Fans of Everton have taken to social media to discuss the Toffees’ former winger Andrei Kanchelskis and if he would fit in the team today.
On Tuesday evening, @elpivoteftbl raised the point that the 51-year-old Russian would be ‘virtually unplayable’ if he was to ‘come along now’ and play as an ‘inverted winger in a 4-3-3 like Mane and Salah do’, which had many in agreement.
Imagine Andrei Kanchelskis if he come along now playing as a inverted winger in a 4-3-3 like Mane and Salah do, would score 25 a season and be virtually unplayable. Very underrated player in the context of Premier League history
— Andy McGregor (@andyatmrkt) March 24, 2020
And probably Everton’s best signing in the last 30 years (Carlo night break that though)
— Graeme (@graemeh1984) March 24, 2020
Still the best player i have seen put on the blue shirt in the last 20 odd years mate.
— Steven Kelly (@SteveKelly86) March 25, 2020
One of my favourite Everton players. Was class.
— Nate H (@theatreofchips) March 24, 2020
Would a prime Andrei Kanchelskis be 'virtually unplayable' in the right system with inverted wingers?Yes, would be fantastic
No, he's a bit overrated |
Kanchelskis was an Everton player between 1995 and 1997, having arrived from Manchester United and departed Goodison Park for Serie A outfit Fiorentina (per Transfermarkt).
During those two years, the Russian wide midfielder bagged an impressive 20 goals in 52 appearances for the Toffees (per Transfermarkt), leaving many to reminisce over his talents.
The name on my first Everton jersey 🙂 His pace and shot were unbelievable
— Halsey Nim (@nimalen316) March 24, 2020
Run direct to goal, change angle at the last moment, shoot. World class.
— MickA (@bluemonkey1878) March 24, 2020
absolute quality that lad
— CAM77 (@CarlMoggeridge) March 24, 2020
My favourite player, so exciting to watch got you off your seat everytime, gave me some great away trips ??
— A Bailey (@BAILEY2311) March 25, 2020
Hands down the best player I’ve seen for Everton. He’s was brilliant
— Stephen Sherrington (@Ste_Sherro_EFC) March 24, 2020
What do we think?
With the 51-year-old’s 52 appearances for the Toffees having been the second-most appearances he made for any club throughout his career, of which he had nine at club level (per Transfermarkt), even in a different system the Russian may not have stuck around for long.
However, despite perhaps being deserving of the ‘journeyman’ title, it is clear to see that many of the Goodison Park faithful still hold Kanchelskis in high regard.