Silva: Lookman is Everton’s present and future

Saturday, 11 August, 2018 59comments  |  Jump to most recent

Marco Silva says that he will do everything he can to make unsettled Ademola Lookman happy at Goodison Park and insists that he has equal claim to a starting role in his team as any of the new signings.

Lookman continues to be a transfer target for Red Bull Leipzig, the team he elected to join on loan in January over the advice of Sam Allardyce to stay in England and sign for a Championship club, and who still hope to lure him away from Everton before the European transfer deadline on 31st August.

Despite Allardyce's warning, the 20-year-old made an instant impact in the Bundesliga and according to the Leipzig manager, Ralf Rangnick, he is just as keen to make the transfer a permanent one.

If true, the change in manager at Everton to the more dynamic Silva hasn't altered his thinking and that appeared to be reflected in his cameo performance at the end of last weekend's friendly against Valencia.

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Fans perceived a less-than enthusiastic demeanour from Lookman when he came on but Silva's reiteration of his faith in the player is an indication that he isn't giving up on him.

And he is keen to point out that the arrivals of Richarlison and Bernard, both of whom primarily play in Lookman's preferred role wide on the left, has not pushed him down the pecking order.

“First of all he has to understand that he is in a big club,” Silva said in The Guardian. “I think he understands and I'm here to be clear with him in this situation. Of course, we have to understand that he went on loan and was happy there, he enjoyed the football as well, and now he deserves to stay with us.

“I told him and our board on the first day that I believe in his skills and his profile. I did my technical analysis on him and he is a good talent. He is our present and our future. Now he has to fight for his position.

“I am here to do everything I can to make him happy again, to put him in the conditions to fight, and after that it is for him to keep his position and to fight to take it. It is not a case of we brought in Richarlison or Bernard as well [so they are ahead of him]. If he is in a better position and moment than the others then for sure he will play.”

 

Reader Comments (59)

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Derek Knox
1 Posted 10/08/2018 at 16:17:54
Marco Silva has declared that they have not only resisted offers from Leipzig, but also convinced Ademola Lookman that he has a big part to play in the forthcoming season.

Good news, but I just hope he backs those statements up by having him on the bench tomorrow.

I have a feeling that Lookman is one of those players who need to be convinced regularly that he is 'loved' in order to get the best out of him, as he does seem to become disillusioned very quickly.

The way he was treated by Allardyce mostly, but Koeman too, that becomes understandable, so come on Marco, have him either in the team or on the bench tomorrow.

Harry Hockley
2 Posted 10/08/2018 at 16:25:31
I agree with you Derek, I like Ademola a lot think he has great potential but needs someone who's gonna put an arm around him when things don't go his way and believe in him.

I hope he is convinced as Leipzig can still bid until the end of August.

Peter Gorman
3 Posted 11/08/2018 at 00:35:56
Bit surprised by Lookman's attitude if the boss is alluding he is not happy, though I am sure he had a great time at Leipzig.

He is a good kid and hopefully the fans will see a happy demeanor before long and won't get on his back.

But overall, Silva has been commenting a lot recently about the need for players to be committed and to fight for their place which is music to my ears.

Si Pulford
4 Posted 11/08/2018 at 00:44:12
He looks like a real talent so it's right that Silva tries to keep him and get him on board but if he doesn't want to be here and can't be convinced then we need to get rid. Albeit reluctantly. He's a good player but he's only started 4 games for us so I understand his frustration. But that was 4 starts when he was up against Vlasic, Mirallas, Bolasie etc.

Now he's up against Walcott, Bernard and Richarlison so he's going to find his chances even more limited and the onus will be on him to perform every time he gets a chance or he will be dropped. That's what happens when the squad gets better. He either steps up or sulks and we sell. I prefer the former but have a nagging feeling he'll end up doing the latter.

Albert Perkins
5 Posted 11/08/2018 at 00:45:21
No other Everton manager during Lookman's time here has said such encouraging words before. Silva must find some game time for him as the new boys are gently introduced to playing time. Hope he hangs on in there and proves himself for us.
Derek Knox
6 Posted 11/08/2018 at 00:56:50
It is somewhat encouraging to hear, but he must back that up with at least having him on the bench, and if things are not working out, bring him on for 20 to 30 mins in the game.

Can never understand managers when the game is so blatantly stale, leaving it, and bringing the sub on with 5 minutes to go.

James Flynn
7 Posted 11/08/2018 at 00:58:01
The last 2 paragraphs are the gauntlet thrown down to the kid.

Let's see.

James Flynn
8 Posted 11/08/2018 at 01:01:45
Sent too soon. Meant to add, I don't think he's good enough.

Outbound, and then forgotten, in January.

Kase Chow
9 Posted 11/08/2018 at 01:06:45
Look man, you have to deliver to get a starting position.
Terry Nolan
10 Posted 11/08/2018 at 01:10:37
Sadly Lookman & Vlasic have both been acting as spoilt brats In training causing plenty of trouble with senior players who tbh are fed up with both their attitudes.

Question is do we keep either of them at the club or sell them and recoup bit of money? Maybe insert buy-back clauses as Barca did for Mina!

I notice Vlasic might be heading to Moscow on loan which just leaves Lookman!!!

Mike Gaynes
11 Posted 11/08/2018 at 01:12:39
Silva is challenging Lookman, and I think that's great, because Lookman has met every challenge he has faced so far.

He came as an unknown out of an obscure youth club as a baby-faced kid and established himself at Charlton at age 18.

He scored on his second touch as an Everton player, against City no less.

He was unfairly sidetracked by Klueless Koeman, but never publicly complained.

He told Fat Sam to shove Derby County up his ass and instead made his own way to Leipzig, where he subbed on late in his first game and promptly won the game for them. And in defiance of most expectations, he established himself as a genuine Bundesliga player.

When he wanted to stay there permanently, Silva told him no, but again he has never said a word about it in public.

Lookman has guts. And IF he proves to have talent enough to take playing time from Richarlison, Walcott and Bernard, I have no doubt he will do it. Because I've never seen the slightest indication of quit in this kid.

And he's still only 20.

Darren Murphy
12 Posted 11/08/2018 at 01:22:37
Love Lookman tbh, must do a thread every time we get a new player

Here's a few ideas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEmcW59Hz6M

Darren Murphy
13 Posted 11/08/2018 at 01:23:49
And yes, Mike, I hope we keep him.
Ernie Baywood
14 Posted 11/08/2018 at 02:41:56
I like Lookman and agree with Silva's comments... you fight for your place. If you're delivering then you'll play. Absolutely the right message to state.

But let's face it, there's a pecking order and he's third in line for that spot. How many games will he play this season? If he did particularly well... Maybe 10-15? He needs to play 30 and I just can't see it happening.

If I were him I'd absolutely be looking for a move. Can't really begrudge a young lad wanting to actually play regular football.

Dave Bowen
15 Posted 11/08/2018 at 02:45:38
Yet to be convinced by Lookman & he does appear to have an attitude problem. He ignored Allardyce's advice & went to Leipzig instead of Derby County. Luckily for him it worked out, but could easily have gone the other way. I'd like him to show that sort of balls in a blue shirt rather than the disinterested, "I don't wanna be here" shit of the Valencia game.
Victor Yu
16 Posted 11/08/2018 at 03:03:47
I don't see how he can get regular playing time this season with the options we have. 10 minutes here and there surely won't make him happy.
Gavin Johnson
17 Posted 11/08/2018 at 04:25:10
He's a good finisher and could be an option instead of Tosun, or as 2nd striker, or in Sigurdsson's role. His most likely position for me is out wide on the right as an option instead of Walcott. He's a player who could be coming off the bench and making an impact next season. If he gets his head down he would be starting a few too.
David Barks
18 Posted 11/08/2018 at 04:25:18
Dave,

Lookman saying no to a move down to the Championship when he knew he could go play for a top club in Germany is in no way a sign of an attitude problem. He was absolutely right in his judgement and had every right to choose where he was going to play when his manager told him he was to be sent out on loan.

Ernie Baywood
19 Posted 11/08/2018 at 04:34:13
David, I'm quite happy to see a young English player take some ownership of his own career. I still believe that was Ross' worst move - for his own career he should have left us years ago.

Obviously as an Evertonian I hope we keep Lookman and have him develop at the club while adding strength in depth to the squad. But I certainly won't cast him as a villain for wanting a move.

Mike Gaynes
20 Posted 11/08/2018 at 04:46:02
Dave #15, for chrissakes he played ten minutes against Valencia.

Ari Sigurgeirsson
21 Posted 11/08/2018 at 05:39:27
Mike #20 It was so obvius for everyone to see. He was sulking but he's kind of entitled to. Silva will make him smile, I believe :)
Paul Birmingham
22 Posted 11/08/2018 at 07:14:15
Let’s hope that this is the start of the beginn8ng for this lads career at EFC.

He’s young, may be home sick, but London is not that far with today’s trains etc.


He’s got loads of skill, I see him playing in the forward line eventually.

With M&M in control, I do believe they appreciate talent, let’s hope he is in todays squad.

Common the Blues!

Andy McNabb
23 Posted 11/08/2018 at 07:23:38
If he does play, will be interested to see how he gets on. His absence has elevated his reputation, in the way it does with players who are out for some time with injury.

My screen saver shows Davis' goal celebration when we smashed Man City. We either played like, or City made us look like Brazil that day. Lookman scored the fourth but it seems so long ago I can hardly remember what he was like as a player.

Dermot Byrne
24 Posted 11/08/2018 at 07:24:30
I hope sulky players will be encouraged by new squad and if they persist, their sulks are shown to be unacceptable.
Robert Leigh
25 Posted 11/08/2018 at 08:07:50
He must think if he does well with us, he may get an England call-up given Southgate's comments post World Cup.

Really want him to do well, as this would be a steal at £11mil if he turns out to be half as good as he could be.

Phil Sammon
26 Posted 11/08/2018 at 08:09:53
Andy 23

‘His absence has elevated his reputation’

Surely it’s also the fact that he proved himself capable in his loan spell.

Jerome Shields
27 Posted 11/08/2018 at 08:18:43
Lookman is the barometer to the teams attitude and how they are progressing. Last season as he looked down the field and seen the elementary defensive mistake, the sucidal loss of possession, the lack of link play and non space creation, he knew it was not right, because avoidance of such mistakes had been drummed into him all his playing life. He had developed a innate fear of them and exploited them so many times to get to the level as a forward he was at now.

Off the field he seen the perpetrators go unpunished and they where is even leaders in the dressing room and where the Managers buddies, This was all compounded by the fact he was dropped from the first team unfairly, as if he was to blame. , Lookman was in bad company and knew it, he had to get away,

He insisted through the waffle from Big Sam and secured a loan to Leipzig. He was in a dressing room where everyone was trying their best and playing first team football with good supporting play as standard.

Lookman arrived back to Everton determined to secure a move to Leipzig. The new Management talked a good story, but the same players where there and seemed as secure as ever, bar the crocks, that everyone knew where going to move on anyway.

Lookman was still in contact with Leipzig and wanted to move. Leipzig spotting a opportunity looked for a bargain. Glad we don't have their Director of football.

Silva has correctly identified Lookman as the barometer of cutting out the rot at Everton. Brands and Silva know that to replace him would cost a lot of money or be impossible. Lookman and his attitude are now to the fore in the dressing. The wheel has turned full circle.

. Lookman will be glad he stayed, as we all will be.

Martin Berry
28 Posted 11/08/2018 at 08:22:16
Silva really showing his management skills here with encouragement, the fact that he believes in him and his abilities, also some TLC to go with it.
Its down to the player now as he will be given opportunities.
I have a feeling that players are going to thrive under Marco and perhaps show us levels we thought before were not achievable.
Paul Jeronovich
29 Posted 11/08/2018 at 08:31:42
Lookman has the world at his feet in terms of football ability, he just hasn’t had the right manager to manage him. Your turn now Marco .
Jamie Evans
30 Posted 11/08/2018 at 08:36:44
Terry (#10), do tell us more please.

Who has he upset and how?

Tony Abrahams
31 Posted 11/08/2018 at 08:41:37
I hope you're right about Silva, Martin, because although this article is about Lookman, all the words spoken have come from the managers mouth.

I hope Ernie, is wrong when he talks about there being a "pecking order" because the way Silva, is talking, it seems to me that this manager is already thinking past this, and it's one of the reasons I'm beginning to feel quietly confident about Everton's future.

Modern football is no longer about the team, it really is a squad game nowadays for all the biggest teams, and this is why creating competition within the squad is going to be so important for Marco Silva, right now.

I actually feel that it's been that way for years, but I've only just realised it, because suddenly I've got a lot of optimism, because it looks like we might have created a very competitive squad?

Colin Glassar
32 Posted 11/08/2018 at 08:41:46
Ademola is a real talent but he needs to bide his time and dig in. Nowadays young, talented, players think they’ve got a god given right to start every game on potential alone and not fight, bite and scratch to force your way into the starting XI.
Gareth Ashman
33 Posted 11/08/2018 at 09:03:06
I'd like to think, whether he initially gets game time or not, he'll actually be developing and improving week by week in training. He's now working with players that he can learn from, players with speed and trickery but perhaps may have better decision making. Plus, he's actually got a manager now that's also a hands on coach of the players. Someone that will look to pull out the extra 2% in individuals and help them become better players. If he has that mindset to want to improve, I have no doubt he will and with that will come more opportunities on a Saturday and in Cup games etc.
Alan Galloway
34 Posted 11/08/2018 at 09:03:36
Really hope Lookman settles back in and pushes on with us. I saw a replay on TV when Marco was introduced before the Valencia game, the majority of players and coaching staff clapped his announcement, the moment I saw Lookman was sat with arms folded looking quite vacant to it all.

All our players need to be managed, challenged and motivated to do much better, as it stands Silva and Brands are backing up their intial claims and aims when appointed.

Ray Roche
35 Posted 11/08/2018 at 09:29:12
I like what I've seen of Lookman as a player, but he comes across as a sulky little get who needs a good slap.
Not that I advocate violence towards ten year old kids, obviously.

Maybe if he grew up and realised what a lucky bloke he is, with a God given talent and a future that could be wonderful, he could realise his potential.

Jerome Shields
36 Posted 11/08/2018 at 09:44:50

Lookmans agent hasn't toted him round the Premier League. Lookman has now experienced so called Premier League stars up close and personal. He hasn't been impressed by their attitude. The Leipzig opportunity guaranteed team football in a good standard League and he could be sure of no underhand funny business

. It will have occurred to Lookmans agents that the move has tripled his value and that Everton can pay higher wages. He will also be aware that Everton are Premier League side with financial backing and have a uncanny relationship with a club called Barcelona, who are probably watching the situation closely.

Lookman will probably be training hard to get into the first team and staying.

Neil Copeland
37 Posted 11/08/2018 at 09:48:19
Ray 35, and if not then give him a slap.

Looks to have loads of potential but been very hit and miss so far. Hopefully his loan spell in Germany has helped him to mature more as a player and achieve more consistency.

I would rather have him at EFC than not though.

Stephen McNally
38 Posted 11/08/2018 at 10:22:46
I'm always weary of sulkers. Lookman needs to appreciate that he is lucky that he is with one of England's greatest clubs that are showing ambition to rival its illustrious past. I'm pretty sure he is being paid handsomely for his efforts and, he gets to see the world for nothing as an employee of Everton, amongst all the other benefits/perks he receives from being an EPL player. A twelve month stint in a dead end job on a minimum wage might just give him the grounding he needs. My advice, get your head from out your ar se and knuckle down.
Les Green
39 Posted 11/08/2018 at 10:26:24
The lad obviously has talent but doesn't seem to have the patience it takes to fight for a place. We have no idea yet if he'll be the next Raheem Sterling, or the next Shaun Wright-Phillips
Colin Grierson
40 Posted 11/08/2018 at 10:30:24
A lot has to be said for the culture of a club. Guardiola encourages (demands) a culture where one of the key principles is that the individual puts the team first irregardless of the individual consequences. To that effect, he has one of his coaches watch the bench to see the reaction of those players who are not actively taking part in the game. Those who don't react to a near miss or goal being scored are demonstrating that they are not buying into the culture and are therefore not deemed suitable for the team.
No player is bigger than the team. If he is not proud to pull on the shirt and await his chance then maybe we should cash him in regardless of his potential.
Jamie Evans
41 Posted 11/08/2018 at 10:41:58
Terry @ 10, would you care to elaborate on Lookman's attitude problem and which senior players are fed up with him please?
Brian Murray
42 Posted 11/08/2018 at 11:06:17
Stephen.

I hope, like we all do, despite his tender years, that even though sulking, he still wins us games until, if and when, Marcel the magician can find a replacement. Did I mention I love that Dutch dude? Coyb.

Schools of Science is open for business.

Peter Mills
43 Posted 11/08/2018 at 11:08:59
The manager making a statement that he is in charge; a motivational message to Lookman; or simply playing hardball with Leipzig.

Whichever it is, the words are correct.

Colin Malone
45 Posted 11/08/2018 at 11:41:56
Lookman thinks he is better than what he is. So get your head from up your own arse, lad, and start working hard.
Derek Thomas
46 Posted 11/08/2018 at 11:52:24
At the moment he's a loose cannon - albeit with a sense of direction, as his pushing the move to Germany proves.

But many at his age have a lot of black and white in their attitude, hopefully Silva can get through that absolute 'I know everything' and get him to see sense...well sense as it applies to EFC.

If he keeps his head up his arse he could be gone at Jan. Anyway, head in or out of arse not withstanding he'll not only have to prove the right attitude...The Straq had an ace attitude, but skill on the pitch??? He has to also do it on the pitch as well.

Over to you Ade.

Oliver Molloy
47 Posted 11/08/2018 at 12:07:57
He is a winger, and anyone who has ever played the game will tell you that wingers are temperamental souls to say the least !
Dave Abrahams
48 Posted 11/08/2018 at 12:32:36
Lots of good advice on here, every player is different, some need an arm around the shoulder, some need a kick up the arse, some are ready to roll up their sleeves and fight for a place, it helps the last lot that they love Everton and want the team to succeed as well as themselves If Lookman is a sulker then it is allowed, to an extent, at twenty, if he continues to sulk even after getting plenty of encouragement from the coaching staff, then it is time to have another look at him and consider his future for him.

I like him, think he can have a big career with the Blues so I hope he stays.

Jack Convery
49 Posted 11/08/2018 at 12:59:28
Lookman's impatience will be the undoing of him if he's not careful. Get your head down son and when you get the chance grab it and don't let go - do that and as in life you will succeed.
Derek Taylor
50 Posted 11/08/2018 at 13:33:33
Seems to have modeled his career on Delboy. Same talents... and attitude.

Off with him, I say. £25M — it's a deal.

Mark Brennnan
51 Posted 11/08/2018 at 14:02:36
This kid has a massive future and the proof of that is that the last manager didn't see anything in him. Proof positive the lad will become an exceptional player.
Dan Brierley
52 Posted 11/08/2018 at 14:53:13
I can understand why Derek (#50) and many others want rid of him. Having a sulk is okay at 20 years old, as many people have said, but it bringing the whole morale of the squad down is not okay.

And let's not exaggerate on his loan last season, RB Leipzig are not a 'top club'. They have never won anything.

Silva has done the right thing here, and given the lad a chance to prove himself. I personally think he is, as Derek suggested, another Deulofeu type that's easy on the eye, but doesn't have enough end product to ever be a top player.

Tony Everan
53 Posted 11/08/2018 at 15:00:09
It's a long hard season, opportunities will come for him.

When the opportunity comes he has to be 100% ready, and prove to everyone that he cannot be left out. On top of that he has to be consistent.

He is arguably the best young player on our books but, like every other player, he has to fight like hell for his place. Having the talent is only half the story: mental strength and desire are part of the mix. I think this lad has got it all.

Peter Gorman
54 Posted 11/08/2018 at 15:21:08
If Lookman was sulking upon his return to Everton is it not to an extent understandable?

This is a young kid who watched the so-called senior pros in the team produce inept performance after inept performance whilst he was mostly sat kicking his heels. A great display in the dead rubber against the Cypriots and then back to playing second fiddle to Bolasie (not meaning to pick on Bolasie in particular but there you have it).

Then he goes on loan and plays even better than Keita for whom the RS forked out millions. Returning to Everton you'd probably all be looking to move on.

Lookman is at heart a good lad and a smart one. We can carp on all we like about how fortunate he is to earn his football wage but the facts are he had options and the onus was on Silva to convince him of the merits of staying. I am happy to think that Silva is doing exactly that.

I'm confident the lad will soon see that he is valued and it is in his own best interests to develop here.

James Stewart
55 Posted 11/08/2018 at 15:25:53
Never struck me as a winger. Would like to see him off the striker or no.10, played well there for RBL.
Richard Reeves
56 Posted 11/08/2018 at 16:01:05
Silva does seem to be popular with players so I would be surprised if Lookman doesn't change his mind and still wants out given time. It is encouraging though to see the type of player the manager is targeting and believes in.
Gavin Johnson
57 Posted 13/08/2018 at 00:49:15
It seems like the Incredible Sulk was dropped from the squad on Sat because of his will to force a move. Silva has stated that he wasn't injured. Let's hope once the window passes Lookman pulls his head out of his arse and accepts that he is an Everton player and will start to give his best.

I think Leipzig want him to be the man to replace Kieta. More importantly for us, he could be a different option to Sigurdsson. He offers so many options at the business end of the pitch. I hope we stick to our guns and turn down further offers.

Victor Yu
58 Posted 13/08/2018 at 03:50:49
He is the present and future yet he didn't even make the bench on Saturday.

I still believe he will be gone before the end of the month.

Mike Oates
59 Posted 13/08/2018 at 09:17:51
I suspect his first 18 months here have been an absolute nightmare, with Koeman then Allardyce having no faith in him at all . He was given some opportunities but his defensive duties were completely ignored and that was enough for the two characters above.
Leipzig called, obviously put an arm around him and got the best from him, in a system which give him freedom to play . He responds with 5 goals and x assists. Apparently he loves it there and sees no permanent place in Everton's team and wants out . Nothing to do with Silva but the lad can't forget his treatment here, he was 18 yrs old, on his own, clearly not an outgoing lad and felt lost and isolated .
Leipzig is his home now ( and I suspect German league football is easier for him re physicality) and he will be going back before Aug 31 st .
Gavin Johnson
60 Posted 13/08/2018 at 14:42:24
Mike - Lookman won't be going anywhere, except back to the U23s if we choose not to sell and he continues to sulk.

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