Despite all the manifold rumours swirling around the club regarding potential incomings and outgoings, Everton made only one move during the winter Transfer Window — the acquisition on loan, with a purchase option, of Chelsea’s Tyrique George. The England Under-21 international, who turned 20 on February 4th, offers a versatile attacking option, having experience of playing on both flanks, as well as up front.
Royal Blue Mersey spoke to Dávid Pásztor, of SB Nation’s Chelsea site We Ain’t Got No History,
to get the inside scoop on the latest addition to the Toffees’ ranks.
Royal Blue Mersey: What is the general attitude amongst Chelsea fans regarding George, and his potential? Are folks disappointed in losing him?
Dávid Pásztor: We are always disappointed when a bright young Academy talent leaves, especially one who has been at the club since an early age (joined at U8 level) and was our Academy Player of the Season last year, but George’s exit has been expected for a while so in a way, it stings a bit less. That’s no reflection on his talent or his potential, both of which are great. But it’s been a bit of a long(er) goodbye than expected, and his level of involvement dropped a bit this season as well, so this inevitable parting of ways didn’t cause as much consternation as usual.
RBM: The club accepted a reported £22m bid from Fulham for him last summer, but the deal didn’t go through. Did the player decide to fight for his place in the team and if so, do you think that he’s been given a genuine chance this season, given his limited playing time?
DP: The deal not going through had more to do with Fulham, who decided at the final hour to keep Harry Wilson (who was set to join Leeds United) and thus didn’t need a replacement for him. Given Wilson’s form this season, that’s certainly looking like a smart decision on their part, though it did screw over young Tyrique. It was all agreed on his end, and Chelsea also had given it the green light.
So that was a slightly awkward situation, but George handled it like a seasoned professional and got right back to work with the Blues. His opportunities unfortunately have been a bit more limited this season than last, with several big-money signings to compete with in attack, and no UEFA Conference League football on offer for the backups and fringe players in the squad.
RBM: Looking at his playing record, at Chelsea and at international level, he’s played a roughly equal amount at left wing, right wing and centre forward. What do you think his best position is?
DP: For me, his best position is on the left wing, which is where he usually played in the Academy. It’s only at senior level where he’s seen extended minutes at center forward, mostly because that’s where opportunities were easiest to come by due to our lack of numbers and consistent performers at the position. But he’s certainly capable anywhere across the front line.
RBM: During the recent U-21 European Championship qualifiers, George was preferred on the right ahead of Everton’s big summer signing, Tyler Dibling. Dibling has struggled to break into our lineup so far, despite playing in the Premier League last season for Southampton. Do you consider George to be more ready to break into Everton’s starting 11?
DP: The Chelsea Academy places a large emphasis on making sure graduates are not only excellent footballers, but are mentally ready for the proverbial big leagues. It’s rare to see one of them fail to deal with the pressures of that situation, and George is no exception. If he fails to break into the Everton starting XI, it won’t be for the occasion being too big for him. Of course player development rarely goes in a straight line, and George (like Dibling) is still very young. But I would expect him to take full advantage of the opportunities he’s given and earn himself a spot in your starting XI.
RBM: What can Everton fans expect to see from George? What are his best attributes, as a player and what kind of person is he, in terms of character, as a teammate etc.?
DP: George comes across as the quiet, reserved type who does all his talking with his play on the pitch. He seems to be well liked by all his teammates and coaches have always spoken highly of him, especially his attitude and work ethic. And as we saw this season after the transfer drama in the summer, his professionalism cannot be faulted.
On the pitch, he’s a confident player, always positive and ready to run with the ball and take on his man. He does put his head down a bit too much, but that should improve with age and experience. He’s got a great shot on him and is not afraid to unleash it. Most of us first took note of him when he banged one into the top corner against Crystal Palace U18 a few years ago. Last season, he scored one of the most important goals of the season, sparking not only our comeback win against Fulham with a lovely late equalizer, but setting us on our way to a strong finish to the season, achieving a top-four finish and, ultimately, winning the Club World Cup.
As with all young players, consistency and decision-making are areas of improvement, but he’s got all the skills necessary to make it at the top level.
RBM: I’d like to personally thank Dávid for kindly taking the time to share his insight into what looks to be another highly-promising addition to Everton’s ranks — the sixth player signed this season aged 23 and under. Joining Tyler Dibling, Thierno Barry, Carlos Alcaraz, Adam Aznou and Merlin Röhl, George appears to be part of a new focus towards building for the future, a smart strategy which could put the club in a healthy position in the coming years.
