Nikola Vlasic has managed just two games for Everton this year.
Speaking to The Liverpool Echo, Sam Allardyce has admitted that Nikola Vlasic is struggling at Everton this season, but is hopeful that the Croatian attacker could “flourish” next term.
The 20-year-old has been nowhere to be seen since Everton’s 1-1 draw with West Brom on January 20.
The former Hajduk Split midfielder, a £10 million (BBC Sport) signing last summer, had looked a very promising addition during Ronald Koeman’s reign at Goodison Park.
But two appearances across all competitions for Allardyce in 2018 suggests that the Toffees manager has no immediate use for Vlasic.
Nevertheless, Allardyce admitted that the youngster is likely low on confidence at the moment, but suggests that big things could happen for him and a number of young lads next season.
He said to The Liverpool Echo: “It’s been a difficult season for him.
“When you talk about Vlasic, it’s another young player and their confidence may suffer so it’s his first season here and next season we would like to see more of those young talents flourish.”
Vlasic has two goals in three Europa League starts for the Merseyside club this season, after finding the net in both games against Limassol.
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