When Aaron Lennon signed on loan on deadline day in January, there was a mixed response to his arrival. Many were excited at the prospect of someone who is quick and direct, whilst other lamented his “lack of a final ball”, something which is labelled at many wide players it has to be said. It’s still early days, and the jury is still out, but his early performances have been positive. In particular, the switch to 4-4-2 against Newcastle and QPR appears to have suited him.
We all knew we were getting someone with blistering pace, but I think he has shown he has a bit more about him than just getting to the by-line and crossing a ball in. Take the game against QPR, for example. Both goals involved him receiving the ball in a central position. For the first goal, he played an excellent through ball, something which we don’t see too much of at Everton, to Arouna Kone, and subsequently laid an awkward ball from the Ivorian off to Leon Osman with ease. Similarly for the second, he was sharp enough to react quickest to another iffy pass from Kone, and then had the awareness to read the play and put himself in the right position to knock in the rebound and bag a deserved goal. He is naturally quick, but mentally he also seems to be switched on constantly. The way he won the penalty against Newcastle underlines this.
Another aspect of his game that perhaps we weren’t fully aware of is his relentless work rate. Of course, that should be a given, but his desire to press the opposition when out of possession has undoubtedly contributed to the previous two league victories. He also seems to be building up an understanding with Seamus Coleman. As mentioned, Lennon has found himself taking up central positons, allowing Coleman to push on and exploit the space. This was no more evident than against QPR.
His performances in recent weeks have naturally led to talk of the summer and what that may hold, whether his long-term future is with Everton. Roberto has been coy on this front, which is understandable. Like I said, it’s still early days and we’ll need to see more from him in the final 8 games if we are to part with £6m, the price Tottenham have supposedly named for the 27 year old. Lennon himself has urged caution on this front, “We’ve not looked at it long-term, I am just here to try and help the team win and taking each game as it comes.” He’s beginning to find his feet for sure, but let’s see what the rest of the season holds.
