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New Everton recruit Bernard will have to be patient before making impact

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Everton’s new recruit Bernard may have to bide his time before becoming a regular starter.

Edin Dzeko of AS Roma is challenged by Bernard of Shakhtar Donetsk during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Shakhtar Donetsk at Stadio Olimpico on...

Everton added highly-rated Brazilian attacker Bernard to their squad over the summer, but he may have to be patient before he is fully unleashed on the Premier League.

The 25-year-old has made a name for himself during his five-year spell with Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk and is one of several top signings made by the Toffees in the recent transfer window.

He is a diminutive left-winger that is just 5ft 4in, but is a serious goal threat and a tricky customer for full-backs.

Bernard ended up with 10 goals in just 29 appearances for Shakhtar last season and has a wealth of experience in the Champions League too.

However, the wide man could find it difficult breaking into the starting XI at Goodison Park initially and may have to get used to English football in the opening months of the season.

Bernard of Shakhtar Donetsk gets away from Cengiz Under of AS Roma places the ball during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Shakhtar Donetsk and AS Roma at...

He has an extremely difficult obstacle in the shape of teammate Richarlison in front of him on the left wing, who scored twice on his debut last weekend during the 2-2 draw away to Wolves in the Premier League.

Everton’s front four already looks like it could be fairly settled in the coming weeks with Richarlison and Theo Walcott operating on the flanks, with Gylfi Sigurdsson playing in behind centre-forward Cenk Tosun.

Bernard has certainly added further depth to the squad and it may be a case of him catching the eye with cameos off the bench, something that the technically gifted playmaker should have in the locker.

FC Shakhtar Donetsk's midfielder Bernard in action during the UEFA Europa League match between SC Braga and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Estadio Municipal de Braga on December 8, 2016 in Braga,...