Do Sandro Ramirez’s early Everton struggles suggest Tottenham Hotspur dodged a bullet?

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Sandro Ramirez swapped Malaga for Everton this summer after the Toffees beat Spurs to his signature

Sandro Ramirez may have played just three Premier League games for Everton but the doubters appear to be out in force already. After struggling to deal with the pace and power of the English game during a disappointing performance against Chelsea a fortnight ago, the 22-year-old was hooked at half-time as Everton went down 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Ironically, Everton beat Spurs to the signature of the Spain Under-21 international this summer, as reported by The Independent, triggering his release clause to seal a £5.1 million deal.

At the time, Tottenham would have been disappointed to miss out on a player who graduated from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and scored 16 goals in his first La Liga season as a regular starter for Malaga last season.

However, few supporters would have been questioning the wisdom of Daniel Levy on the basis of Sandro’s 45-minute showing at Goodison Park. While Harry Kane scored two at the other end, the player who could have been his understudy in North London made next to no impact.

Sandro needs time to adapt to the Premier League and his movement has impressed in the first few weeks but a number of Everton supporters have been quick to question whether he has the necessary strength or composure in possession to make the grade in England’s top tier.

After Vincent Janssen endured a disastrous debut season in North London after a prolific season at AZ Alkmaar, Spurs could certainly have done without another exciting young striker struggling to fulfil his potential as Kane’s back-up.

Instead, Spurs landed Fernando Llorente on deadline day, a player 10 years Sandro’s senior and who cost £7 million more. However, the former Swansea City target man has proven himself in the Premier League – something Sandro must do quickly to silence the doubters.