Anwar El Ghazi speaks out on Aston Villa future as Everton loanee makes Steven Gerrard claim

Anwar El Ghazi has struggled to make an impact at Everton following his January loan switch from Aston Villa and the winger has now seemingly drawn a line under his time at B6.

El Ghazi left the club on loan last month in search of more game time as his minutes were severely cut after the appointment of Steven Gerrard as Dean Smith's successor back in November.

He reckons his days were numbered at Villa Park from the moment the former Rangers boss swapped Glasgow for Birmingham, but believes Everton is the right platform for him to revive his career in England.

Speaking to Elf (Eleven) magazine in his native Netherlands, El Ghazi said: "The style of play introduced by new manager Steven Gerrard leaves no room for wingers like me. That’s the moment you have to decide to try your luck elsewhere.

"My agent asked me if I wanted to keep on playing in the Premier League and I said yes.

"Everton showed an interest in me two days later. I thought this was great opportunity for me and then things went quickly."

The winger joined Everton when the club was managed by Rafa Benitez, but three days after El Ghazi arrived at Goodison Park, the Spaniard was sacked.

It hasn't been an easy start for the Villa loanee to make an impression, though, having seen just 10 minutes of action for the Blues so far this season, it's hard to see where his opportunity under Frank Lampard will come.

After a nine-minute run-out towards the end of Everton’s 3-0 win over Leeds United, El Ghazi got an even shorter cameo in the 1-0 loss to Manchester City, entering the fray in the 88th minute.

His playing time has been sparse, but the 26-year-old remains committed to helping the Toffees get out of a sticky patch and alleviate any relegation worries.

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