Vellios reticent to going out on loan

, 13 November, 0comments  |  Jump to most recent
Martinez: He needs playing time
Apostolos Vellios could be damaging his first-team prospects with his reticence to going out on loan to gain more playing experience. Roberto Martinez is keen for the Greek U21 international to further his development by getting more playing time at another club while he is several players down the pecking order at Everton but the striker has this far shown little inclination to do that.

Vellios joined the Blues almost three years ago for £250k and made an early impact as a substitute with some crucial goals at the end of the 2010-11 season.

He struggled to find his feet when deployed as a loan striker by David Moyes the following season and has barely figured at first-team level over the past couple of years. His last contribution of note was his cameo against Tottenham Hostpur at Goodison Park last year where he assisted in Nikica Jelavic's dramatic late winner.

Vellios has been regularly involved for his country at U21 level in the intervening period but, though he has been enjoying working under Duncan Ferguson at Finch Farm, he hasn't figured at all for Everton's second string under Alan Stubbs this season.

Martinez says that the 21-year-old has plenty of potential but needs to be playing regular football to press his case for first-team involvement.

“Going out on loan is something we're going to assess," the manager said, "but going down the line it comes down to if the player is open to do that, and in the past it doesn't seem like that was something he was ready to consider.

“Tolis has got the potential to be a terrific number nine. He's good in the air, strong, powerful and has good link up play and mobility. He's at the stage now where he needs to be playing 90 minutes. He's past the supersub stage where he gives something to the team for 10 minutes. Now is the time he needs to start developing his decision making over 90 minutes. If he does that I could see him having a role in the first team.

“We'll give it time but he needs games. We've seen his potential, and in pre-season he's made sure everyone is aware of that. Hopefully we can get the next step in his development right.”

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Echo





About these ads

© ToffeeWeb