Paul Merson has spoken out in admiration of Everton winger Bernard, claiming that he is a big fan of the Brazilian.
The 26-year-old has caught the eye since signing from Shakhtar Donetsk over the summer, chipping in with four assists in the Premier League so far this campaign.
Speaking on Soccer Saturday (Saturday December 29th, Sky Sports News, 12pm), Merson was eager to express his admiration of the wide man, who played a starring role in the Toffees 5-1 win over Burnley on Boxing Day.
He said: “I like this lad, I like watching him. I think he’s a very very talented footballer.
“He’s very comfortable on the ball, he runs at people, he takes people on. He’s a forward’s dream.”
“Everything he did in that game [against Burnley] was outstanding, absolutely outstanding. I’m a big fan of his.”
OPINION
Bernard has settled into life in England a lot quicker and successfully than most people would have expected. The Brazilian cuts a diminutive figure, and there will have been suspicions that he might have been too lightweight for the Premier League, but he has looked robust and ready to battle whenever he has featured. For the most part, the winger is a selfless influence on the Blues’ attack and while that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, Marco Silva will be hoping that he can add some goals to his impressive output. If he can do that then the 26-year-old will look close to a complete player, and Silva will feel that he has secured a bargain. Much will be made of Everton’s transfer business in the coming years as they look to make a bid for the top six. If they can get the best out of Bernard and keep a hold of him, he could be seen as the first signing of a new dynasty.