Everton were in their element at the Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening, securing a valuable goalless draw against Chelsea to head into the international break with just a loss in their last six English Premier League games.
Chances were few and far between at both ends, but manager Marco Silva would have been very pleased with what he saw, and barring any injuries, the Portuguese should have an idea of what his starting XI against Cardiff City should be like.
Going by the individual performances of the 14 players that saw action, Ademola Lookman proved he deserves to be handed his first league start of the campaign immediately after the international break.
The 21-year-old came on for Bernand with 26 minutes to play, and he was a threat to the Chelsea defence most of the times he attacked.
Lookman’s most memorable moment of the game was when he jinked his way past two defenders and forced Kepa Arrizabalaga off his lines.
The Englishman has shown flashes of his talents, including an assist in the six substitute appearances he has been afforded in the topflight this season, and he surely deserves a start to prove himself.
While Bernand brings experience to the table, an assist in nine appearances isn’t particularly an impressive return, and it won’t hurt if Silva experiments against struggling Cardiff and play Lookman.
The youngster proved what he is capable of doing last season on loan at RB Leipzig, netting five goals in 11 appearances, and he surely has what it takes to succeed at Everton.
A start and more playing minutes could be all he needs, and Silva shouldn’t hesitate to hand him more opportunities going forward.
