has finally opened up on his struggles in the North West.
In the season prior to joining Everton on loan from fellow Premier League side, Aston Villa, the Dutch winger had the most productive season of his career in terms of goals.
He finished the season with 10 goals in just 17 starts, helping his side to a well-deserved 9th-place finish after battling relegation the season before.
El Ghazi signed for the Villians in 2018 off the back of a decent season in France, playing only his second season for OSC Lille. He was expected to be an immediate success, signing for a reported £7 million, a ridiculous fee for a team in the Championship [via Transfermarkt]. However, he didn’t exactly set the world alight.
He would only manage 11 goal contributions in 31 games in the Championship but would score his side’s all-important winner in the Championship play-off final, helping his side beat Frank Lampard’s Derby County 2-1.
The Dutchman signed for Everton during the January transfer window under then-manager Rafa Benitez. However, just a few days after his arrival, Benitez was sacked after a terrible run of form, being replaced by Frank Lampard.
Despite being at Everton for under 5 months, he would only make two appearances for the blues, playing 9 minutes in their 3-0 win over Leeds United and 2 minutes in their 1-0 loss to Manchester City.
During this time, there were no reports of an injury that he had sustained in training and there has since been plenty of questions about the reasoning behind his signing.
In a recent interview, El Ghazi broke the silence around his move [The Athletic]:
“I had a good conversation with Rafa Benitez at Everton”
“He was playing with wingers. He said to me that he didn’t understand why I wasn’t playing at Villa and that he would love to have me with him. He told me there was competition but that I would get a chance. He said he knew I could score goals.”
“I was really excited and wanted to show myself that I could do it there because Everton is a big and great club, but three days after I signed, it was unlucky because Benitez was sacked.”
“Frank Lampard came and I tried to work hard and keep going and show the manager what I could do, but the system, and in his pecking order… I didn’t get a chance.”
Exclusive interview with Anwar El Ghazi @TheAthleticFC
— Gregg Evans (@greggevans40) November 3, 2022
⚽️His pain at leaving #AVFC
⚽️Difficulty working under Gerrard
⚽️What really happened at Everton #EFC
⚽️Feeling "loved" by Ruud van Nistelrooy
⚽️4 goals in last 4 PSV league games@elghazi1995 🙏https://t.co/wBWSh5XttA
Since going back to his parent club, Aston Villa, he has made a move permanently, going back to the Netherlands playing with PSV Eindhoven.
Should El Ghazi have been given more chances at Everton?Yes
No
|