Several Everton fans have been taking to Twitter over the last couple of days to celebrate their signing of Gerard Deulofeu – something which I think most of us can agree, is fair enough, he’s a decent player after all.
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However, to suggest that they’ve done better business than ourselves might be pushing it somewhat. Let’s compare the young Spaniard with our latest addition, Brazilian international Roberto Firmino.
Deulofeu, who only managed two games for Barcelona’s first-team during more than a decade on the club’s books, was on loan at Goodison Park during the 2013-14 season and scored four goals in 29 appearances.
Last season he went on loan to Sevilla. However, he only managed 17 La Liga games and just one goal, leading him to become available once again this summer.
He’s still only 21, so has room to improve and rediscover his best form, while the reported £4.2m price tag does represent something of a coup.
However, Firmino is surely in a class above. The 23-year-old has scored 32 goals over the last two seasons for Hoffenheim and has recently established himself as a regular in his national team.
Only Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez has been involved in more goals from midfield in the last two seasons, while Who Scored ranked him as the ninth best player in Europe during the 2014-15 campaign.
Let’s not forget that just two years ago Everton finished above us in the Premier League table. Now, the chances of that happening again look incredibly remote.
I think the word ‘jealousy’ perhaps comes to mind when looking at these Tweets, don’t you agree Reds?
29million for Firmino or 3million for Deulofeu pic.twitter.com/dkMTSLXArC
— Gabe Rutherford (@18Gabriel78) June 24, 2015
Deulofeu nets a hat trick in the derby while Firmino’s on the floor crying
— Michael EFC Greenall (@greenallefc) June 25, 2015
LFC forced to pay 40m for Firmino meanwhile we bully Barca and nick their talents at will. That’s how you know Everton are the bigger club.
— Toffee4Life (@PossessionStats) June 25, 2015