Everton youngster comes in for criticism despite Barcelona interest

Henry Onyekuru has been banging in the goals in Belgium’s Jupiler League, leading many journalists to name him their contender for Player of the Season, but his manager at Anderlecht is not impressed.

The Nigerian forward came in for some criticism from Hein Vanhaezebrouck despite winning 4-0 against Kortrijk. Onyekuru was his usual lively self, but was guilty of a couple of missed chances, and picked up a caution as well for a foul on fullback Idir Ouali.

“Henry has to stop thinking that he is only settled on his goals. He can make actions, but his dribbles must be positive after 90 minutes. Not negative, as it was now.

“Certainly if he has so much space and as little opposition as against Kortrijk, he should avoid losing the ball easily. Yes, last week against Mouscron he scored the winning goal, but I expect more from him.”

Meanwhile, Spanish daily AS have confirmed that Barcelona scouts have been watching the youngster, but they are not the only ones as Juventus, Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United are also interested in the speedy winger who has yet to play a game for Everton.

The Toffees signed the Super Eagles player during the last transfer window, and then loaned him to Anderlecht as it was unlikely the Blues would be able to procure a work permit for the forward with his limited international exposure.

Everton have been starved of pace in the attacking corps this season, and it remains unclear if the player has met the criteria for a return to Goodison Park during the January transfer window.