Everton Player Review: Steven Pienaar

Player: Steven Pienaar #22

Games Played: 40, Games Started: 39, Goals: 7 Assists: 7, Shots: 66, Shots on Goal: 21, Fouls Committed: 56, Fouls Suffered: 100, Yellow Cards: 5, Red Cards: 2.

Introduction

Steven Pienaar’s return to Everton last summer was much anticipated and much heralded when it finally went through in late July. The reason why was because Everton were a much more potent attacking unit with him and Leighton Baines in the side. That proved the case in the opening half of the season, with the duo creating the majority of Everton’s chances. Sadly, like the side in general, Pienaar appeared to fade as the season went on.

What he did well

What we have seen Pienaar do well so often over the years, with his impish-like close control and passing ability as well as his telepathic understanding with Baines helping the Toffees fly out of the blocks – his curling strike at Aston Villa in August was a particular highlight.

What he could do better

Add more goals to his game, I suppose, though Pienaar has never been a prolific goalscorer and seven goals isn't too bad from midfield. His main strength has always been creating chances via his link-up with Baines. He did tire as the season went on, but that was due to the failure of the squad players to step as much as anything else.

Voting

Using the school grading system of A, B, C, D, F, with A representing a great season, C an average season, and F a very poor season, how do you grade Steven Pienaar on his performance this year according to the expectations you had for him?