Andros Townsend embodies Everton and Rafa Benitez’s mantra - and shows why judging signings should be reserved

The winger is already proving a fans’ favourite despite some supporters having reservations about his summer arrival.
Andros Townsend celebrates his goal in Everton’s victory over Burnley. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty ImagesAndros Townsend celebrates his goal in Everton’s victory over Burnley. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Andros Townsend celebrates his goal in Everton’s victory over Burnley. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images

Amid a summer transfer window that saw radical spending by some Premier League clubs, Everton were forced to be frugal as they battled the constraints of financial fair play.

Rafa Benitez was not gifted the war chest that’s so often given to new managers to sign their top targets. Instead, he had to be shrewd and selective about who to bring in.

Swaying the doubters

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The first name through the Goodison Park door was recognisable.

Andros Townsend put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Toffees, having been released by Crystal Palace.

Yet, at the time, supporters were left underwhelmed. Some even deemed the business lacklustre.

Townsend had spent the past four years at a Palace side whose main aim was survival. Before that, it was Newcastle United, who had the same target.

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How, then, was he supposed to catapult Everton back towards the upper echelons of the top flight? Where’s the ambition?

But what his Goodison career has shown so far is that recruits should not be judged until you get a decent sample of them in action.

After five appearances, surely the biggest doubters have been swayed.

Townsend has already scored two goals and recorded two assists, with his latest outing inspiring the 3-1 comeback victory over Burnley to maintain the Blues’ unbeaten opening to the campaign.

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His cross put Michael Keane’s equaliser on a plate before he rifled home a long-range effort that’s surely already a goal-of-the-season contender.

Michael Keeane celebrates equalising for Everton against Burnley. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesMichael Keeane celebrates equalising for Everton against Burnley. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Michael Keeane celebrates equalising for Everton against Burnley. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Within six minutes, the former Tottenham Hotspur winger almost single-handedly turned a potential first defeat of the season into another impressive success that moves the Blues joint-top.

Humility and genuineness

Townsend thanked his mum in his post-match interview for telling him to believe in himself more. In truth, that didn’t come as a surprise.

Despite being a seasoned 30-year-old, there is a real humility about Townsend. There’s a genuineness to how much he relishes representing Everton and knows the responsibilities that come with it.

When he talks, it’s not lip service or virtue signalling.

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In recent years, that hasn’t been the case with some. Too many players have simply not cared enough when representing a proud, historic club.

Some would say there’s one at the club who’s dominated the summer headlines. But let’s not get into that.

Monday night was about a low-maintenance, humble character who embodies the bare minimum Evertonians demand - effort and application.

Andros Townsend on the ball. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesAndros Townsend on the ball. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Andros Townsend on the ball. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

During the persistent changing of managers, there was not a sufficient number of players who bought into that mantra.

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It’s why, after David Moyes’ departure, the Toffees slid from regularly challenging for Europe to, in the past two campaigns, mid-table fodder. Even despite the multi-millions Farhad Moshiri ploughed into the playing budget, it couldn’t purchase character and courage.

Benitez was acutely aware he needed to install that identity again and required the individuals with the willingness to achieve it.

Townsend epitomises that. Even when things aren’t going right for him, like in the first half against Burnley, he’ll never shirk or shy away. The ex-England international will consistently stand up and make himself counted.

A fans’ favourite

When listing the greats to play at Goodison Park in years to come, Townsend is unlikely to come up in conversation.

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Dixie Dean, Alan Ball, Howard Kendall, Neville Southall et al will continue to dominate that debate. Of the current crop, Seamus Coleman and Richarlison could come into the argument.

But Townsend has got the make-up to transform himself into a fans’ favourite while he is at Goodison - and never have to buy a drink again if he does return when retired.

Not bad for someone whose arrival was scoffed at by some.