OPINION
Now that was the performance all Everton fans have been waiting to see from Ademola Lookman. The winger was in scintillating form in his team’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Lincoln City on Saturday.
Handed a rare start by boss Marco Silva the youngster didn’t fail to impress, providing energy and dynamism all afternoon long as the Toffees laboured to victory.
While not all of his team mates gave as good an account of themselves, Lookman certainly provided Silva with some food for thought ahead of next week’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
At this point it would be bizarre for the 21-year-old not to be given a starting berth against the Cherries, he’s certainly shown that he’s worthy of one.
He opened the scoring against the Imps with a smart header from Leighton Baines’ beautiful cross, and produced a positive outing in front of the home fans. He’s struggled with injuries lately but he certainly seemed to be back to his best on Saturday.
The Toffees have looked flat in recent weeks. The bloom is certainly off the rose in regards to Silva, and the manager would be wise to unleash Lookman next week as a way of bringing some excitement back to his stagnant side.
The fans were enlivened every time Lookman picked the ball up on Saturday – that’s the type of player he is. He’s someone who can produce a moment of magic at any moment and that’s what Everton need at the moment.
Theo Walcott hasn’t cut the mustard this season, there’s no doubt about that. But Lookman should be selected just as much for what he can bring as well as being a punishment for the more senior man’s lack of form.
The youngster has been patient this season, and now he deserves a real run of games. When he’s played earlier this campaign it’s been in fits and starts, he needs a consistent spell in the first team now.