Geri claiming first goal against MK Dons

Lyndon Lloyd , 26 July, 5comments | Jump to most recent

Gerard Deulofeu was, predictably, taking all the credit for Everton's opening goal at Stadium mk this evening which kick-started a comfortable outing against the League One side and a 3-1 win.

The Spanish forward was deployed in a striking role by Ronald Koeman for the second game running and once again he repaid the manager's faith with a goal, even if there was some doubt over who got the last touch.

Evidently encouraged to press the opposition back line, Deulofeu forced the home ‘keeper into missing an ill-advised back-pass altogether, latched onto the loose ball and nudged the ball towards the goal where a sliding defender appeared to carry it over the line.

“I [pressured the defender] and the ball is in the middle between the centre-half and the ‘keeper. I may have had a bit of luck after that, but it's my goal!” he laughed when asked on evertontv if he could clarify who scored it.

Deulofeu's more familiar wing play was instrumental in creating the second for Ross Barkley as he skinned his man and accelerated to the byline before lofting a clipped ball back towards the penalty spot where his team-mate bounced a side-foot shot home.

“Yes, [that was] a good transition [move] for the team,” Deulofeu explained. “We recovered the ball and I'm quick and after I crossed to Ross he made a good finish.

“But afterwards, I think we needed to keep the possession more. But it's the third week and we need to improve the mistakes and keep going together because we have a good feeling about the season.

“I like playing [centre-forward] a lot because I'm near to the goal and I have more chances. I've played there before for Barcelona B. I'm a quick player and normally that's too much for the centre half.”

Reader Comments (5)

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Jack Okell
1 Posted 27/07/2016 at 00:49:01

I don't know how I feel about Koeman's post-match comments about Geri. "If we don't have Lukaku, for me, he's the best option to replace Romelu in that position."

Geri played well tonight and got himself in good positions, but he's he's probably more effective as a winger. When he's at his best, he's extremely tricky for the opposition fullback to supress.

I hope we keep Rom.

Anthony Dwyer
2 Posted 27/07/2016 at 01:13:14

A player of Del's talent should be able to affect games through the middle aswel as in wide areas.

I don't see him as an out and out goalscorer, but he could interchange through positions with the likes of Rom and Miralas.

John Pierce
3 Posted 27/07/2016 at 01:35:42

I personally have had little time for Geri, since he rejoined last year. Petulant, a category A diver, simulator supreme, unfit, often lacked heart to be honest once he got bullied by defenders.

So I'm very heartened to see a liitle more endurance, to date in preseason no diving, however the petulance remains, tonight towards his own team mate, Davies.

Can he play up front, not as a 9 but as a inside forward for a ball round the corner, already you see Shane Longs' game in a microcosm.

Would love to see maturity this year, yes 21 etc. but im not bothered, if he wants to play for Everton step up I say. The nearest we saw Geri like this was the 3-3 Derby at Goodision 2013.

Come Geri shows us the skills!

Dale Rose
4 Posted 27/07/2016 at 08:35:12

He's a great little player, and it needs someone like RK, to bring him on. I don't think he is a text book striker, but he will cause all kinds of trouble for defenders. Good to see Ross finding form again. There is a real expectation about the forthcoming season.

Anto Byrne
5 Posted 27/07/2016 at 13:27:55

Fantastic footballer with Ross and Kev what a forward line that is. Rom will have his work cut out getting into the team.

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