Having caught a few glimpses a couple of seasons ago of what Dele is capable of, Everton fans have since been made to wait to get to see him spark Sean Dyche’s side this season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur has struggled with recovering full fitness since his loan stint in Turkey with Besiktas, and though he had teased a possible return in 2023, it looks like it might be a few more weeks before he will be on the pitch.
With the focus on Andre Gomes – another player sidelined at Everton – as Dyche’s latest reclamation project, the Blues could see a game changer on the pitch if Dele can capture even a fraction of the form that saw him at the forefront of Spurs run to the Champions League final just a few years ago.
However, per the player’s Instagram account he’s hit a setback in his recovery and this will likely push his return out by a few more weeks.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has revelled in the hole behind the striker in the 4-5-1 formation that the manager favours, but as invaluable as the indefatigable midfielder is, he is limited in creativity especially when facing a low block.
This however is where Dele could be best utilized, not only as a second striker but also an advanced midfielder to pick out a pass and unlock defences.
With Director of Football Kevin Thelwell already indicating that the Blues will not be very active in the January transfer window, getting the best out of Gomes, Dele and a quick return to the squad for Doucoure will be paramount for the Toffees survival this season.
