Sam Allardyce is relishing the chance to unleash Yannick Bolasie as he explained the different dimension the fit-again winger can provide to Everton’s revival.
Bolasie held the title of Everton’s club record signing for a period after he arrived in the summer of 2016 but he has not kicked a ball for the first team since December 4 last year due to a horrific knee injury that required two separate major operations.
Following a collision with Manchester United forward Anthony Martial, Bolasie ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament but also damaged his meniscus and medial ligaments, instantly ending what had been a promising debut campaign at Goodison Park.
Yannick Bolasie could be on the bench for Everton against Swansea on Monday night
Everton manager Sam Allardyce is relishing the chance to use the quick and clever winger
However, he is likely to be named amongst the substitutes for Monday’s clash with Swansea having come through two runouts for Under-23s against Leicester and Dynamo Zagreb in the Premier League international trophy without issue.
His lightning speed is a commodity Everton have been crying out for and though Allardyce intends to introduce him gently back into top flight action, he knows exactly what a lift this bubbly character can provide to the squad on and off the pitch.
‘You’re talking about ability and pace in that position,’ said Allardyce. ‘They are his major assets. He is blessed with dynamic movements and pace that cause defenders great concern. He probably occupies two players when he’s at his best because he’s such a danger in possession.
Bolasie (pictured in July) has been working hard to recover from a knee injury
‘It will be very pleasing to have him back in the squad but I will be very delicate with the introduction. At the very best it will be from the subs’ bench and the minutes he gets will have to be the right thing for him and the team as well, depending on how the game is going.
‘We can’t expect too much. He will be a little rusty but if he does hit his level straight away that would be absolutely fantastic. He’s a big player to have back.’
Everton have hit form with vengeance in the last fortnight and the complexion of their position in the table has changed dramatically – should they beat Swansea this evening, they leapfrog Watford and take ninth spot, having been hanging over the relegation places four weeks ago.
Once Allardyce is able to get players such as Leighton Baines, James McCarthy and Ross Barkley available too – all three a making good progress from hamstring issues – they will be in an even stronger position.
Bolasie suffered the injury while playing for Everton against Manchester United last December
It is the prospect of having Bolasie back, though, that is exciting Allardyce at this point in time. He has admired him from afar for a considerable period and is looking forward to working with a player who has had an unconventional rise to the top flight, with his journey – which started in Malta – including several stints in the lower leagues.
‘The team has been crying out for what he offers,’ said Allardyce. ‘He’s a player who has come from the lower leagues and built his way up to the top level of football. I always think those players have a great desire to achieve that.
In the early part they’ve had people telling them they’re not good enough but their own drive, determination and belief is so strong they go on and, in Yannick’s case, arrive at Everton football club.
‘It’s been a fantastic journey for him and because of that there’s a great opportunity for him to stay at the top level for as long as possible. Hopefully he will make a big contribution to our team when he comes back.
‘Having spoken to Yannick I know he’s desperate to get back but we have to control that desire. It doesn’t matter how he thinks he feels, it’s about making sure we do the right process so that he’s back for a long period of time and he doesn’t injure that knee again.’