OPINION
One man has emerged as a key player for Everton in recent weeks, and it’s vital that Newcastle United stop him operating at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.
Andre Gomes has been superb for the Toffees over the last month or so, nailing down a first team spot and showing just why manager Marco Silva was so keen to bring him in from Barcelona on loan this summer.
His performance against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Sunday was tremendous. In a game full of world class midfielders he bossed proceedings at Anfield, slowing down the play and exerting a modicum of control on the game from the visitors’ perspective.
The Portugal international is one of the most technically gifted footballers in the Premier League and he has the ability to dictate terms in the middle of the park.
The Magpies cannot allow him to do that in front of Everton’s vociferous home support. If he can get into a rhythm it will be extremely difficult for Newcastle to stop him.
Rafael Benitez might consider deploying a specific player to man-mark the 25-year-old, with Mohamed Diame being the obvious candidate.
The Senegal star is an incredibly physical midfielder who has worked extremely hard on the defensive side of his game this season.
If given the assignment he would relish the opportunity to knock Gomes off his perch in the centre of midfield. Ki Sung-yueng, alternatively, could also do the job.
It’s easier said than done, of course, but Benitez needs to try something in order to prevent Gomes from running the show for the Toffees.
There are a number of excellent players in this Everton line up, but Gomes is the one who makes them tick. It’s imperative that Newcastle stop him in his tracks on Wednesday.
