Everton Midweek Loans Recap: Vlasic Stars in Champions League Debut

Of all the Blues currently out on loan, it was a certain young Croatian who caught the eye yet again as he made his Champions League debut in midweek.

Below is a run through all the midweek action involving Everton’s on-loan contingent.

The Youngsters

Henry Onyekuru

Following Galatasaray’s 4-1 win on Friday, Onyekuru had to do with a place on the bench again as the Turkish side secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League.

Onyekuru got on for the final 10 minutes and helped Gala to their third and final goal, breaking away in his own half and drawing in two defenders before squaring the ball to Emre Akbaba, who was brought down by the keeper to earn a penalty which was duly dispatched.

With Galatasaray in good form, it may be hard for Onyekuru to get back in the starting line-up for a few weeks.

Antonee Robinson

Robinson again completed the full game for Wigan as they returned to winning ways by beating Hull 2-1 at the DW Stadium.

The young left-back put in a positive display, but lost track of his man for Hull City’s goal. Fortunately, Wigan were able to hold on for the win.

Callum Connolly

After starting the last two games for Wigan as an attacking right midfielder, Callum Connolly was an unused substitute against Hull.

Nikola Vlasic

The young Croatian again stole the show for Everton loanstars this week, scoring an injury-time penalty and providing an assist on his Champions League debut.

Playing in the middle of the park, Vlasic helped CSKA overturn a two-goal half-time deficit away to Czech side Viktoria Plzen. He first turned provider by turning his man out wide and putting in a sumptuous cross which CSKA put away. Then, in the 95^th minute, he coolly sent the keeper the wrong way to dispatch his penalty and rescue a point for the Russian side.

Vlasic was undoubtedly the creative force for CSKA and will surely have left Silva wondering whether he has misjudged the youngster.

Joe Williams

The tenacious midfielder played the full 90 minutes for Bolton Wanderers in their 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough, earning a customary yellow card.

He even picked up the Bolton man of the match award from the Lion of Vienna Suite fan site, who were impressed by his box-to-box performance in an otherwise poor Trotters’ side.

Matthew Pennington

Pennington again played the full game at centre-half for Ipswich and put in a solid performance, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to high-flying Brentford.

The Deadwood

Ashley Williams

Watched from the bench as Stoke beat his former club Swansea 1-0, and was caught jumping up as the Swans almost scored.

Cuco Martina

Martina played the full 90 minutes in Stoke’s win.

Kevin Mirallas

Finally made his Fiorentina debut, coming on for the final 30 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Sampdoria.

Mo Besic

After a disappointing performance at the weekend, Besic started on the bench in Boro’s 2-0 win over Bolton and came on for the final 13 minutes to see the game out.

Yannick Bolasie

Emerged from the bench for Villa again for the final 15 and secured all three points by scoring a brave diving header in Villa’s 2-0 win. He’s got Villa fans excited already and must be closing in on a start for Steve Bruce’s side.