Demarai Gray believes Everton have a ‘dangerous’ attack that can score lots of goals in the Premier League this term after outlining Rafa Benitez’s instructions, via the Liverpool Echo.
The winger moved to Goodison Park from Bayer Leverkusen in July for £1.7m, to become Benitez’s third Toffees signing. The Spaniard had already brought in Andros Townsend on a free transfer, plus goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, after succeeding Carlo Ancelotti.
Gray made his Everton debut on the opening day of the season against Southampton as Benitez oversaw a 3-1 win. The 25-year-old then retained his place for Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Leeds United, in which he scored the visitors’ second.
Gray’s goal was only the winger’s third in the Premier League since February 2019, in which he made 33 appearances. But the former Leicester City dynamo believes alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Townsend and co., Everton can boast a prolific unit.
“There is a lot to come from us attacking players and you can see in such a short time that there is that chemistry,” Gray said. “It’s about being in the final third and exciting the fans.
“I feel like we look dangerous when we go forward, and we have got goals in us. The instructions are to be direct and put balls in the box.”
Calvert-Lewin has scored in each of Everton’s fixtures so far this season, while Richarlison scored and assisted against Southampton. Townsend is yet to open his account for goals, but assisted in the Saints affair before falling to the bench against Leeds for Alex Iwobi.
Gray part of promising start under Benitez at Everton
Everton will have had few expectations for Gray after signing him for £1.7m, but he is already making an impact. He was often the Toffees’ most promising forward option in the first-half against Southampton and offered some enticing moments after the break.
The ex-England U21 international kept up his strong start at Leeds, as he repeatedly looked a threat on the break. Gray particularly caused the Whites problems with his deliveries into the penalty area as he set Benitez’s instructions into motion.
If Gray builds a greater rapport with Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin and both are flying, Everton could have an exciting frontline. It has already returned five goals in two games, after all, and could extend their record against Brighton on Saturday.
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