Jean-Philippe Gbamin stepped up his comeback from injury by playing 45 minutes and scoring in a 1-0 practice match victory against Blackburn Rovers at USM Finch Farm.
The Ivorian, who featured in the first half of the training game, capped a lively performance by scoring the only goal just before half-time.
Gbamin showed impressive tenacity to win the ball in midfield before sliding a pass into the path of Moise Kean – the Italian’s powerful strike was parried by the Blackburn goalkeeper but Gbamin slammed home the rebound from close range.
Everton made wholesale changes at half-time and midfield duo Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan saw their first match action of pre-season, playing the full second half for Rafael Benitez’s side.
Everton had threatened on numerous occasions before breaking the deadlock. Anthony Gordon and Andre Gomes were foiled by last-ditch blocks by Blackburn defenders, while James Rodriguez’s 20-yard curling effort was tipped around the post by Rovers keeper Thomas Kaminski.
Fabian Delph and Charlie Whitaker, meanwhile, both came close to adding to the Blues’ lead in the second period.
Manager Benitez will take charge of his first official friendly games when Everton compete in the Florida Cup later this month.
Everton will face Colombian side Millonarios on 26 July before taking on either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the Orlando tournament.
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By Everton Football Club
July 17, 2021
