Roberto Martinez is thrilled Gerard Deulofeu has given him a tantalising selection headache earlier than expected.
The teenage sensation has been eased into life at Everton since his switch from Barcelona – but managed a goal on his debut in the League Cup and produced a lively late cameo at Cardiff last time out.
Martinez says the on-loan forward is adjusting to life in England faster than he’d hoped and expects him to begin making a significant impact in the Premier League sooner rather than later.
The Blues boss told evertontv: “He is a player we could see more of in the coming weeks.
“Gerard is a player with great application in his work and already you can see that he is growing into a phenomenal footballer. He is only 19 and he is relying on his natural talent.
“Coming from Spain and a specific way of playing at Barcelona, it is going to take time to adapt, and he is doing that quicker than I expected.”
Deulofeu’s goal against Stevenage showcased his razor sharp dribbling skills and keen eye for goal and his compatriot expects more of the same to be served up in the coming games.
He continued: “In the League Cup he showed he is someone who can create something from nothing.
“When you can do that it gives you an extra edge in the final third which is going to be very important in the Premier League campaign over the coming weeks and months.
“Clearly he is well ahead of where I expected him to be at this stage.”