Everton defender Phil Jagielka was given a rare start for Marco Silva’s side at the weekend.
Everton boss Marco Silva has defended Phil Jagielka’s display against Fulham in the Liverpool Echo.
Everton were disappointingly beaten by Fulham on Saturday, with Jagielka struggling for Silva’s side.
The veteran centre-back was given a torrid time by Fulham’s attack, as Everton sunk to a disappointing defeat.
Everton fans have been quick to criticise Jagielka on social media, after his below-par showing.
However, Silva insists that Jagielka was not the only member of Everton’s squad to play beneath themselves at Craven Cottage.
“It’s easy to look just at one player,” Silva said.
“If you want to say that we lost because of Jagielka, you are completely wrong. It was not.
“The team didn’t perform, and if you want to look for just one player it’s a big mistake.”
Jagielka has just months remaining on his contract at Everton, and his performance yesterday is unlikely to have aided his chances of extending his stay.
The England international centre-back has only played a reserve role this season, and it remains to be seen whether Silva plans to keep him around or not.
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