I'd give Deulofeu a Derby debut, says Martinez
Manager confident youngster is good enough for the toughest of tests
The list of Everton FC players who have made their full league debut in a derby match is a short one. The intense, often frenzied atmosphere of the bi-annual local set-to is not generally considered to be an ideal environment for a newcomer to find his feet.
But after a series of increasingly impressive cameo performances as a substitute, Roberto Martinez says he would have no qualms about unleashing Gerard Deulofeu from the start in a Premier League match against Liverpool.
After frustrating back-to-back goalless draws – and yet another international break – the Blues’ next Premier League test is against their free-scoring neighbours on November 23.
And Martinez revealed that the pacy Spanish striker is ‘fighting hard’ for a starting place.
“It has surprised me how quickly he has adapted to the British game, and to the demands of the Premier League,” explained Martinez.
“I thought he did very well when he came on against Spurs, and today (v Crystal Palace) was a perfect game for him because he is someone who can unlock the door and use his ability in one-v-one situations.
“It was a little bit of a frustrating one for everybody in an attacking sense, but I am pleased that Gerard now is available and ready. He is fighting hard for his place.”
And a potential derby debut?
“I would have no concerns about putting him in against Liverpool, no,” added the Blues boss. “When you are able to play against Jan Vertonghen, and to cope with that, then it shows you he is ready for anything.”
Martinez admitted, though, that despite a long, two-week build-up to the derby clash, he wouldn’t be able to start planning for the game until he learned whether all of his international players had returned safely from their commitments.
“I can’t really look forward (to the derby) yet, because we are losing 12 players with the Under-21s and the senior players,” said Martinez.
“It is one of those situations where you keep your fingers crossed and hope that everything goes well.
“But you can imagine. All the fans have made it clear that they are excited about the derby. It’s a special game, and I can’t wait to feel Goodison Park at its best.”
It’s a fixture Martinez is already relishing.
He said: “I have said before that it has felt very natural from day one. I need to thank everyone who works at the club, and the fans, who have made it so easy for me to be part of the football club.
“Once you find out about the history of this club, it is very easy to feel part of it. It’s special.
“Now I want it to carry on, and for us to keep winning games and make sure we can achieve something special.”
Source: Echo
