Ian Wright has told Matchday Live Extra that Demarai Gray would benefit from Everton signing a striker this summer, labelling his touch and finish against Nottingham Forest as “world class” during Saturday afternoon’s 1-1 draw.
Gray, 26, joined Everton last summer from Bayer Leverkusen – after just half a season in Germany. The England Under-21 international struggled to make an impact at Leicester; 94 of his 169 appearances came from the substitutes bench.
At Everton, he has been a bright spark in a dark time. He has had a hand in 12 goals during his 42 games and opened his account on Saturday. Brennan Johnson opened the scoring, but Gray equalised minutes later for Frank Lampard’s
Even before Jordan Pickford picked up the ball, Gray was on the move and his first touch is perfect. He combines that with cool finish past Dean Henderson to salvage a point for Everton. Wright says his touch and goal was “world class”.
“He’s very sharp, very quick, he’s got so much about him in terms of technique. He was unlucky not to get more of a chance at Leicester. If Everton can get a goalscorer, he can create. His goal was absolutely world class,” Wright said.
Wright: Gray would benefit from Everton signing a striker this summer
Wright is absolutely bang on. Dom Calvert-Lewin of course remains on the sidelines through injury, enduring a difficult couple of seasons. The likes of Gray, Anthony Gordon, Dele Alli and more would benefit from having a vocal point.
Salomon Rondon is good, but hardly the long-term answer. Having that no.9 he can feed off would bring Gray into the game more, and improve his numbers. Given, when he adds “world class” form as he did in the 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Next up for Gray and Everton is Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup, and then a trip to Brentford on the weekend.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
