But unhappy Ademola told to fight for his place
MARCO SILVA has told wantaway star Ademola Lookman he has to fight to realise his dreams at Everton.
The England Under-21 forward was left out of the squad for last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Wolves, with the Toffees manager revealing Lookman is not happy at the club.
It has been suggested Lookman, 20, is trying to force a move to German club Red Bull Leipzig, where he enjoyed a loan spell last season.
Knuckle
There were even wild claims he had refused to travel to Molineux last Saturday and would miss training, but Silva dismissed both of those rumours.
The new Goodison chief did hint the player’s attitude wasn’t right when he fired a warning shot at the ex-Charlton star, saying he must knuckle down with the side who pays his wages.
“Lookman knows very well why he wasn’t in the squad last week,” said Silva. “It was a technical decision and he knows very well why.
“But I can tell you he has trained very well this week and responded how I wanted him to. Even if he’s not really happy he has to be in the future and it is a matter of him fighting for what he wants in his career.
“In this moment he is our player, I am happy to keep him as our player and now it is up to him to fight for his position, for a place in the starting XI and in our squad list as well.”
Silva hinted new boy Bernard could be on the bench against Southampton today, which would place Lookman further down the pecking order. Loan signing Kurt Zouma could also play.
With Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes also arriving this week, Everton have had a huge influx of overseas talent in the transfer window.
And Silva explained he has imposed an ‘English only’ language rule to try to foster team-bonding – even if he faces a fine himself.
Asked if he insisted on players speaking English to avoid cliques, he added: “Of course, and that applies to me as well because I am still improving my English.
“It’s the same for everyone. I have already told Bernard and Mina. They have to learn English as well.”
Mina and Gomes are still injured and won’t be involved today.