Ian Wright identifies the man with star quality that can save Everton from the drop

Ian Wright has identified Demarai Gray as the player to save Everton from the drop and says it is crucial he returns to fitness as soon as possible.

Everton remain deep in trouble following the disastrous 5-0 defeat against Tottenham on Monday. They remain one point and one place above the relegation zone and need to start picking up results quickly.

Although it should be a collective effort to get Frank Lampard’s men out of trouble, Wright believes it can take just one player to provide the spark needed.

The Everton squad has a number of candidates for such a role. Richarlison, Dele Alli and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have the quality and need to step up to the plate.

But speaking on his podcast, Arsenal and England legend Wright has identified Gray as the player to save the day.

Gray injury concern

There is one small problem. Gray is injured at the moment and Wright believes Everton’s hopes of survival could hinge on him returning to the side.

Games are fast running out and Wright says it is crucial he comes back into the side. He claims that Gray has the ability to turn a game on its head with his skill and flair. Something Everton need.

Wright casts his mind back to the clash between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in early December. The Gunners were leading 1-0 with 10 minutes to go before Richarlison equalised.

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Then it was left to Gray to score a superb injury-time goal to earn his side all three points. Earlier in the game Gray had rattled the woodwork and that sparked the comeback.

The performance has stuck in the memory of Wright who says more of the same is needed.

“Look at someone like Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray, unfortunately, he started very well but he’s injured at the moment,” Wright said on his podcast.

“He’s got the game and the Je ne sais quoi where he can flip a game on its head. He did it to us at Everton when we went there and they beat us. He turned into prime Ronaldinho off the wing, he’s got that in him.” 

Everton can stay up says Wright

Wright also said on the podcast that despite the grim looking situation, Everton can get out of trouble. The next five or six games are huge and it is a tough-looking run.

Wolves visit on Sunday before a huge six-pointer against Newcastle at Goodison. Then there are trips to West Ham and Liverpool along with home games against Manchester United and Chelsea.

With some of the teams around them finding form it is a crucial time for Everton. The record of never being relegated from the top flight is in severe danger.

They need the spark and Wright believes Gray, who has been a bargain signing, is the man to provide it.

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