Royal Blue: It’s time Everton FC striker Steven Naismith got his protection
Most fouled player in Premier League is too good to be sidelined
He spent most of Thursday night sporting a garish cut across his neck which looked like he had lost a 50/50 with Jack the Ripper.
But that late Halloween-style wound didn’t stop Steven Naismith sparkling in the 3-0 Europa League rout against Lille.
Naismith’s movement and work-rate was, as ever, a joy to behold.
Then with his quick feet and delicate touch he scored the final goal of the evening in exquisite fashion.
All after taking a sustained and heavy kicking from the French side, who had clearly targeted the Scotland international in their bid to get something in L4.
It’s a good thing the former Rangers striker is made of stern stuff, because it’s something he has had to get used to.
According to football statistics site Squawka, Naismith has been fouled the most times in the Premier League this season – more even than illustrious playmakers such as Eden Hazard.
It’s a backhanded compliment, but not one he should have to like or lump.
Last term Roberto Martinez declined to call for extra protection from referees for Ross Barkley, when the young midfielder was also being singled out by opponents.
Barkley though is a different physical prospect than Naismith.
At 6ft 2in the 20-year-old can absorb the knocks and thanks to his age and reputation he tends to be looked after by officials anyway and get the fouls when he is felled. But he was still one of the most fouled men in the top flight last season, and that always leaves a player vulnerable to the one late hack which leaves them sidelined for months.
While Naismith can stick up for himself as well, he needs to get the same backing from referees.
He has become too important for the royal blue cause for the club to have to do without him.
While Rene Girard’s men were laying into him from every angle in the first 10 minutes on Thursday, none of them were booked.
It is harder for Martinez to hold any sway over the foreign officials in the Europa League, but he could make his point to Premier League referees’ chief Mike Riley.
Naismith isn’t the type to go crying to the man in the middle during games. He usually picks himself up and gets on with it.
And it’s true that the way he relentlessly challenges, and often wins, aerial challenges against much bigger plays does leave him open to pick up the odd clattering.
That’s the way he plays, and officials should not have to award him a foul for every push and shove.
But just because he is willing to solider on and refrains from waving imaginary cards, doesn’t mean the 28-year-old is fair game to be the brunt of excessive physical attention.
His lung-busting displays alone would take their toll on lesser players.
Just like James McCarthy he simply never stops. Also like the midfielder he is a performer Everton need fit every week, not licking his wounds in the stands.
Source: Echo
