Even on the Pro Circuit: Roberto Martinez to talk to Gerard Deulofeu about diving after Arsenal incident
Diving should be reserved for swimming – not the soccer field but all across the planet, youth soccer players and their grown up pro soccer idols drive all too often. What is a youth soccer player expected to do if those he sees on TV in professional soccer matches are diving on the soccer field for effect? Either this is an impactful tactic or a silly foul but it can’t be both. Here is the scoop on one recent incident on the pro soccer circuit.
Earlier today, Arsenal defeated Everton 2-1 but the story was not the score but the actions of the players.
Press Associates – Everton manager Roberto Martinez will speak to Gerard Deulofeu about diving, but is in no doubt the 21-year-old Spaniard has a bright future. Arsenal 2-1 Everton: Final Whistle Report as Everton lose at the Emirates once again.
Earlier today, Arsenal defeated Everton 2-1 but the story was not the score but the actions of the players.
Deulofeu, the Barcelona graduate signed in June 2014 following a loan spell at Goodison Park, was guilty of going to ground theatrically when challenged by Nacho Monreal at the end of the first half during the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday.
While referee Lee Mason took no action, the Everton forward was roundly booed for the rest of the match by the home fans.
Martinez admits it is a “difficult” situation, but one he will look to address.
“Gerard is a young man who has come into a very different game and he needs to understand the culture of the British game, but I love to see players who care and want to make things happen. He is an emotional player and I don’t think he was disrespectful in any way,” said Martinez.
“Sometimes as a player when they keep hitting you with every chance they get, sometimes you are going to feel the challenge comes your way and maybe you are going to go to ground that little bit easier.
“Maybe he has to learn that, but it is difficult as a striker or an attacking player to cope with the amount of bad treatment you get from defenders.”
Deulofeu, though, almost had the last laugh when given a late sight of goal, but his snapshot was beaten away by Petr Cech as the Gunners held out for victory.
Martinez said: “Gerard has incredible talent, he worries defenders and you could see at the end they had three players around him. He carries that threat.
“He is a young player and he has a lot to learn but he has the desire and that winning mentality and it’s only a matter of time before he puts that talent together.”
Everton will asses the knee injury suffered by captain Phil Jagielka in a challenge with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, which could see the England defender set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
“Phil is a fit man and maybe that action in another player would have hurt him more,” said Martinez.
“It is his right knee, his toe gets twisted and that can affect the structure underneath and it could be a nasty one.”
