Beni Baningime was handed a long-awaited return to the Everton first-team in Saturday’s 2-0 win over West Ham United, but he may struggle to keep his spot in the matchday squad against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
Marco Silva could welcome back both Fabian Delph & Morgan Schneiderlin from injury, so Baningime might be the one missing out. While a blow for the 21-year-old, he shouldn’t get disheartened if he is omitted.
Baningime has made a lot of progress in the last few months after a failed loan spell at Wigan Athletic left his stock at its lowest. The uncapped DR Congo midfielder has worked hard in Everton’s u23 side to return to form and was rewarded by Silva last weekend.
Two first-teamers will now be available for selection, so it’s hard to see the reserve player keeping his spot. Nevertheless, Baningime has made five Premier League 2 appearances this season and still has three years remaining on his contract, so it’s clear Everton still have a plan for him.
Reserve team manager David Unsworth deserves a lot of credit for helping to repair the broken midfielder, so Baningime shouldn’t be down if he’s left out against Brighton. He should be pleased to be called upon last weekend as it means he’s still on the manager’s radar.