With speculation over Belgian winger Kevin Mirallas looking likely to leave Goodison Park this January, manager Roberto Martinez has reiterated that the forward is in his plans for the future.
Mirallas has had to play a bit-part role in the first half of the season, having to play second fiddle to both Arouna Kone who found some form in November and Gerard Deulofeu who has been in fine form ever since he began starting games.
Everton face Tottenham on the 3rd of January, before playing four games in two weeks, facing Manchester City twice, Chelsea and an FA Cup tie against Dagenham and Redbridge. This should see the Belgian get more of a chance in the team, but has the bridge already been burned?
Mirallas has been linked with a number of clubs in previous windows, such as Monaco, a return to his old club Olympiacos and West Ham who had a failed bid for the winger in the summer transfer window. The forward was also went on record last season in saying his relationship with his manager was not the best after broken promises over a move but decided to sign a new three-year deal in the summer.
Roberto Martinez will be hoping to keep hold of the forward, but with the competition on the wings very competitive and with a European Championship tournament around the corner, it may be hard for the Catalonian to keep his players who reside on the fringes of the squad. Steven Naismith is another player in this situation and looks set to leave with Norwich looking the likely destination for the Scotsman.
Speaking in his Spurs pre-match conference, he explained why Mirallas was not even on the bench in Everton’s game against Stoke on Monday afternoon. He said:
“I wouldn’t say it’s a pivotal month for him. What’s been important is for Kevin to keep himself fit and working hard. “The little niggles he had at the start of the season stopped him from being at his very best but against Newcastle he was sharp.
“Playing two games in three days was something we had to be very aware about.
“But Aaron Lennon and Kevin being two sprinters meant we had to protect them. They both bring something very different. Clearly we have real strength and numbers. “But they both had to take their opportunities against Newcastle and they both did that. They will play an important role in January but it’s important for us all as a team.”
Speaking on Everton’s recent performances, the Catalonian believes it is their defensive frailties that are costing the Blues points. He explained:
“We just need to stop conceding the goals we are and giving points away softly,” he said.
We’re halfway through the season and if we have change of mindset we can really take advantage of the second half.”
