Fabian Delph made his debut for Everton on Wednesday night after returning from injury and fans were really impressed with what they saw from the former Man City midfielder.
Many people had this game earmarked as a big banana skin, with a goal-shy Everton travelling to Lincoln, and that prediction was looking prescient when the home side took an early lead in front of a noisy crowd.
There was a hint of offside but no VAR in the EFL cup and the goal stood, with the hosts going ahead through a smart Harry Anderson finish after just one minute.
It took a moment of absolute genius to bring Everton level – a peach of a free-kick from Lucas Digne, one of the real bright sparks for Marco Silva’s side this season.
Delph wasn’t as spectacular but was just as effective, looking totally in control of the game, and Everton fans were really happy with what they saw from the 29-year-old who signed for just £8.5m from Man City over the summer.
They were just as happy with the 4-2 win after goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson, Alex Iwobi and Richarlison put paid to the plucky Lincoln side.
Here are the best reactions to Delph’s display tonight:
Delph has been good he’s moved the ball quickly
— Richard Lloyd (@Richlloyd1984) August 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/MrTylerVI/status/1166801531141873665
https://twitter.com/goodisonblue2/status/1166797374624325632
How do you buy a current England international under the age of 30 in today’s inflated market for under £10m? You take a gamble on a player who’s promised so much through his career but has suffered from a huge amount of injuries.
Delph never got started at Man City before he was sidelined with a spate of different injuries but he always looked good when he played.
Everton fans would have been fearing the worst when he was injured just five minutes into a pre-season game, his first in blue, but he was ruled fit to play tonight by Marco Silva and he put in a really impressive shift.
https://twitter.com/Jonesovic/status/1166801213939224583
Is Delph the leader on the pitch we have been waiting for?
— Petetheblue1878 (@PeterWoolley7) August 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/KevGTweet/status/1166800068596383744
I think all the debutants have been very good, especially Delph who will be captain soon
— Neil Martin (@Neilo_m) August 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/lower_gwladys/status/1166799570938077184
Delph always looking forward. Iwobi picking up the ball and going at people. Sidibe steady and everytime Kean gets the ball he is looking to turn and attack. Digne freekick ????
— Jamie Hobson (@hobbo1983) August 28, 2019
Thats delph mate. He’s constantly keeping the ball moving and demanding same from everyone else. Said it numerous times but he will be our best player this season if he stays fit
— Sean Ready (@ready1878) August 28, 2019
A few Everton fans have said he could be the club’s future captain and one said “he will be our best player this season if he stays fit”. That’s a big if but it won’t just be Everton fans that will be hoping Delph gets a run of luck on Merseyside. He deserves it after a rotten few years. For 74 minutes tonight he showed what he’s capable of.