Recent comments by Everton winger Bernard shows just why manager Marco Silva is the right man to steer the club to better results and ultimate success.

The Brazilian revealed to Portuguese outlet Record (via the Liverpool Echo) the squad is still fully dedicated to Silva’s structures at the club and have complete confidence in his style of coaching and managing.

The former Watford manager has been under a huge amount of scrutiny since the start of the New Year, following a bad string of results.

One win in their last six matches in all competitions has seen the manager change his team in almost every encounter and their FA Cup defeat at Millwall certainly raised question marks over Silva’s capabilities as the man in charge.

But, Bernard’s comments on how Silva prepares for every match and the detail he focuses on proves why he needs a little bit more time to get the best out of the Everton players.

According to the 26-year-old, Silva is excellent in his preparation before matches and provides a lot of insight into set-pieces, an aspect of the game where the Toffees have been really poor at this season.

Patience and maybe one or two more transfer windows could finally lead to Everton achieving new heights under the Portuguese manager.

The comments by Bernard should also be encouraging to Evertonians, who might have feared that Silva had lost the dressing but that clearly isn’t the case.

The off-weekend might also have been just what the club needed to regroup and get their campaign back on track with a Premier League clash against Cardiff City at Goodison Park coming up next week.

The encounter with Neil Warnock’s men could be the ideal opportunity for Everton to hit their stride again and get an all-important win under their belt.

Everton may have secured an uncharacteristic 3-0 win over relegation candidates Cardiff on Tuesday, but it was not enough to distract fans from major underlying problems facing the club. And it is becoming increasingly evident that some of those ‘problems’ are players who want to leave.

From what started as a relatively positive period under Marco Silva has now turned into a nightmare for players and fans alike.

Sitting in 9th place with very little to play for other than the Merseyside derby, new and old players alike will be scratching their heads wondering where their futures lie at Everton Football Club.

So, who are these likely doubters?

Yerry Mina

Fans are probably wondering how Colombian defender Yerry Mina has managed to con his way into Barcelona and Everton, despite rarely performing for either side.

It is not uncommon to see the words ‘erratic’ and ‘Mina’ in the same sentence in the wake of some of his appearances.

And that is the next issue.

‘Absent’ is the best word to describe Mina, who has managed a dismal 695 minutes in the Premier League since making his £27.19m move from Spain in the summer (source: BBC Sport).

Whether he’s sincerely injured we have no idea, but it is worrying that we would even entertain the thought that the player was simply skiving his way through the season.

Ademola Lookman

Lookman was brought back from Red Bull Leipzig at the end of last season despite the German outfit expressing their interest in signing the player on a permanent basis (as per: Sky Sports).

Presumably on the promise that he would be played more, Lookman ultimately stayed at the Everton but has struggled to get meaningful minutes under his belt ever since.

Having tasted top-level football elsewhere there’s no doubt the youngster will be weighing up his options at the end of the season to help revive his career.

We’re now in to the business end of the season and there’s still so much to play for across Europe.

Liverpool are back on top of the Premier League table with victory at Fulham, Manchester City’s comeback victory over Swansea in the FA Cup means they’re still on for an unprecedented quadruple and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s honeymoon period as caretaker Manchester United boss appears to be over.

That’s just in England. On Sunday, Lionel Messi produced yet another fine display in Barcelona’s 4-1 victory at Real Betis. In doing so, the Argentine ensured that while Cristiano Ronaldo no longer plays in Spain, the debate over who is best between the two world class stars rages on thanks to his latest record.

Everyone loves a stat and there were so many interesting ones to come out of the weekend. So here’s a whole load for you to impress your mates with this weekend. The Messi stat may also have you questioning whether Ronaldo should now be considered the best out of the two…

Milner On Point

Liverpool’s James Milner extended his Premier League record of never losing a game in which he’s scored – it now stands at 51 games (W40 D11 L0).

Hazard Drawing Blanks on Merseyside

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard has now failed to score in each of his seven Premier League games at Goodison Park – his most appearances at a single away venue without finding the net in the competition.

Kings of Norway

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (91) is the only Norwegian player to score more Premier League goals than Bournemouth’s Joshua King (41).

Brilliant Brighton

Brighton have qualified for an FA Cup semi-final for the second time in their history – previously doing so in 1983 when they finished as runners-up.

Misbehaving Foxes

Leicester City have been shown more red cards than any other Premier League team this season (five).

Hammers Continue Impressive Run

West Ham are unbeaten in 17 Premier League games in which they have scored a goal since a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal in August.

Honeymoon Period Over For Ole

Manchester United have lost back-to-back games for the first time under Solskjaer, last doing so in December 2018 in Mourinho’s last two matches in charge.

Pickford’s Record

Everton’s Jordan Pickford (25 years 10 days) became the fifth youngest English goalkeeper to make 100 Premier League appearances – after Scott Carson, Joe Hart, Ian Walker and Paul Robinson.

Not Fulham’s Saviour

Scott Parker became the first Fulham manager to lose his first three Premier League games in charge since Roy Hodgson in January 2008.

Mr. West Ham

Mark Noble became only the third player to score 40 Premier League goals for West Ham after Paolo Di Canio (47) and Carlton Cole (41).

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Former Manchester United and Everton player Phil Neville has heaped praise on Liverpool star Andrew Robertson, hailing the former Hull man as the best left-back in Europe right now.

What’s he said?

As well as that bold statement, Neville went on to make another huge claim. The England Women’s team manager also thinks that the Scottish international is the most improved player he’s ever seen in the Premier League – praise of the highest order, most definitely.

Neville said on BBC’s Match of the Day (via the Liverpool Echo): “What Liverpool have got in Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are players that have got unbelievable energy and the capacity to run 40, 50 yards.

Are the media letting Jurgen Klopp off lightly for his lack of silverware? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

“They’ve both got massive, massive energy and a big job to play and it gives them so much balance.

“Robertson, I think he’s the most improved player I’ve ever seen in the Premier League.

“His energy, his quality, he’s the best left-back I see in Europe at this moment in time.”

Solid Assessment

Of course, the part about Robertson being the most improved player in Premier League history is hard to argue with. Having suffered relegation to the Championship with Hull after previously plying his trade in Scotland’s lower leagues, nobody could’ve foreseen this remarkable turnaround in the 24-year-old’s career.

In regards to whether or not the former Queen’s Park full-back is Europe’s outright best, Robertson is certainly up there.

Currently, he would perhaps be mentioned in the same bracket as Barcelona’s Jordi Alba, Bayern Munich’s David Alaba and Juventus’ Alex Sandro – but right now, it is hard to argue that any of the aforementioned left-backs are any better than Liverpool’s No.26. Based on current form, he’s the best of the bunch.

أحرز روس باركلي الهدف الخامس لفريقه أستون فيلا، أمام ليفربول، خلال المباراة الجارية الآن بين الفريقين. الهدف جاء في الدقيقة 55 عبر تسديدة رائعة من باركلي، لمست قدم أحد مدافعي ليفربول وغيرت مسارها وسكنت شباك الحارس أدريان. ويعد ذلك أول أهداف باركلي بقميص أستون فيلا، وقد انتقل له من تشيلسي على سبيل الإعارة خلال الانتقالات الجارية. هدف ليفربول الوحيد سجله محمد صلاح، وأحرز أولي واتكينز ثلاثة أهداف لأستون فيلا، وماكين أحرز هدفًا أيضًا. ويحل ليفربول ضيفًا على أستون فيلا، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز. شاهد هدف باركلي

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Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Jacob Mensah from non-league Ramsgate FC, with the defender set to link up with the Under-23’s until Eagles chiefs feel he can make the gargantuan step up to the Premier League. Which of two paths will he take having made the move?

Who is he?

The 18-year-old, who was previously linked with Wolves and Cardiff, has been likened to Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling – the former England international was also plucked from obscurity.

Ramsgate boss Nick Davis has said of the switch:

“I congratulate Jacob on his move as I feel Jacob has the opportunity to make the grade within the professional game and thank him for his time at Ramsgate FC.”

Who will he be?

The last time Palace signed a young(ish) centre-back was when they brought Jaroslaw Jach to south London from Zaglebie Lubin in a woeful January transfer window – the Pole has yet to make an appearance for the first team.

Instead, the defender signed for Turkish outfit Caykur Rizespor on loan in the summer and then, with that stint failing, joined Sheriff Tiraspol in the Moldovan top flight – ouch.

Now 25, Jach’s career in SE25 seems to be over before it has even begun – Mensah will be hoping that he doesn’t follow a similar path, instead achieving the success Smalling has found since leaving Maidstone all those years ago.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

Certainly, Mensah will have his work cut out in the coming years to oust any of the current first team crop from the starting XI but he could be the next young defender to come through the ranks – or, like Jach’s career looks set to pan out, be sent out on a number of loans before eventually being sold for peanuts or leaving on a free.

There’s lots of focus on who Rangers need to buy in summer, but what about trusting one of their own talents? Indeed, Greg Docherty’s had a strong season on loan at Shrewsbury and it’s time to give him a chance at Ibrox.

There’s an abundance of midfielders at Rangers at the moment but Gerrard has repeatedly made it clear he’s still looking to strengthen their starting line-up. It’s been a season of progress, but they’re still way short of catching up to Celtic and securing their first major honour since their club’s liquidation in 2012.

Docherty’s current side are flirting with League One relegation, so the next month or so will show the 22-year-old’s true character. He’s played 32 times this season, scoring six times and making eight assists, so he’s had no problem breaking into the Shrewsbury side thus far.

Giving him an opportunity to play at Ibrox next season could save Dave King millions, and they could do with saving that money if they’re going to seriously contend for the title. They need to make a few big-money signings so the cash saved can be spent more wisely elsewhere, as well as making good on their initial investment.

He’s needed the time out on loan to grow as a player, playing constant football and getting used to the pressure of the big games. He’s now done that and so the loan must be deemed a success. If it is, then Gerrard must give him a chance next term or he’ll send out the wrong message to players who go out on loan.

Players need to be rewarded for their success on loan, and next season is the perfect time to do it. The determination he’ll show in this relegation battle will prove his strong mentality, and Rangers have lacked that at times this season, particularly during their Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat.

The Gers should keep an eye on the youngster over the next month or so to see what he’s really made of and then give him a chance next season.

Rangers fans, who do you think your club should sign to play in midfield next season. Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has stated in his latest Daily Mail column that Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish is the “best player outside the Premier League”, and Villa fans should be fearful after the comments.

What’s the word, then?

Well, after a three-month injury absence the 23-year-old returned to the starting XI and captained the Midlands outfit in their 4-0 win against Derby County at Villa Park on Saturday.

The ex-England U21 international shone in the victory against Frank Lampard’s visitors, and rounded off his fine performance with a stunning first-time volley after a corner was sent to the edge of the penalty area for him.

Writing in his Daily Mail column, Redknapp said: “There have been some brilliant volleys this season but the best two have both come at Villa Park. If you enjoyed John McGinn’s strike against Sheffield Wednesday in September, you will love Jack Grealish’s volley following a corner against Derby on Saturday.

“Had Grealish been fit for the whole season, I am in no doubt Villa would be in the play-offs. He is the best player outside the Premier League.”

Who has been the Championship’s best player this season? The Pl>ymaker FC squad discuss in the video below…

Is Redknapp right?

He certainly is.

While there are plenty of contenders in the Championship, Grealish clearly has the quality to suggest he could make it for a club fighting in the top-half of the Premier League.

Displays like his one at the weekend will only catch the eye of top-flight scouts looking to make summer additions to their clubs, even if the talented midfielder did only sign a new five-year deal back in September, which reportedly includes a £45m buy-out clause.

However, if Villa miss out on promotion this season – they currently lie six points adrift of the play-off positions – it seems unlikely that he would want to stay, and fans should be seriously worried about losing their prized asset if they don’t go up.

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Manuel Lanzini made his comeback from a serious knee injury in West Ham United’s Premier League clash with Fulham at the London Stadium on Friday night.

Indeed, the attacker replaced Felipe Anderson in the 76th minute of the clash, which ended in a 3-1 home win.

Ryan Babel actually sent Fulham into an early lead in the London derby, but goals from Javier Hernandez, Issa Diop and Michail Antonio secured the points for West Ham.

For many, though, the big story was the return of Lanzini.

Indeed, the 29-year-old had been on the sidelines since suffering a serious knee injury last June, which saw him miss out on the chance to play in the 2018 World Cup for Argentina.

Lanzini has also missed the entire 2018-19 Premier League campaign to date, but made his return to action against Fulham on Friday night.

And it would be fair to say that the West Ham fans were absolutely delighted, with a selection of their Twitter reaction available to view below:

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Sunderland heaped pressure on the teams above them with another win on Saturday, but fans are even more delighted with something Stewart Donald said after the game.

Sunderland’s promotion hopes are still in their own hands, as the Black Cats picked up a comfortable win on Saturday to stay within two points of Barnsley (Sunderland have a game in hand).

Jack Ross’ side hit a rough patch of form after the turn of the year, seemingly incapable of avoiding drab 1-1 draws, but three wins on the bounce has lifted spirits again on Wearside.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

The 2-0 dispatching of a resurgent Plymouth side was perhaps the Black Cats’ most professional and impressive performance of the calendar year so far, and Donald has only furthered the good mood with his response to a fan on Twitter.

Responding to a fan question the club’s leadership, Donald cleared the air, tweeting: “I have taken nothing out (money) only put in – a sum which would fund OUFC for years!!

“Despite relegation season tickets up 3000. No locals have talked to me about buying club. If Sunderland fans are showing me unhappiness I cannot wait until I get it right.”

This kind of openness and passion for the club is something fans never saw once under the infamous Ellis Short, and fans are loving the way Donald quashed this rather pessimistic fan.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…