Everton’s loanees helped them gun down Newcastle (Picture: Getty)

Everton deserved their victory over the Magpies at St James’ Park but the flattering scoreline highlighted the growing problem of loan players in today’s Premier League.

Newcastle United are no stranger to the loan market and it’s no secret we struggle to convert chances, as we did in the Everton loss, without leading goal scorer and short-term striker Loic Remy from QPR on the pitch.

The Toon also brought in Luuk De Jong in January to reinforce the forward line, although based on the last night’s showing, it’s unlikely we’ll be following up interest in the Dutchman long-term.



Going into the game the two sides looked closely matched but by the final whistle it was clear there was a huge gulf in quality. The pace and skill of Gerard Deulofeu caused problems for Yoan Gouffran and Paul Dummett down the left-flank all night. The power of Romelu Lukaku bullied the Toon’s beleaguered defence from the first whistle.


In the middle, England international Gareth Barry picked out the forward thinking Ross Barkley and the Everton attack time and time again. On-loan Chelsea striker, Lukaku is one of this season’s stand out strikers and has found the net 12 times with a record of a goal every other game.

Deulofeu, on-loan from Barcelona no less, played a part in all three goals and was a constant threat against the Toon. Barry, on-loan from Manchester City, was a stablising presence in the Everton centre-midfield and arguably allowed the marauding Barkley the freedom to destroy the Magpies’ defence in the manner he did for the opening goal.

Gerard Deulofeu is on-loan from Barcelona.. no less (Picture: Getty)

A third of Everton’s starting line-up were on-loan players from the world’s elite clubs and their whole team is built around them.

The victory wasn’t exclusively down to these three starters but they all played a huge part in the win and almost certainly made the difference on the night.

Take nothing away from Roberto Martinez. The Spaniard is proving to be more than capable of filling David Moyes shoes at Goodison Park – and was irritatingly endearing in the way he praised the Toon players for their efforts in Alan Pardew’s enforced absence before kick-off.

But without Lukaku, a world-class striker who would be beyond Everton financially if they were to attempt a full transfer from Chelsea, as well as Deulofeu and Barry, the Toffees wouldn’t be anywhere near a Champions League spot.

Other clubs have players on loan, Newcastle included, but none have had greater impact than at Everton.

The Football Association need to address the Premier League loan system to stop it having an adverse affect on the table.

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