LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of the corner flag at Goodison Park before the Premier League match between Everton and Norwich City at Goodison Park on September 25, 2021 in Liverpool, England.. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
‘He lost his way’: Manager says 27-year-old went off the rails when he was at Everton
Neal Maupay ‘lost his way’ at Everton.
That’s according to Thomas Frank, who told the media during Brentford’s pre-match press conference that fans will see the ‘best of’ Maupay this season.
The Frenchman spent two years with the Bees after joining from Saint-Etienne in 2017 and was named the Supporters’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year after he netted 25 goals in 43 games during the 2018-19 season.
Maupay made his Premier League debut with Brighton before being moved to Everton for £15 million last year.
Since then, the striker’s form has deteriorated considerably, with only one goal in 31 appearances across all competitions. Maupay has received a lot of hate and criticism throughout the years, and he has now returned to Brentford on loan to restart his career.
Despite struggling to impress since leaving the London club, Thomas Frank is convinced that he can find his feet again after leaving Merseyside.
Speaking ahead of the Bees’ match against Newcastle United tomorrow, Frank said:“It’s remarkable that Neal left four years ago and Rico (Henry) is the only player left from that time, so it shows the transformation of the club.
“It’s fantastic to have Neal back. He is a strong character, a great personality who pushes hard in every game and he wants to win and help the team.
“Maybe he lost his way a little bit (at Everton) but we can get the best out of Neal again here.”
Will Maupay impress at Brentford?
Brentford have signed Maupay to temporarily replace Ivan Toney, who is currently serving a ban due to betting offences and won’t return to action until 2024.
The England international was exceptional last season and it would be a huge surprise to see his replacement reach anywhere near the levels that Toney has got to in the top flight.
Maupay currently has two years left on his contract at Goodison Park though, so the Toffees will be eager to see their forward perform well at his new club. It seems likely that his time at Everton will come to an end next summer either way, but they may be able to offload him for a decent fee if he can bag some goals this term.
