Tim Cahill has taken to Twitter to hail Fabian Delph for an “outstanding” performance in Everton’s 3-2 win over Wolves on Sunday.
The Toffees were pegged back twice by their visitors in an entertaining clash, before Richarlison finally snatched all three points with a late strike – his second of the match.
But Cahill was suitably impressed with an altogether less glamorous contributor.
Writing on his personal Twitter account, the Goodison Park legend said: “Great team selection today by Marco Silva today.
“Thought Fabian Delph was outstanding, brought some real grit and leadership to the team.
“Richarlison goals fantastic along with Alex Iwobi.
“Great day for the Blues.”
Great team selection today by Marco Silva today. Thought Fabian Delph was outstanding, brought some real grit and leadership to the team. @richarlison97 goals fantastic along with @alexiwobi ?????? @Everton Great day for the Blues.
— Tim Cahill AO (@Tim_Cahill) September 1, 2019
TiF Tactics – What does Delph bring to Everton?
With Idrissa Gueye leaving for PSG this summer, it was absolutely imperative that Everton found somebody with a bit of grit and fight to partner Andre Gomes in the centre of the park.
On his Premier League debut for the Toffees, Delph showed more than enough to suggest he could be that man.
The 29-year-old made four tackles, three interceptions, and two clearances in the centre of the park, as per Whoscored, and wasn’t dribbled past once.
He also made 62 passes at a success rate of 85.5%, including six successful long balls.
That kind of battling persona will always be a welcome addition to any side, and the fact that he can keep the ball as well as he does, as well as having the ability to switch up his range and hit sides over the top with a longer pass, could make him a vital component in Marco Silva’s plans this season.
Delph’s presence in the centre of the park also seemed to calm those around him, with Andre Gomes looking a lot more assured than he did in the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa last Friday night, with Danny Mills going as far as to say that he had a “shocker” against the Villans, as per Football Insider.
That was forgotten this week in a much better showing, and with the added stability that Delph brought to the side, Richarlison and Alex Iwobi were able to run riot.
The latter may have been making his first Premier League start too, but he was fantastic for the Blues, and is already averaging 1.5 shots per game, as well as two successful dribbles, as per Whoscored.
On the basis of today’s display, both he and Delph could prove to be brilliant acquisitions.