Nikola Vlasic is proving his quality out on loan.
Everton paid £10 million to sign Nikola Vlasic a year ago after he impressed against them in the Europa League.
Vlasic found it a little tough to settle and establish himself, but to be fair, he could not have arrived at the club at a worse time.
Ronald Koeman was fired before being replaced for several games with David Unsworth and then Sam Allardyce, whose tactics do not necessarily lend themselves to skilled attacking players.
It was a bit of a surprise that Marco Silva deemed him expendable this summer and sent Vlasic out on loan. It has turned out to be the best thing which has happened to him.
Vlasic is starring for CSKA Moscow and is playing a strong role in the Champions League.
In the Champion League this season, Vlasic has made more key passes than any player aged 21 or younger.
Vlasic, 21, has created 13 chances in four games, even though they sit a distant third behind Roma and Real Madrid.
He is trailed by Kylian Mbappe (9) and Houessem Aouar (8).
Whether Vlasic ultimately has a future at Everton or not, the Merseyside club’s investment looks a good one.
He is improving his experience and reputation and will return to the club a better player. If they choose to cash in, Everton will likely turn a profit.
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