Anwar El Ghazi speaks out on Aston Villa future as Everton on loan argue Steven Gerrard
Anwar El Ghazi has struggled to make an impact at Everton following his January loan switch from Aston Villa and the winger has seemingly drawn a line under his time at B6.
El Ghazi left the club on loan last month in search of more game time as his minutes were severely reduced following the appointment of Steven Gerrard as Dean Smith’s successor in November.
He feels his days were numbered at Villa Park from the time the former Rangers boss swapped Glasgow for Birmingham, but believes Everton are the right platform to relaunch his career in England.
Speaking to Elf (Eleven) magazine in his native Netherlands, El Ghazi said: “The style of play introduced by new manager Steven Gerrard leaves no room for wingers like me. This is the time when you have to decide to try your luck elsewhere.
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“My agent asked me if I wanted to continue playing in the Premier League and I said yes.
“Everton showed interest in me two days later. I thought it was a great opportunity for me and then things moved quickly.”
The winger joined Everton when the club was managed by Rafa Benitez, but three days after El Ghazi arrived at Goodison Park, the Spaniard was sacked.
It hasn’t been an easy start for the Villa loanee to make a good impression, however, having only seen 10 minutes of action for the Blues so far this season, it’s hard to see where will show up. his opportunity under Frank Lampard.
After a nine-minute run towards the end of Everton’s 3-0 win over Leeds United, El Ghazi earned an even shorter cameo in the 1-0 loss to Manchester City, entering the fray in the 88th minute .
His playing time has been sparse but the 26-year-old remains determined to help the Toffees out of a tight spot and ease any relegation worries.
He said: “Although Everton have had a bad run, they are still a big club in England and I know for sure that we will not be relegated.
“I know what hard work entails. When we were promoted to the Premier League with Aston Villa, we also had some tough times.
“I know what it takes to succeed and relish the challenge. We have a good team and I want to play my part in taking the club to their rightful place in the table.”
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