‘Ohhhhh Kevin Mirallas’ was critical in Everton’s stunning 4-2 victory over Leicester City at the weekend and showed why he must be a starter every week.
Kevin Mirallas was the man of the match in Everton‘s unbelievable 4-2 win over Leicester City on Sunday. His exciting pace threw the Foxes defense into disarray, and Mirallas must now be in the starting 11 for the remainder of the season.
The Belgium forward had a game to remember at Goodison Park at the weekend. He assisted two goals, had one shot on target, played 31 accurate passes at a percentage of 84% and won ten of his 16 duels. But Mirallas’ biggest improvement was his calmness on the ball.
The number 11 is known to be rash and take unnecessary shots, but he used his football brain in a frantic first half of action. His pace and ability to beat two players saw Tom Davies guide the ball into the back of the net in the first 29 seconds.
Mirallas would have been awarded a penalty, but it was his composure that stole the show. Mirallas also assisted Phil Jagielka for the Toffees’ third goal, and then played a part in Romelu Lukaku’s second.
The 29-year-old was energetic and lively. He worked well on left wing and pinpointed passes in to Lukaku, Ross Barkley and Davies. There was a sense of maturity about the Belgium that showed he needs to start every week.
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However, in the last ten games Mirallas has only started four times. He started in the previous outing against Manchester United, but was subbed off in the second half. He also started against West Brom and scored a goal. Whilst a start against Stoke City saw him assist a Ryan Shawcross own goal.
But where Everton really needed him was against Liverpool. Ronald Koeman opted for youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin to play behind Lukaku, in a decision that baffled many fans. While Everton’s defensive errors gifted Liverpool goals, Mirallas would have made a big offensive impact in such a critical game.
Mirallas shown exactly that in his last two displays. He will be a crucial player for next season, too. Everton currently have a young team, but Mirallas offers an injection of skill, maturity, pace and surprise.
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He can play on the left or right wing, partner Lukaku up front or work behind Lukaku with Barkley. Kevin Mirallas is a major aspect of Everton and they are stronger when he plays than when he is sat on the bench.
With only six Everton matches remaining for the season, Mirallas must be in the starting lineup every week.