BBC pundit Garth Crooks has named Everton striker Cenk Tosun in his team of the week, but surprisingly warned that the Turkey international could end up on the ‘cutting-room floor.’
Tosun bagged a double against Stoke as Everton secured a 2-1 win at the Bet365 Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, and the 26-year-old now has four goals in his last three outings.
Crooks has now named Tosun in his team of the week on the BBC Sport website, praising the striker for his natural instincts, but warning him about his future at Goodison Park.
“I haven’t been totally convinced by Tosun’s performances since he arrived at Goodison Park and I rather suspect neither has Sam Allardyce. To suddenly single Tosun out for special praise is a sure indication of the manager’s relief that the striker [who wasn’t cheap] is now hitting the back of the net on a more regular basis.
“His two goals against Stoke, in appalling conditions, smacked of a natural striker’s instincts. Allardyce now suggests 40 points allows Everton the luxury of building for next season. I suggest those building blocks centre on Tosun scoring 20 goals otherwise both manager and striker could end up on Everton’s cutting-room floor,” he said.
Tosun was a January signing for the Toffees, arriving from Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas in a £27million deal , and struggled initially to adapt to English football as he failed to score in his first four matches.
Since then he has netted against Burnley, Brighton and now Stoke to kickstart his Premier League career, making Crooks’ assertion a surprise considering his form.
OPINION
Crooks’ warning on Tosun’s future seems rather premature considering he only joined the club two or so months ago. Even if Allardyce loses his job this summer, that does not mean that Tosun will too, and he surely has a future at the club for the next season at least. His recent form has shown some brilliant signs of life, with his four goals showcasing a wide range of different skills, and fans will hope that continues until the end of the campaign.