‘Get taught how’: 23-year-old who had Everton deal torn up shares why he’s thriving since exit

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Beni Baningime believes he is thriving at Hearts since leaving Everton this summer as the Toffees work on developing a winning mentality in their players, via The Ealing Times.

The midfielder left Goodison Park on a free transfer in August after the Toffees agreed to cut his contract short. Baningime still had 12-months remaining on his £8k-a-week terms, but Rafa Benitez did not expect to see the DR Congo native force his way into his plans.

Baningime left Everton after only featuring 12 times in the first-team since his debut under David Unsworth in 2017. The Blues’ U23s boss gave the 23-year-old half of his career outings during an interim stint at the helm. While Sam Allardyce awarded the remaining six appearances during his six-month spell in charge during the second half of 2017/18.

Everton failed to see enough development from Baningime during loan transfers to Wigan Athletic and Derby County either. But the Blues product has seemingly finally found a home at Hearts, with 10 appearances from a possible 10 games.

Baningime credits Everton upbringing for Hearts success

He has also started each of his outings for the Scottish Premiership side, currently second to Rangers in the table. Robbie Neilson has additionally trusted Baningime to play every minute with Hearts which, the midfielder believes, his Everton upbringing helped.

Baningime explained: “I think Everton’s a club that’s pretty like Hearts. It’s about working hard and having that character, and I think that’s probably why I’ve fitted in so well here because what you get taught about at Everton is having character.

“Of course, you’ve got to have the ability, and they teach you how to develop that ability. But it’s more about that winning mentality that a lot of the boys from there have. Even when I came here, the gaffer said the same thing to me.

“He said it’s about winning, it’s about becoming a man and understanding who you are. So, I think that’s one of the biggest things we get taught at Everton. We get taught how to win and how to develop character, and I hope that’s something I’ve brought to Hearts.”

Baningime will be relishing his instant success with Hearts having not played in the Everton first-team since 2018. He also only made two outings, one start, during his time with Derby last season. Leaving Benitez with little evidence to suggest the midfielder had a role to play.