Everton misery firmly behind player now – Backed for big return, praise from all corners

The tale of Jean Philippe Gbamin at Everton is a sad one, to say the least. But fortunately, it appears it’s all behind him now.

That’s if the latest from L’Equipe is anything to go by. They cover the midfielder today as he ‘finally shines’ in Ligue 1 at Metz.

He’s enjoying a late career surge with the French side, who have moved him to centre-back. That’s despite playing most of his career as a central or defensive midfielder.

He joined Metz on a one-year deal in July and hasn’t looked back since. In fact, they’re so impressed, they’ve already started talks about a contract renewal. The club and his entourage have insisted there’s been no progress, but the former are certainly keen.

Gbamin has started all thirteen matches to date, a ‘reassuring run’ in a career hampered by injuries. The worst of those were at Everton, where he barely featured after a big money move from Mainz.

He long resisted playing centre-back but is now proving crucial there for Metz, reviving their hopes of avoiding relegation. He’s flourishing alongside Terry Yegbe in the role.

The move is proving to be a late career revival after his earlier struggles. Gbamin has quickly found his feet, establishing himself as a key player in an inexperienced squad.

“He’s a leader by example, a great guy who doesn’t talk much but speaks well,” says Romain Decool, sporting coordinator for Dunkerque. They previously helped him get back on track in Ligue 2.

“He’s invaluable for mentoring younger players and deserves to return to the Elephants (Cote d’Ivoire).”

Gbamin could play for them in the Africa Cup of Nations, before a potential World Cup next summer. That would be a major moment for the player, who appears to have put his Everton misery firmly behind him.