Fabian Delph joined Everton from Manchester City last July for an undisclosed fee but six months into his Goodison Park career he’s failed to win the affections of the club’s faithful.
A recent article from the Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe explored what may have led to the Evertonian’s showering the England international with a chorus of boos and in response to it, these fans have taken the opportunity to have their say on the former Aston Villa midfielder.
The journalist shared the article on Twitter, which led to many of them saying what they really thought:
Does Fabian Delph have a future at Goodison Park?
Yes
No
He hasn’t made the contribution I expected in midfield even allowing for his injuries but fresh start with the new manager like a few others . The booing was completely out of order .
— Paul Bargery (@BargeTours) January 16, 2020
The standout coattail rider in team sport in years, playing for two of the greatest football managers of the modern age, neither of whom signed him, those that did being sacked to make way for Guardiola and Ancelotti. The sooner out the Goodison door the better.
— Kev McDempster (@KevMcDempster) January 16, 2020
He’s just not that good is he, and not very present either. Strong mitigation of there largely being no Gomes or Gbamin to work with.
— Scott Broadhurst (@ScottBroadhurs5) January 16, 2020
Everything I read about him tells me that he’s toxic. ?
— John (@johnkel99) January 16, 2020
Can’t read all of your article. But it’s obvious why. He had the nerve to argue with a fan on Instagram after that disgrace of a derby result. Doesn’t take Sherlock to figure that out
— Steven Thomas (@ste_efc76) January 16, 2020
However, there were some Evertonian’s willing to back the under-fire midfielder.
Leave him alone is he the new Meghan Markle
— Nikki Talbot (@evertonnikki) January 16, 2020
What do we think?
Delph certainly hasn’t covered himself in glory by publicly arguing with supporters of the club via social media. When his arrival was announced, he spoke of the passionate fan base this club boasts but with that comes the possibility he will face criticism from time to time – to which he reacted angrily.
The 30-year-old won two Premier League titles during his time with Manchester City but apart from a spell covering at left-back, he was largely a bit-part player during his time at the Etihad. He may have moved on in search of more regular first-team football, but in the eyes of most Everton fans, he should be a squad player rather than a regular starter.
He’s made 12 appearances in the top-flight this season but has only started 41% of the Toffee’s games so far. It remains to be seen what kind of a role he will play under Carlo Ancelotti moving forwards and whether or not he’ll be forced to move on again in the search for regular playing time.