OPINION
Everton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin’s career at Goodison Park appeared to be over as recently as last week. However, he breathed new life into his Toffees spell on Tuesday night.
The France international excelled in his team’s 3-0 victory over Cardiff City in Wales, and one of the standout performers for Marco Silva’s side was the aforementioned former Manchester United man.
This was the 29-year-old’s first appearance since December, but yet he showed absolutely no signs of ring rust. He was impeccable in possession and dogged in his defensive duties in a performance that was a throwback to his imperious Southampton days.
Granted, the opposition was pretty limited, but for someone making their first appearance in several months it was immensely impressive. It was also a much-needed reminder to Silva that he has a quality central midfielder already at the club, just someone who needs to get his confidence back.
Andre Gomes has declined slightly since his sterling start to life in English football, and so the opportunity is there for Schneiderlin to stake his claim for continued involvement moving forward.
He will have a big opportunity to do that against fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday. If he can deliver the goods in that encounter then he will be virtually undroppable for Silva.
It will be difficult for him against an unbelievable Reds team, but midfield is arguably the weakest area of the pitch for Jurgen Klopp’s team. Idrissa Gueye and Schneiderlin are good enough to make lift difficult for the visitors at Goodison Park.
The Frenchman resuscitated his ailing Everton career on Tuesday, and he can stamp his ticket to further opportunities with a big showing on Sunday.