---
title: "Bent praises Delph and suggests be can become key player for Everton"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/bent-praises-delph-and-suggests-be-can-become-key-player-for-everton/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2019-11-13T07:00:34Z"
modified: "2019-11-13T07:00:34Z"
---

# Bent praises Delph and suggests be can become key player for Everton

Darren Bent has sung the praises of Fabian Delph’s character, claiming he could become a big player for Everton in Andre Gomes’ absence.

Delph missed Everton’s game against Southampton last weekend with a slight knock but is expected to return following the international break, where he’ll look to ease the midfield burden in Gomes’ absence.

The Portugal international suffered a fracture dislocation of his right ankle against Tottenham over a week ago, essential ruling him out of action for the remainder of the season.

Everton now have just Tom Davies, Morgan Schneiderlin and Fabian Delph who are suited to that deeper role in midfield, with JP Gbamin also out injured until at least January

Delph was signed from Manchester City in the summer to add much needed experience to Everton’s first-team group, and former Premier League striker Bent has claimed that the England international can be influential for the Blues.

![Jan Kruger/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readeverton.com/readeverton/2019/11/1179175083.jpg)

[Talking to Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/you-just-cant-teach-that-darren-bent-raves-over-intl-ace-everton-are-lucky-to-have/), the former Spurs, Sunderland and Aston Villa man had this to say on his former Villa Park teammate:

Gomes is no longer there and even though Delphy is not a creative midfielder by any stretch of the imagination, he can create but that’s not his game.

He’s experienced enough to go: ‘You know what, I know what needs to be done.’ He’s played in title-winning sides, he’s played in the Champions League, he’s played in so many big games in his career, they’re lucky are Everton they’ve got someone of his calibre there.

He brings that leadership quality and that is a character that you just can’t teach. A lot of guys haven’t got that.

### Read Everton Verdict

Certainly in Andre Gomes’ absence, Fabian Delph will have to step it up, with Marco Silva likely to rely on the experienced midfielder to support the younger players on the pitch as a cool head.

Delph brings as sense of stability to the way Everton play, even if that can sometimes stunt the side’s creativity. It is essential that Everton tighten up, particularly when they lack someone so influential in Gomes.

Delph hasn’t been the most consistent so far this season but he has largely impressed, and I would be happy to bank on the England international to find a more consistent level for the Toffees.