'What a Match': Mixed Feelings in Reactions to Tosun's Turkey Display

Plenty of football fans have given their thoughts on an impressive individual display from Everton striker Cenk Tosun in Turkey’s 3-3 draw against Croatia.

Captaining his country, Tosun fired home a composed, powerful penalty after being fouled in the box by Croatia’s Domagoj Vida before later setting up Leicester City’s on-loan winger Cengiz Under (as per evertonfc.com). The 29-year-old former Besiktas hitman earned his 43rd senior cap as he looks to relaunch his career after a troubled 2020.

Tosun’s recent return to Everton came off the backdrop of a difficult period for the 29-year-old. He sustained a nasty anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during training on loan at Crystal Palace eight months ago, another major setback in his career in English football.

Tosun has failed to have a major impact at Goodison Park. He arrived from Turkish giants Beskitas for a reported £27m but has managed just 10 goals in 53 appearances in a lacklustre Merseyside tenure.

However, he has come back strongly from that convalescence with his goal and assist against Croatia. The striker had appeared as a substitute in Everton’s last two outings in the Premier League, but didn’t find the net on either occasion [Transfermarkt].

Football fans, including some Evertonians, were left with mixed feelings after Tosun’s redemptive display for Turkey. Some hailed his impressive performance while others were less forgiving, with one Evertonian calling for youngster Ellis Simms to be utilised instead of the 29-year-old.

Twitter: @AdaEfc Shouldnt be in an Everton shirt – I’d rather try Simms and even give Bolasie a go before Tosun

Tosun has… https://t.co/aiYz6KIuPO (@jose_wonderboy1)