Rafa Benitez makes Andros Townsend transfer admission and explains why he gave Lewis Dobbin his Everton debut

The winger netted his fourth goal since moving to Goodison Park in the summer.
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Rafa Benitez believes Andros Townsend's scintillating form is confirmation of why he brought him to Everton.

The winger was snapped up on a free transfer from Crystal Palace in the summer - although not all Toffees were convinced about the decision at the time.

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However, Townsend has started his Goodison Park career magnificently. His penalty to open the scoring in the 2-0 defeat of Norwich on Saturday was his fourth goal in just eight games.

The ex-England international was coveted by other suitors in the summer but Benitez is delighted he's on Merseyside.

The Everton boss said: “I knew Andros from my time at Newcastle and kept in touch all of this time.

Everton boss Rafa Benitez with Andros Townsend. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesEverton boss Rafa Benitez with Andros Townsend. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Everton boss Rafa Benitez with Andros Townsend. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

“I was surprised such a good player and professional was available in the transfer window.

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“We could do something, I was in contact and he was very keen to come. He had a couple of other offers but was keen to come here.

“It's confirmation of what I was expecting. He's a player who can make the difference with his crossing and is scoring goals now.

“I'm really pleased because he's the kind of player fans were expecting. Everyone was saying: ‘We need a right-winger’ which is his position but he also has quality to play in the three positions up front.

“I'm really pleased everyone is happy with him.”

Dobbin’s debut

Lewis Dobbin. Picture: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty ImagesLewis Dobbin. Picture: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Lewis Dobbin. Picture: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Townsend broke the deadlock in the 29th minute after Allan was hacked down by Norwich defender Ozan Kabak.

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Abdoulaye Doucoure made sure of the three points when he finished off a fine team move in the 77th minute.

Everton's comfortable position meant Benitez could hand 18-year-old Lewis Dobbin a debut late in the game.

Explaining his decision to do so, Benitez said: “I'm happy to see Anthony Gordon because he's a young player.

“Lewis Dobbin was training for us and showed the desire and commitment so these players have to be seen.

“Sometimes you have a player in a training session who doesn't have the desire. Dobbin is someone you notice is there when he is training with you.”