“We needed a player like him” – Everton attacker on transfer, and ‘connection’ between defence and attack

Andre Gomes had a very difficult spell at Barcelona.

Signed from Valencia, the midfielder had been on the verge of a move to Real Madrid. Barca then swooped and snatched the midfielder away, probably paying too much and having too much concentration on beating their rivals to the signature.

Gomes wasn’t able to have enough of an impact and as the Catalan media had built him up in the immediate aftermath of the transfer, they were also ready to bring him down as things didn’t quite go to plan.

There were even claims of players purposely not passing to the Portuguese footballer, because they were worried he’d slow things down.

It all had an impact and Gomes, a very likeable character, wasn’t afraid to speak publicly about how the pressure had impacted him.

A loan move to Everton has, at the very least, given the player the support of a fanbase, who quickly took to their new signing.

His teammate Bernard had been speaking to Record, and the Portuguese newspaper asked about their national player.

The Brazilian explained: “He’s a player who makes the connection between defence and attack and, with the intelligence and quality of pass, manages to put the ball in the offensive transition. He has been very helpful to Everton, the team has gained a different face with him and I am glad he has arrived because we needed a player like him.”

Record then asked how Gomes is generally, given his problems of the past, and Bernard eased their worries: “A player with confidence feels much better in training and games. I see that Andre Gomes is happy, because any player wants to play. I have lived moments like this in Shakhtar and I know what it is not to play and not feel confident. Andre Gomes is in good time.”