Everton midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin has admitted that his Blues debut was not perfect, as told to the club’s official website.
Gbamin was rapidly ushered into the action against Crystal Palace just eight days after his £25million transfer from 1.FSV Mainz 05, as Andre Gomes was forced off the field with an injury late into the first half.
The Ivorian’s efforts at Selhurst Park received a mixed response from the Goodison Park faithful, though, as he was clearly struggling with the pace of the Premier League. But the 23-year-old has vowed that he will stop at nothing to reach the levels he needs to, in order to be a big player for the club.
“It was hard to come in like that – a great game with high intensity,” he admitted. “I tried to give my best on the pitch, and it was difficult in some moments.
“The coach gave me the chance to play and I wanted to take it. I am not 100 per cent ready to be at a high level just yet – and I need to be faster.
“I have had only one week of training with the team, so I will keep going and work very hard.”
Following his introduction at the break, Gbamin enjoyed the joint-most time in possession of any player to feature for either side, with the 23-year-old boasting 8.3% of possession – the same amount enjoyed by Michael Keane.
Our new holding midfielder also completed 77% of his 31 attempted passes, which was also the most attempted by any player alongside Keane and more than Richarlison and Bernard combined.
Gbamin now hopes to build on his debut to repay the faith shown to him by Marco Silva, and improve on the foundations of our result against the Eagles.
“Marco Silva gave me the chance to come to Everton, so I will give him the best I have, working hard and learning every day,” he added.
“Saturday was a good point away from home.
“In the first half, we were close to scoring but it was more difficult after half-time. The way the game went, with us receiving a red card, a draw was a good result.
“It is one point and a base for the future.”
Here’s how these Everton fans reacted to the 23-year-old’s comments…
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