Everton’s on-loan Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu possesses the ‘hypnotising’ dribbling skills which could eventually see him becoming a fixture in the Spanish giants’ first team.
That is the view of David Ruiz Marull, a Barcelona reporter for the popular Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia.
Roberto Martinez brought Deulofeu to Goodison on a season-long loan last week, with the 19-year-old forward already in possession of a significant reputation.
Marull, a keen follower of Deulofeu’s career, told evertonfc.com: “There is no doubt that, if he wants, he will be one of Barcelona’s key players for many years to come.
“Gerard has a huge amount of talent, excellent physical qualities and he is technically gifted too.”
Ruiz Marull also believes that Deulofeu, who recorded 18 goals and six assists in 33 games in the Spanish Second Division with Barcelona B last season, will certainly make sure that the Everton fans are entertained during his year-long spell on Merseyside.
“I really enjoy seeing Gerard play because he is a different player, one that does unexpected, unpredictable things,” he added. “I think there will be some very entertaining afternoons for the Everton fans watching him.
“Gerard has a real ability when it comes to dribbling, either in a one-on-one race or from a static position. He is a player who can draw in many of the opposition before hypnotising them with his skills and overcoming the situation with extreme ease.
“It is like the ball is always hooked to his foot. We are talking about a technically complete player, who is an excellent shooter too.”
Marull believes that Deulofeu’s time at Everton will not only serve to aid his development but mature him as a person too.
He also reserved special praise for Blues boss Roberto Martinez for his style of play and track record of working with young players of big potential.
“The Premier League is a strong league and Everton are a team destined to fight for a European place. This will help Deulofeu to increase his competitiveness and to mature as a person and as a footballer,” continued the scribe.
“I think the presence of Roberto Martinez at Everton was very important in Gerard’s decision to join the club. Martinez is a Catalan coach who for years has shown that he likes to dominate the game with possession of the ball and that is perfectly suited to Deulofeu’s characteristics as a footballer.
“He is a coach that has put faith in young, skillful wingers before as shown with the cases of Callum McManaman and Victor Moses, who he managed at Wigan Athletic.”
According to the La Vanguardia reporter, the decision to loan the Spanish Under-20 international, who is equally at home on either wing or through the middle as a striker, to Goodison Park was very well received back in Spain.
“In Spain it was understood that the move was the right thing,” he revealed. “At Everton he will have a chance to earn a starting place in the first team and to showcase all his qualities. In the Premier League the teams play with a style that is open and there will be many spaces that Gerard can exploit.”