Sigurdsson comes under fire online – Are fans right to criticise?

Gylfi Sigurdsson has come under fire following Everton’s opening Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace.

The Iceland international struggled throughout the game and often looked off the pace, with the former Tottenham and Swansea man failing to be as influential as he has the potential to be.

Palace were dogged and scrappy when without possession of the ball, and Sigurdsson was largely unable to shift the ball and move quickly enough to prevent himself from becoming hounded, and this breaking up of play was detrimental to Everton’s offensive play.

Many fans online were quick to slate the attacking midfielder on social media, despite only being the first game of the season, with several fans calling for Alex Iwobi to replace the 29-year old when Everton take on Watford next week.

Twitter: Sigurdsson really needs to step up, been poor. (@ForeverEverton0)

Twitter: Sigurdsson seriously needs to step up tho, otherwise I’d play Iwobi in that role. (@efclewiss)

Twitter: DCL get crucified every game, he has no service, none, nothing, Sigurdsson slows the game up and just doesn’t show… https://t.co/QzGq0tAqUj (@Efcmordecai)

Twitter: So, how did Sigurdsson get on today… https://t.co/AFbbDFwHHR (@MrTylerVI)

Sigurdsson also came under flak at times last season. Despite scoring 13 Premier League goals for Everton, the playmaker often faded in games and his absent was often felt.

Read Everton Verdict

Look, I’m not Gylfi’s biggest supporter. In this last decade he is the one player I was most excited to sign, outranking Romelu Lukaku, because I’ve been such a big fan of the Icelandic playmaker for so long.

But last season I wanted him dropped. Regardless of goals, to me he wasn’t worth taking away a starting spot from someone more talented who would prove to be more influential on the field.

However, I’m prepared to begin with a clean sheet this season. Of course, Gylfi didn’t get off to the best of starts, but I think it could be too soon to make wholesale changes. That being said, If Iwobi starts out wide and Bernard comes in behind DCL or Moise Kean, I wouldn’t be against that at all, but I’m not ready to call for blood when we’ve only seen 90 minutes of the season.