In a recent print edition, Il Tempo has claimed that AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca is determined to sign Everton winger Bernard. It is understood that the Toffees playmaker remains a target for the Italian giants after they failed to land him last summer (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Bernard’s Impressive Start To This Season
The 28-year-old has made a bright start to this campaign but has been left frustrated with the lack of playing time under Carlo Ancelotti’s stewardship. Bernard has registered two goals and one assist in five appearances for the Merseyside outfit this term in various competitions.
The 14-time Brazilian international has proven his worth at both ends of the field as he is averaging 1.3 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.0 clearances, 0.7 shots, 1.7 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game in the Premier League so far. He has been an accurate ball-distributor as well after making 90.3% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
Bernard has less than two years remaining on his current contract at Goodison Park, so Everton should consider cashing in on him this winter before his value drops significantly next summer.
What Does The Brazilian Attacker Offer On The Pitch?
The Everton winger is a quick and agile wide player who loves to make a few driving runs with the ball out on the flanks. He is not afraid to take on his markers and can beat them with pace to set-up some promising goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates inside the opponent’s penalty area.
Bernard can also score his fair share of goals from the left flank. However, James Rodriguez’s summer arrival has harmed his first-team chances at Merseyside. It seems like he is currently surplus to requirements at Goodison Park with the likes of Rodriguez, Richarlison and Alex Iwobi all ahead of him in Ancelotti’s pecking order.
Should The Toffees Cut Bernard Loose This Winter?
At 28, Bernard is at the prime stage of his playing career and needs more game time if he wants to stay relevant at the highest level. Furthermore, he will have a better shot of securing UEFA Champions League football next season if he decides to join Paulo Fonseca’s revolution at Rome this winter.
Thus, it is only fair for Everton to let Bernard leave when the transfer window reopens in January as Ancelotti can use the money generated from his sale to find a suitable replacement who will help the Toffees challenge for top honours in the years to come.
