Everton have announced today the capture of Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu on a season long loan. Those who follow the Spanish youth setup have been familiar with Deulofeu for some time, as he's been considered the latest potential superstar to come out of the famed La Masia academy.
Deulofeu can play anywhere across the forward line, but prefers to cut in from the left onto his favoured right foot. He has exceptional pace and technical skill and is always a threat when on the ball. The Catalan had a prolific season in Spain's Liga Adelante, scoring 18 goals and leading Barcelona B to a 9th place finish in the table. He was also one of the stars of Spain's U20 World Cup side, scoring 2 goals in the tournament before Spain were upset by Uruguay in the quarter finals.
Deulofeu's loan transfer to Everton should prove to be a very astute move by all those involved: Barcelona, Everton, and the player himself. It is clear that Deulofeu needs minutes at the highest level to continue his development, but there simply isn't enough room at Barça with the likes of Messi, Pedro, Alexis, and now Neymar ahead of him. With this predicament, a loan moved seemed in the best interest of all parties, with Deulofeu getting a chance to test himself in a new league, Barcelona still retaining his rights, and Everton acquiring a promising youngster to fill out the squad for the upcoming season.
It was reported that Barcelona chose Everton over other suitors like Tottenham, Liverpool, and Arsenal due to Roberto Martínez, Everton's recently appointed Spanish manager. Martínez should be able to help his countryman adapt to a new league with a different language and culture, but for Deulofeu the benefits of joining Everton go beyond that. The player should have plenty of chances to see playing time at Goodison Park, while he may have struggled to see minutes with the other clubs reportedly interested. Deulofeu will also have the opportunity to link up with another rising star in Kevin Mirallas, as well as talented players like Marouane Fellaini (if he stays), Steven Pienaar, and new signing Arouna Koné.
It appears to be a great fit and another step in what looks like a path to regular first-team football at the Camp Nou. However, Deulofeu does have a reputation for being a me-first player and a bit of a hothead. He has been with Barcelona since age 9 and was a star at every level, so he will have to adjust to not being the main focus at his new club. There is also the issue of adapting to a more physical league, but after the successes in England of David Silva, Juan Mata, Fernando Torres, Santi Cazorla, and Michu, among others, the transition from Spain is clearly possible.
Under the tutelage of Martínez, Deulofeu will hopefully find his role at Everton and gain some valuable experience that he couldn't have gotten had he remained at Barcelona. He becomes the next in a long line of Spaniards who have tested their skills in the Premier League, and Everton supporters will hope he can emulate the success of those who have gone before him. If all goes well in Merseyside, Deulofeu may be back playing alongside Messi and Neymar before long.
