Everton manager Roberto Martinez has been forced to defend his new signing…
Roberto Martinez has urged Everton fans to be patient with winger Christian Atsu, who has failed to make an impact at the club since arriving on loan from Chelsea this summer.
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He said: “We need to give him a little bit of time to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League just like any player but especially a winger. In other leagues referees allow less contact and they are a bit more protected.
“But I think the way he has adapted to the way we want to play so far has been impressive. He’s an intelligent footballer. It’s just making sure I can give him the right introduction to his role. With the minutes he’s had so far in the Europa League and other games he’s done well.
“I expect him to be himself in the second half of the season and he can be a very important player for us. To be left-footed in that wing position with a real penetrative edge like he has can give you a big advantage.”
Of course, he’s not the only summer signing struggling to make an impact in the Premier League – here are the top ten:
10) Bojan Krkic (Stoke City)
The former Barcelona starlet came in with so much expectation, but is yet to score in the four games in which he has played.
9) Ricardo Alvarez (Sunderland)
A shock signing on loan from Inter Milan, but has hardly hit the ground running, making just three appearances.
8) Emmanuel Riviere (Newcastle United)
Was meant to be the answer to Newcastle’s scoring problems, but is yet to find the net in seven Premier League games.
7) Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
The iconic forward looks to be somewhat past his best and is still waiting for the first goal of his second spell with the club.
6) Bacary Sagna (Manchester City)
Has struggled to oust Pablo Zabaleta from the right-back spot, and has had to be content with a place on the bench.
5) Rio Ferdinand (Queens Park Rangers)
Was lauded as a tremendous coup by the newly promoted club, but has been far from it with a series of woeful performances.
4) Christian Atsu (Everton)
Inexperienced and lightweight by Premier League standard, does not look good enough at this stage of his career.
3) Lazar Markovic (Liverpool)
A disappointingly passive presence in games, needs to do more to show what Liverpool spent all that money on.
2) Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Louis van Gaal is yet to take to the youngster, only playing him when forced to do so by an injury crisis. Needs to take this chance to establish himself in the team.
1) Mario Balotelli (Liverpool)
Yet to find the net for his new club in the Premier League, and has looked almost lethargic at times as his frustration begins to grow.
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