Everton midfielder Andre Gomes has been hailed for his performances at French side Lille after securing a season long loan away from Goodison Park.
The former Barcelona and Valencia midfielder, who had fallen down the pecking order in recent seasons on Merseyside, sealed a switch to the Ligue 1 outfit at the end of August in a bid to reignite his career.
Featuring in nine Ligue 1 matches since his switch, the 29-year-old has been praised as a "quality reinforcement" for Paulo Fonseca's side, who will be aiming to seal a return to European competition this season. Lille currently sit just four points outside of the Champions League places.
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Such praise comes from French publication Le 11 HDF, who have hailed the influence of the Portugal international since his summer switch to France and declaring that "everything is possible" ahead of a potential permanent move in the summer of 2023.
"Just like Adam Ounas, Andre Gomes arrived on the last day of the transfer window. In fact, a second quality reinforcement for Paulo Fonseca, this time in midfield," reads the report from LE 11 HDF. "On loan from Everton, the Portuguese is also in search of rhythm, after a serious injury at the end of 2019.
"Not in Frank Lampard's plans, Gomes finds refuge in Lille. If at first, the Portuguese technician from LOSC does not establish him, time does the trick. Indeed, his first tenure comes against Toulouse on September 17.
"Since the Derby du Nord, Andre Gomes is an almost indisputable holder and who counts in the plans of Fonseca. Outstanding recuperator, picky passer, he combines the qualities with Benjamin Andre or Angel Gomes.
"He is the perfect relay between the defenders and the Lille attack. If it will be difficult to buy him at the end of his loan, everything is possible, especially if Europe is showing up."
The midfielder made the move to Goodison Park from Barcelona in the summer of 2018, initially on loan. However, after an impressive maiden campaign on Merseyside, Marco Silva triggered the release clause for Gomes and he joined the Blues' ranks on a full-time basis the following summer.
But after a harrowing leg break in late 2019, the 29-year-old has since struggled to recapture the form that made him such an influential figure during his initial stay at Everton.
Gomes' current deal expires in the summer of 2024.
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