Gylfi Sigurdsson can play the best football of his career for Everton after being given a platform to express himself by manager Marco Silva.
Silva is deploying Icelander Sigurdsson in an advanced role behind striker Cenk Tosun. The 29-year-old’s former international teammate Gretar Steinsson insists Sigurdsson’s vision and industry combine to make him an asset wherever he is used on the pitch.
But he is convinced Silva’s decision to give Sigurdsson first crack at filling Everton’s ‘number 10’ position this term can coax even more from the enterprising forward – and have a galvanising effect on the array of skilful attackers around him.
"Gylfi can get even better, without a doubt," Steinsson told evertontv. “He will make others around him better as well.
"He has a lot to offer in this bigger role, where he needs to be one of the main men. He has a leadership role on the pitch and he is strong in all parts of the game. He can drop in to get the ball, he can receive it on the back foot. But he can also run onto the ball and drive into the box.”
"It is great watching him link with Theo Walcott. This is a big year for him and being more central I think Everton fans will see the best of him.
"He is determined to be successful. I have known him since he was young, we used to talk in the international team about this young player emerging at Reading.
"He has the talent but he works hard as well. He wants to get better and wants to win."
Sigurdsson has made capital this season on his freedom to roam higher up the pitch. He is making 2.3 key passes per game – only six Premier League players average more – and has sent over 20 crosses in four matches.
The former Tottenham Hotspur player’s campaign suffered something of a false start when he was sacrificed for defender Mason Holgate following captain Phil Jagielka’s first-half dismissal at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He responded by producing a man-of-the-match display in the following week’s victory over Southampton, when Sigurdsson created a welter of opportunities but also knuckled down to his more prosaic duties, covering 11.1km, completing three interceptions and winning two tackles.
Sigurdsson opened his goalscoring account for the season in the Carabao Cup victory over Rotherham United, four days after his measured cross had set up Michael Keane to score Everton’s second goal in the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
“Gylfi links really well with all the forward players and he is a team man," said Steinsson. "He will work hard wherever he is asked to play but I am very pleased Marco has found this position for him.
“His work ethic is in the blood, it is something all Icelandics have. To become a professional footballer, you have to move away from Iceland so you need something additional. You have to work extremely hard and I think the athleticism of Icelanders is above average.
“Gylfi is a fantastic athlete and I am very pleased he can show it game in, game out. He does it for Iceland as well, he leads by example and players work harder around him.”
Steinsson played 126 Premier League matches for Bolton Wanderers after transferring from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar in January 2008.
His director of football in Holland was Marcel Brands, who was appointed to the same post at Goodison Park this year.
Steinsson told evertonfc.com following Brands’ unveiling that the Dutchman had acted as his “role model” and inspired him to branch into the same line of work.
He is in his fourth year as technical director of high-flying League One club Fleetwood Town. And from his vantage point on the Fylde coast, Steinsson watched on with some admiration as Brands played a significant part in Everton securing a host of premium signings ahead of the 2018-19 campaign. The Club brought in six full internationals who boast an average age of 23.
Richarlison and Lucas Digne were first to arrive from Watford and Barcelona respectively. And in the final 24 hours of the summer window deals were completed for Bernard from Shakhtar Donetsk, Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma and Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes, the pair who followed Frenchman Digne from the Nou Camp.
“I was impressed Marcel and his team got four high-profile deals over the line so late in the window,” added Steinsson.
“That is a skill and needs a lot of communication and a clear process. You need experience and leadership talent.
"At AZ Marcel needed to get good value and return on investment. And help deliver good, exciting football.
"The players Everton brought in fitted with the profile Marcel likes and I believe it will be an exciting season for the Club.
"And Marco and Marcel have faith in young players. It starts with Everton, though. The Club has a history of giving chances to young players.
"They have hired people in Marcel and Marco who share their vision and values and ambition.
"Then you have a good mix. The club must have the same vision and values as the director of football and coach, then you have a match in leadership and direction. And then, you have a greater chance of succeeding."
