London Football News

Everton boss Silva considers changes against Millwall

Everton manager Marco Silva may look to make changes for the FA Cup trip to Millwall.

With only defender Phil Jagielka sidelined with a muscle injury, the Portuguese has plenty of options at his disposal and is likely to freshen things up after a disappointing defeat at Southampton last weekend.

Defenders Leighton Baines and Yerry Mina could come in, most likely for Kurt Zouma and Lucas Digne, while forwards Theo Walcott and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could also get recalls.

Former Charlton man Ademole Lookman could make his fourth start in a row for the Merseysiders.

Silva admits he had a challenge convincing south Londoner Lookman about his future but is convinced the youngster has the talent to have a successful career at the club.

A year ago the 21-year-old forced a January loan move to RB Leipzig despite then boss Sam Allardyce not wanting him to leave even though he had barely played him.

Lookman scored five goals in 11 appearances for Leipzig, leading to the Bundesliga club making a concerted effort to sign him permanently – with the player keen to go – only to have a £25million bid rebuffed in late August.

He was restricted to just seven substitute appearances in the opening three months of the Premier League season but has featured in six of the nine league matches since November, including back-to-back starts in the last two games.

“He is playing because he is deserving,” said Silva.

“We have a good challenge with him and step-by-step we convinced him of his quality, although I don’t think he has a doubt about that.

“He can help us and we can help him to achieve what he wants – to play football and enjoy football.

“He is a talent in my opinion, he has everything there. Some things he has to change and he knows what I want.

“He knows what I am demanding from him – and it is nothing different from the others.

“He can really improve and have a fantastic career.”




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