Teddy Sheringham believes Folarin Balogun could be proved right to U-turn on his decision to sign for Everton, because being centre-forward for the Blues is a tough task.
Everton struck a big-money deal to sign US World Cup star Balogun from Monaco on transfer deadline day. However, during the medical, an issue was flagged, which kick-started a dramatic chain of events.
Restructured Transfer and Late U-Turn
The Blues restructured the transfer with Monaco to a much lower fee than the one that had been agreed. The Ligue 1 outfit shook hands on the new terms, and both clubs and Balogun were happy to sign a deal sheet just before the 11pm deadline in order to complete the move.
However, an hour later, the former Arsenal striker made it clear he wanted to return to his current club, who he has made just three substitute appearances for so far this season.
Lone Striker Burden at Everton
With Everton having already sold Beto to Fiorentina earlier in the day, it has left David Moyes with just one senior centre-forward to choose from in Thierno Barry. Barry is the club’s top scorer with six goals in nine games but leads the way in the Premier League for big chances missed with 11.
Sheringham, the former Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and England centre-forward, has sympathy for the Frenchman and any player who is asked to play up front for the Blues.
He said: "Folarin Balogun at Everton? It would’ve been very tough for him. You look at what’s expected for a centre-forward going in at Everton. They’ve had a couple of other centre-forwards there that have come to the fore a little bit every now and again in Barry and Beto."
Workload and Expectations
"It’s a tough place to be a centre-forward because you’re expected to score goals, but you’re also expected to work your socks off for the team as well. If you can do both of those, you become a hero for Everton. It’s a strange place when you’re on your own up there," Sheringham added.
"Years ago, you played with two centre-forwards and you worked together, so the workload wasn’t so bad and you both scored goals. I’m going back to Graeme Sharp, Adrian Heath, and Andy Gray. When I was watching them, they all took it in turns to do the workload and score the goals. Whereas now, with one centre-forward up there, you’ve got to do all the work."
Barry has started all nine matches in all competitions for the Blues so far this season and is likely to spearhead the attack in Saturday’s Premier League trip to defending champions Arsenal.
Sheringham, speaking to BetVictor, continued: "If you haven’t scored many goals, they ask, ‘What do you want from me?’ It’s a tough ask being an Everton centre-forward, so the jury will be out. Again, I’d like that centre-forward to ask David Moyes and the Everton fans: ‘What do you want from me?’ As a centre-forward playing on my own in a workman-like team, what is success for me? It’s a strange scenario."
