Martinez pleased with Mirallas's return

, 3 December, 6comments | Jump to most recent

Roberto Martinez has praised Kevin Mirallas's return to form following his strike at Wolfsburg and superb finish against Spurs at the weekend.

The Belgian forward's goal was not enough to earn Everton victory at White Hart Lane but, on the heels of his goal and assist against Wolfsburg, it was the latest sign that he is back on song following his hamstring tear.

Mirallas's performances have raised the issue of his contract situation and led to reports that a new, improved deal will be in the offing for the 27 year-old, perhaps next summer.

“He is a wonderful footballer," Martinez said. "[T]he type of player who brings you something different to the side in the final third.

“Kevin still has a long-term contract with us but we'll always look behind the scenes to do as much work as we can in those individual aspects. At the moment there's nothing to mention.

“Kevin is fully focused to be performing in the way he has done recently and get rid of his frustration from when he was injured.

Martinez is well aware of Mirallas's importance to his side, not least his capacity to score goals. Two goals in the space of four days took his tally to five in all competitions, one less than leading scorer and his international teammate, Romelu Lukaku.

“He's a star. I've said that before — he has the star quality to find that piece of magic or important moment in the game to score a goal. He keeps showing that.”

“It's not easy to find a footballer with that quality who can bring that spark,” he said. “It was a great finish at the weekend and it was a shame that goal didn't end up with a winning performance as well."

Quotes sourced from Liverpool Echo

Reader Comments (6)

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Michael Penley
1 Posted 03/12/2014 at 16:46:42

He's very good but he's not a star. Stars win games singlehandedly through sheer talent and desire and that's why Everton don't have any right now.

Colin Glassar
3 Posted 03/12/2014 at 18:07:01

If he can stay injury free and become consistent he will be a very good player for us Michael.

Neil Wood
4 Posted 03/12/2014 at 18:22:19

Michael I disagree. I think he is a star. I suppose it all depends how you consider them.
I think there are differing levels of premier league players from your stars like Sanchez, Aguero, Etc... These are the top world footballers and are on level with your Ronaldo's and messi of world football....superstars if you will....
But players such as Mirallas are still the feared few by many a team. Players such as him are indeed "star" players.... I guarantee you that shirt sales will agree.
Then you have a lower level of footballer who go about their business without much fuss. So I think he's a star. But I see your point.

Michael Penley
6 Posted 03/12/2014 at 18:35:34

If Mirallas is a star then what is Dixie Dean? Actually I would say the closest we've had to a star in recent years after Cahill is Mirallas back in 12-13. That time he scored a brace to win the game was almost heroic. Sadly that kind of ethic has faded from all our players, even Lukaku who was on fire when he first arrived (think the West Ham game). Martinez isn't helping anyone telling them they are stars, just the opposite. You don't get the impression they feel they need to do much more than turn up. I would love nothing more than Kev to regain the fire and drive we saw in patches a few years back, but I fear Roberto's feelgood approach won't do it for him.

Christopher Kelly
7 Posted 04/12/2014 at 02:09:03

He has star moments but his finishing is not good enough to really be a "star." (His finish at Tottenham was magnificent; also some fine free kicks.)

We, however, don’t have that many electric, offensive footballers so our bar for having a "star" on our team is definitely lower than most. He does have the haircut and car down pat for being a star...

Barkley is a star but he is quickly playing himself out of that category, sadly. Tim Howard is a star based on one performance but we that watch him, week-in and week-out, know better.

Tony J Williams
9 Posted 04/12/2014 at 13:10:34

He's a big head and needs to realise that putting your foot through it is better than trying a fancy arse flick on the edge of the box.

Arrogance of the highest degree, sometimes it's good in a footballer but not when the whole team is struggling

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