Everton defender Yerry Mina is starting to live up to reputation

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Everton signed defender Yerry Mina last summer for £27.2million (Sky Sports) from Barcelona and he arrived with a big reputation.

The centre-back had just impressed with Colombia in the 2018 World Cup and was expected to make a huge impression at Goodison Park.

But the South American had a torrid first season on Merseyside, where average form and a spate of injury problems prevented him lighting up the Premier League.

He played just 15 first-team games across all competitions and looked out of favour.

Mina appears to have turned it around during this summer and the departure of loanee Kurt Zouma has opened up a spot in the Toffees backline.

He’s partnered Michael Keane for the opening two league games of the season, where Everton have kept back-to-back clean sheets against Crystal Palace and Watford.

Mina can’t get ahead of himself after two games this season, but the signs are that he’s striking up a strong combination with Keane and he’s now looking far more settled with his surroundings.

The 24-year-old can be a vital player in defence for manager Marco Silva if he stays fit and has all the tools to thrive in the Premier League.

He’s a 6ft 4in colossus that is extremely dominant in the air and a physical presence, but has a decent turn of pace too and is athletic.