They say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. But that old cliché, it seems, does not apply to 27-year-old Ivory Coast internationals. During the World Cup break, Trabzonspor’s Everton loanee Jean-Philippe Gbamin using his time to get to grips with an all-new role. From all-action defensive midfielder to ball-playing centre-back.
And while it may be a little premature to label Gbamin the ‘Black Sea Baresi’, the forgotten man of Goodison Park is certainly adapting well to a change in position and a change in duties.
Ok, yes Gbamin gave away a penalty during Trabzonspor’s 1-1 friendly draw with Kasimpasa at the weekend. But, that momentary lapse in concentration aside, coach Abdullah Avci has been impressed by the Ivorian’s new-found flexibility.
“Gbamin’s performance was good, except for the penalty,” explains Avci (ASpor). (But) I think he gave the right answers.”
Everton’s Jean-Philippe Gbamin is thriving in a new role on loan at Trabzonspor
According to Turkish publication 61Saat, Everton could look to sell Gbamin at a £20 million loss in the New Year. His contract at Goodison Park has just 18 months to run and, following an injury-hit spell on Merseyside, a £5 million bid may be enough to keep the former Mainz favourite at Trabzonspor for the long term.
But, given the lack of defensive depth available to Frank Lampard – Michael Keane and Yerry Mina could both be shown the door – could ‘Gbamin the centre-back’ succeed where ‘Gbamin the midfielder’ failed and force his way back into Everton thoughts?
At 6ft 1ns, Gbamin certainly has the physical prowess and the aerial ability to thrive in a more defensive role. In the 2017/18 season at Mainz, the France-born enforcer won 2.2 aerial duels per game on average. He also completed 2.6 tackles per 90 minutes (WhoScored). Statistics which highlight how effective he can be when breaking up opposition attacks and clearing danger.
He’s put those injury issues behind him too. During loan spells at CSKA Moscow and Trabzonspor in 2022 alone, Gbamin has played 26 games in total.
“Trabzonspor are investigating (keeping) this player for next season,” explains former Turkey international Giray Kacar. “In my opinion, Gbamin is one of the best Trabzonspor have ever had.
“His physicality, speed, and his vision is good, in my opinion.”
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