Everton fans on Twitter were excited to see Bernard play a more central role for Carlo Ancelotti yesterday as he helped his side beat Fleetwood 5-2 in the League Cup.
In previous seasons, the technically gifted playmaker has been used out wide by his managers, but Ancelotti played him more centrally against the League One outfit.
The Toffees supporters were impressed with what they saw and a section of them even suggested that they would like to see Bernard start ahead of Andre Gomes.
Everton have started the season strongly in all competitions, with Gomes, who was purchased from Barcelona for £22 million [BBC Sport], playing a part in that.
But the League Cup games have provided some solid competiton within the squad and a much-needed headache for Ancelotti because he now has options to choose from.
Bernard, 28, scored and assisted during the match and it impressed a number of Everton supporters.
Everton’s opening fixtures of the 2020/21 season
- Tottenham (A)
September 12
- West Brom (H)
September 19
- Crystal Palace (A)
September 26
- Brighton (H)
October 3
- Liverpool (H)
October 17
- Southampton (A)
October 26
Given his slight frame and lack of pace, Bernard isn’t going to overpower an opponent on the flanks, nor is he going to knock it past them and beat them with sheer speed.
He relies on his brilliant first touch, vision, intelligence to pick up clever spaces and close control – all qualities suitable for playing a 10 role.
Everton fans would like to see him in that position more often, as they provided their thoughts on his performance yesterday:
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