Gerard Deulofeu - Everton's new number ten

Gerard Deulofeu had a good U-20 World Cup earlier this year

F. C. Barcelona have been known to produce some of the most impressive young talents in football. Players such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, and Lionel Messi are just some of the talents that have grown in the Barcelona youth system. Add on-loan forward, Gerard Deulofeu, to that impressive list. The 19 year-old Spaniard recently went out on loan to Everton as of July 10th, according to the official Everton F. C. website.

Gerard Deulofeu has been in the Barcelona youth system for ten years now, beginning at the young age of nine. After eight years of playing in the youth teams, Deulofeu was called up to the senior squad for the first time, coming on as a substitute for Barcelona B in the 75th minute against Cordoba in March 2011. Not long after that, he had his first shot with Barcelona’s senior team. He contributed his first assist in a 2-0 victory over Club America and first goal in a 1-2 loss to Hercules CF.

Following the 2011 season, Deulofeu became a frequent starter in the Segunda Divisionwith Barcelona B. His most recent season with Barca’s B team ended with him scoring 18 goals, which saw him ending the season as the fourth highest scorer in the second tier of Spanish Football. Soon after, Barcelona signed the Spaniard to a deal running until June 2017. After a superb performance in the U-20 World Cup, where Deulofeu scored two goals and made one assist in four matches, Everton pounced on the opportunity to grab the promising attacker, beating several other clubs including Manchester City, Tottenham, and Liverpool, who had the same intention.

Deulofeu, known for his quick skill and superb shot, has a similar style of play to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo – a style of play Everton are eager to introduce to Goodison Park. “Gerard is a real diamond of Spanish football and a boy with incredible footballing talent and I am delighted that he has chosen to take the next step of his career with Everton,” said Roberto Martinez. Everton look to improve from their last season finish at sixth-place, and the with the signing of Gerard Deulofeu, that improvement looks a bit more likely.