After Everton secured a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, Michael Owen commended Ellis Simms, the Everton striker who scored a late goal, for helping Sean Dyche’s side earn a valuable point, writes the HITC.
Simms’ first goal for Everton was a memorable one, as he left Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly surprised by brushing past him like an academy youngster, despite Koulibaly being a £33 million player with a decade of top-tier football experience.
For several seasons, Everton have struggled in attack, but now they have a budding star in Simms. Owen praised Simms for being direct in his play, combining strength with a lovely touch, while speaking to Premier League Productions.
Despite only being on the field for 11 minutes, Simms’ brief appearance from the bench could have a significant impact on Everton’s efforts to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Despite Graham Potter’s Chelsea team being in good form, having progressed in the Champions League, many anticipated a home victory, particularly after Kai Havertez put his team ahead again by scoring after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s equalizer in the 76th minute.
Nevertheless, this is now a Sean Dyche side, and they continued to battle until the final whistle, with Simms providing a moment of pure brilliance. However, Owen mentioned that both Koulibaly and Kepa could have done better in that situation.
Owen said: “He (Simms) was so direct, wasn’t he?! He has got the pace and he has got the strength. He had a lovely touch and turn.
“It almost looked as though he had it in his mind straightway. There was almost a quickness of that second touch there where I thought ‘he maybe surprised Koulibaly a little bit’.
“Once he got in there. He doesn’t half show strength to shrug him off, opens his body out and the goalkeeper might be a little disappointed.
“If there was ever a position in the Everton team where you can stake a place, they simply can’t score goals, all of a sudden, he will be starting the next game. He has got great ability to lead the line for Everton in months and years to come.”