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Demarai Gray Could End Up Being Signing of The Season

With the former Leicester man in such great form, Everton have made one of their best starts to a Premier League campaign in recent years and an England call-up might not be too far away

New Everton boss Rafael Benitez made it quite clear when he joined the club that he needed to add more cover in the wide areas of the pitch. He addressed that by signing Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend during the summer transfer window.

Both of those wingers have made an impressive start to their careers in Merseyside. The early signs suggest the former could be an early contender for the signing of the year within the Premier League.

Gray helped Leicester to the Premier League in 2016 during his time with the Foxes. Given the start the Toffees have made to the 2021/2022 campaign, Everton fans will be hoping he's part of something special this season, too. Benitez’s side are currently 12/1 in the football odds for a top-four finish. They haven't finished in the Champions League spaces since 2005 when David Moyes led the Toffees to qualify for the tournament.

With the former Leicester man in such great form, Everton will be one of the leading football betting tips over the next couple of months. They've made one of their best starts to a Premier League campaign in recent years and their attack has gelled together well despite the new faces.

Bargain Purchase on Early Evidence

Everton paid just £1.7 million to sign Gray from his Bundesliga club. His value is sure to have skyrocketed in the early stages of his spell at Goodison Park. 

Benitez has shown a lot of belief in the player and the Spaniard is being rewarded for that confidence. He should continue to develop under the Everton manager’s guidance, just like so many have under the Spaniard during his career.

In the past, Everton have spent much more on players who have failed to make an impact for the club in the Premier League. Moise Kean is a recent example of that. Other clubs have also paid far bigger transfer fees for wingers who have yet to have the same impact.

England Call Up May Not Be Far Away

The Everton winger has scored two goals in his opening three Premier League matches this season. However, that statistic doesn't tell the full picture: the Englishman has been an integral part of the Merseyside club’s attack. His pace has caused persistent defence problems for other sides and he's linked up well with his new teammates.

If he continues with this form, it may not be long before Gareth Southgate gives Gray his first senior call-up to the national team. There's a lot of competition for places in the England team, but Gray is playing as well as anybody in the Premier League this season.

Jordan Pickford is the only Everton player in the latest England senior squad, so if Gray does get the opportunity to play for the national team, it would be a proud moment for the Toffees. It would also be a sign of how the Toffees are progressing on the field under Benitez's care.

The challenge for Gray now will be to keep up these impressive performances. If he can do that and the Everton attack continues to fire, it looks set to be an exciting season.

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