Everton

Sigurdsson is top drawer – Pundit

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BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has hailed Gylfi Sigurdsson as a top drawer player with “wonderful ability” but slammed his penalty miss at the weekend.

The Goodison Park playmaker scored twice for the Merseysiders as they defeated Fulham 3-0 on Saturday but would have had a hat-trick had he not hit a penalty against the crossbar.

Crooks is a big admirer of the former Swansea City player but was baffled by his effort from 12 yards.

“It never ceases to amaze me when players with wonderful ability score the more technical and difficult goals but struggle with the simple tap-ins. Gylfi Sigurdsson failed to convert a penalty against Fulham but scored two beautifully taken goals, which looked infinitely more difficult,” said Crooks in his BBC Sport column as he named Sigurdsson in his team of the week.

“Everton need a top-class striker to play alongside Theo Walcott and Richarlison, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs more time to develop.”

OPINION

Sigurdsson scored one mighty fine goal and a second very decent one on Saturday. Quite why he couldn’t convert from 12 yards is unclear, although perhaps pressure plays a major part. The attacking midfielder was not expected to curl in the delicious left-footer that was the first of his two goals, and even his second was hardly a regulation finish. They were spontaneous shots borne of excellent technique and self-belief. But strange things happen to footballers when they are expected to complete simple finishes. It messes with their mind and bodies. In truth, despite Crooks’ gushing tribute, Sigurdsson has been hit and miss since Everton forked out £45million for the player just over a year ago. He turned 29 last month and what is certain is the club will never secure that kind of fee when they sell him. For now, the player is a trusted regular under new boss Marco Silva, who will hope to coax more consistency out of him than Sam Allardyce and Ronald Koeman were able to.

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