Here are your Everton FC evening headlines for Wednesday, October 5.
Frank Lampard’s summer wish coming true
As Everton fought tooth and nail to secure their Premier League status last season, the timing and frequency of injury problems at times felt like a cruel joke.
Throughout the latter stages of the campaign, last-minute injuries to the likes of Donny van de Beek and Ben Godfrey, plus the careful management of Yerry Mina, Fabian Delph and Dominic Calvert-Lewin often left the Blues boss with a skeleton-thin playing squad.
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The start of this season tells a different story, with shrewd summer recruitment seeing the likes of James Tarkowski, Conor Coady, Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana adding the robustness that Lampard so glaringly lacked previously.
When asked if he is happy with the depth of the squad during this congested season, the Toffees boss admitted they are in a ‘better place’ and that there is now competition in every area of the pitch.
Martinez makes ‘special’ Onana claim
Roberto Martinez has described Amadou Onana as a ‘special’ player and admitted he will only get better with regular first-team minutes at Goodison.
The 21-year-old has already shown flashes of the player he can become, following his £33million arrival from Lille in the summer. The Belgian has started the last six Everton matches in league and cup - none of which the club have lost - and formed a solid midfield trio alongside Gueye and Alex Iwobi.
Such form has not gone unnoticed at international level former Blues boss Martinez - now Belgium manager - describing the young star as a ‘special player.
Martinez told RTBF (via Het Laatste Nieuws) : "He has physical qualities that we haven't seen since Fellaini. He is also a leader. Despite his age he already has a lot of experience. Amadou has already played in three top European competitions: the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and now the Premier League. That's special. He is a very useful player.”
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Everton striker speaks of 'amazing feeling' after scoring first senior goal
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Conor Coady's nickname in dressing room speaks volumes about quiet Everton transformation
