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Everton’s last summer signing was also the last to pull on the royal blue shirt, with Yerry Mina finally making his long-awaited start over the weekend away at Chelsea.
A nagging foot injury following the World Cup meant the Colombian central defender needed some additional time to get fit, and with first choice pairing Michael Keane and Kurt Zouma playing so well, it was no surprise that Marco Silva took his time giving him a start.
The Blues were solid in their 0-0 draw away at Stamford Bridge, with the entire team defending well as a unit to keep out Chelsea for the first time this season at home.
Speaking after the game, Mina was thrilled with his first full appearance.
“I thank God for this important moment in my life, it was a great match and I was delighted to share it with the fans, my teammates and everybody at Everton.
“I feel great here and I am just working as well as I can, doing my best for the Club. It is fantastic to see that if we all work together, we can push forward.
“It motivated me knowing we were playing Chelsea and it was such a big match. It was very important for me to play 90 minutes.
“But the most important thing for me as a defender was to get the clean sheet. I thank Jordan Pickford and my teammates for helping us manage that.
“It is very satisfying to come out of the match with a clean sheet – and we know if we keep playing as we are, then the goals will come at the other end of the pitch.”
Mina had a strong day, winning the Everton Twitter poll for Man of the Match, and is raring to play again.
“It was hard [to be patient during his layoff] because I am someone who always wants to play,” said Mina.
“I have been at home watching my teammates on television and that was difficult for me because I always want to be out there with them.
“That was unfortunate – but I am so happy to be here.
“I am giving all I can for Everton. I know this is a difficult league but if everybody works hard and I give my all every day, I can really help this team succeed.”