Schneiderlin’s recent form should make Everton rethink reported plans to offload him

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Earlier this month, Everton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin was named in a report by the Sun as among six players Marco Silva wants to offload this summer.

The French international had struggled to dislodge Idrissa Gueye as Everton’s first-choice holding midfielder, but Andre Gomes’ recent suspension has handed him the opportunity to stake his claim.

And against his former club Manchester United, from whom he moved to Goodison Park for a fee the BBC reported was £24m back in January 2017, Schneiderlin was exceptional.

He was once a hugely energetic, disciplined holding midfielder among the best in the Premier League and is showing signs that he could get back to that form.

Schneiderlin does not have the guile that Gomes has but Everton have looked a more balanced team at times this season without the Portuguese international, with the former Southampton man instead offering a more robust shield alongside Gueye.

But Gueye may yet leave Goodison this summer, if Paris Saint Germain or Manchester United swoop, leaving Schneiderlin potentially with an opportunity to establish himself as the club’s top pick to anchor midfield.

Alternatively, he’s done enough lately to earn a spot as a player who can be called upon to protect the back four, offering the energy and tackling ability which was his watermark when he was at his peak at Southampton.