Everton manager Sam Allardyce was full of praise for Cenk Tosun in his post-match press conference ahead of the Brighton Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Saturday.
After benching the Turkey international for four games in favour of Oumar Niasse, Big Sam brought Tosun back into the fold last weekend against Burnley.
The 26-year-old repaid Allardyce’s faith in him with the opening goal – which was the first time he has found the net in an Everton shirt.
Alas, Burnley went onto win the game 2-1 but the signs look promising for Tosun.
Allardyce revealed that Tosun’s teammates are starting to understand that he will finish chances as long as they provide him with quality delivery.
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“There is a bit too much of a pressure on him at the minute,” said Allardyce.
“If he focuses on his game and concentrates on what he is good at, the players are realising that if we put quality balls in for him into the box then he has got the knack of getting on the end of them. He found a lot of space in a crowd area last Saturday to get the header on target. The lads have to know that when we get into wide areas, if we produce quality balls then he will get on the end of them.
“It’s a pity because he got the goal we were looking for him to get – and it got us in front – but we didn’t get the result. It was a performance that shows he is getting better, which we are pleased about. So if he can build on that. It’s the same for everyone, really, if they can be clinical when they get chances like that. It was a very good header and hopefully he will continue to improve.”
Allardyce’s latest comments could be hinting toward Tosun remaining his first-choice striker ahead of Niasse.
The Toffees are reasonably comfortable in the league, seven points above relegation zone but the Brighton game could prove very important considering a tricky run of fixtures is on the horizon including Manchester City and Liverpool visiting.
