The midfielder has struggled to make much impact at Everton thus far.
Tom Cleverley has had to wait patiently for his chances at Everton this season, making just one start in the Premier League and that coming last time out against Crystal Palace.
The 27-year-old is something of a footballing enigma; a player who was highly regarded at Manchester United but who failed to reach the level many expected; instead stagnating and becoming an average player at best.
Cleverley’s showing against Palace prompted some strong criticism from Everton fans, with many feeling he is simply not up to the task and should not be starting for Ronald Koeman’s side in the Premier League.
And such has been his time at Goodison Park that one wonders if he will ever prove the doubters wrong, or instead be one of those players to whom condemnation is dished out weekly…or at least whenever he features.
Cleverley is certainly not a left winger – as he proved against the Eagles – but for all his limitations he does at least always put in a shift for Everton, his work ethic admirable yet perhaps never enough to impress the doubters.
Koeman clearly does not rate the former England international enough to play him regularly. However he will get more chances and it will be interesting to see if he shows the flickers of magic that once saw him touted as the next big thing at Old Trafford.
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