Yesterday Everton announced what may prove to be their most important signing of the season, penning Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu (pronounced ‘dell-off-AY-oo’) to a single season loan deal.
Americans might recall the 19 year old from the two goals he scored during Spain’s 4-1 throttling of the U.S. during the U-20 World Cup this past June. But for those who missed it, or simply want to avoid recalling the experience, here’s a bit more background on Everton’s new toy.
Born in Girona, Catalonia, Deulofeu joined La Masia in 2003 at the age of nine. It was there that Deulofeu was developed to follow in the footsteps of Xavi and Iniesta with notable control, vision and discipline.
Deulofeu soon grew into La Masia’s most talented youth product and he’s since gone on to represent Spain at U16, U17, U19, and, most recently at the U21 level where he has netted three times in seven matches. Deulofeu was a key player in Spain’s U-19 European Football Championships, where he participated in 2011 as a 17 year old and in 2012 as an 18 year old, when he was named the tournament’s best player.
Last season Deulofeu was the star of Barcelona’s B team, which competes in La Segunda, Spain’s second division. It was there that Deulofeu bagged 18 goals, good for fourth highest total in the division. Based on this success, Barca penned the 19 year old to a new contract that runs through 2017.
While poised to one day star on the Barcelona’s first team, Tito Vilanova & Company decided that with the arrival of Neymar into an already stacked attack, Deulofeu’s time at Camp Nou has not yet arrived. Determined not to turn off a young player who won’t be seeing consistent first-team playing time (perhaps they’ve learned from the Thiago Alcantara mess), Barcelona chose to send Deulofeu to Merseyside for some reps (both mental and physical).
Despite his youth, there is little doubt that Deulofeu will make a major impact at Goodison Park. A forward who can lead the line or come in from the left side, Deulofeu possesses incredible skill and confidence on the ball.
He is a fearless dribbler, one who is willing to take on multiple opponents at any given time and who will use a combination of clever moves and blistering pace to leave defenders in the dust. Unflappable under pressure, Deulofeu is equally cool in front of net, typically opting for a low placement over power.
By signing Deulofeu and Arouna Kone, the Toffees now have multiple options up top.
Assuming Roberto Martinez opts for his favored 4-3-3 formation, only Kevin Mirallas has a guaranteed starting spot, which will likely be on the right wing. The striker spot is the most difficult to predict but Kone is the most likely to get the nod with Deulofeu, Nikica Jelavic and Victor Anichebe all competing for time.
Steven Pienaar will have a starting role on the left side of the field but whether that’s as the left midfielder or the left winger, remains to be seen. If the South African is dropped back into midfield, Deulofeu could start on the wing, although Kone could also be used wide left if Martinez opts for Jelavic or Anichebe in the role of striker. Ross Barkley is yet another option who will factor in on either wing.
Regardless of how Martinez deploys his troops one thing is certain, the talent of Deulofeu makes Everton a side that could be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
