Jermaine Beckford has told Sky Sports News (21/9, 11:23) that Rafa Benitez was ‘really positive’ in signing Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and Salomon Rondon for Everton.
Benitez brought in five new faces after taking charge at Goodison Park this summer for just £1.5m. Gray and Townsend have proven to be instant hits on Merseyside with the wingers ever-present parts of Benitez’s plans.
Beckford feels Gray, in particular, has been brilliant for his former side, while Townsend’s experience will prove very beneficial. Rondon, meanwhile, will come good for Benitez and can challenge Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Goodison Park once the striker builds his fitness.
Rondon and Townsend joined Everton to reunite with Benitez after separate spells under the Spaniard at Newcastle. The Blues boss had also monitored Gray from his time in charge at St James’ Park. And the long wait to work with the 25-year-old has proven worthwhile.
Gray has scored in three of his five Premier League outings with Everton, and has offered a dynamic attacking spark. The former Bayer Leverkusen forward, as well as Townsend, have enthralled Beckford, who noted of Benitez’s summer transfer activity:
“The appointments he’s made since taking over have been really positive. You look at Demarai Gray, who’s been excellent since he started. Andros Townsend popped up with a brilliant goal [against Burnley] and he brings a lot of experience. And Salomon Rondon, who will push Dominic Calvert-Lewin for that #9 spot when he does become fit and available.”
Townsend and Gray have played in each of Everton’s Premier League fixtures this season, while Rondon has featured in each of the two available to him. The wide duo have also started four and five of the fixtures respectively, while the latter has opened one.
Have Benitez’s Everton signings been positive, like Beckford claims?
Benitez would not have been able to ask for much more from Gray when Everton signed the forward this summer. The 25-year-old has shone every time he has stepped onto the pitch in Royal Blue, driving the Toffees’ attacking moves.
Townsend also used his experience to orchestrate Everton’s come-from-behind win against Burnley, and score the sublime strike that Beckford praises. The 30-year-old unleashed a perfect dipping attempt from range to put the Blues ahead after assisting the equaliser.
Rondon is yet to deliver the same sort of impact as Townsend or Gray have since the striker joined Everton. He arrived lacking match fitness, but will have a chance to impress and fulfil Beckford’s expectations with Calvert-Lewin currently injured.
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