Can Bernard get into double figures in either goals or assists for Everton this season?
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has compared Bernard to England’s 1966 World Cup winner and Everton legend Alan Ball following his performance over the weekend.
The Toffees picked up their first win of the season when they saw off Watford 1-0 at Goodison Park, with Bernard scoring the only goal of the game.
It was a strong performance from the Brazilian, who is now in his second season on Merseyside as he will be hoping to improve his goal tally over the course of the campaign after netting only the single goal last term.
Just like England great Ball, Everton’s man on the flanks is small in stature, so he relies on movement, technique and vision to outfox his opponents, and he did just that against Watford.
“This was a performance reminiscent of Everton legend the late, great Alan Ball,” Crooks told BBC Sport. “Bernard was full of energy and ingenuity. All 5ft 4in of him ran the show at Goodison Park against Watford.”
It has been a very healthy start to the season for Everton, who are one of a number of clubs tipped to finish in the top six at the end of the season.
They have picked up four points from their opening two matches, and with it, Jordan Pickford and Everton’s backline have ensured they are yet to concede a goal.
On Friday night, they will travel to the Midlands to take on Aston Villa, who have lost their opening two matches following their return to England’s top-flight.
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