This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Everton’s Morgan Schneiderlin has returned to the Everton squad having missed the win against West Ham United through injury.
On the chalkboard
The 29-year-old, along with Fabian Delph, is fit and raring to go for Everton after they were declared fit by Marco Silva. The former Watford manager praised the two, claiming he has a “good headache” with his selection dilemma.
Silva said in his press conference: “[Delph and Schneiderlin] have worked until now full sessions with their teammates so they are both ready.”
“It’s a good headache,” said Silva. “It’s what I want. When this happens and we achieve good results, when players get their chance and they perform well and help the team, it’s a very good thing for me as a coach.
“I like to have these types of headaches. That means the players on the bench have the quality to play and are working hard to play.”
If it’s not broke don’t fix it
Last weekend’s win over the Hammers was just Everton’s third in the Premier League and it subsequently forced them out of the relegation zone.
As a result of such a positive performance, you would expect Silva not to change too much of his current winning formula. With just six goals scored and 13 let in prior to last week, the Blues’ clean sheet could end up being a significant stepping stone in their season.
In the West Ham win, it was Andre Gomes and Tom Davies in the centre who formed an impressive partnership. Both men controlled the game, making 37 and 34 passes respectively in the match. On the other hand, Schneiderlin has averaged a 6.07 rating so far and was part of the team that lost four on the bounce prior to this win.
It doesn’t make sense for Silva to change his side after such a great victory, and he needs to build on this display, not change it.
Indeed, it’s time for the Frenchman to watch Gomes and Davies flourish from the bench.
