Everton boss Rafa Benitez is happy counting on fit-again veteran Fabian Delph.
Benitez is hoping for more of the same after the Englishman marked his first start for 11 months with an exemplary holding-midfield display.
“I will give credit to Delph," Benitez told evertonfc.com, “he is someone with experience, he can pass the ball and give us a little bit more control – but you can see he is still not at the level [full fitness].
“Every player is important, particularly with a lot of games in one-and-a-half months [10 fixtures in 42 days from 21 November].
“It is really important to have every player fit – especially in positions like this one in midfield.
“When you have players with experience and quality, they can help the team play better, keep the ball better.
“Andros did a great job – we would like to see crosses and goals from him but in this position he was helping the team.
“We needed more balance and quality up front to be sure we could keep the ball better.
“Against a very good team, we did well, it could have been better because always you can improve.
“But with the players we were missing, it was important to show this character."
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