What does Everton’s best midfield look like now Gomes has recovered from injury?

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Andre Gomes much-anticipated Everton debut saw him show signs of the class the fans were hoping to see when he joined on loan from Barcelona.

That exciting bow also gives Marco Silva a selection dilemma; how does he get the midfield balance right now that the Portuguese international is back in the fold?

After struggling last season amid Everton’s host of newly-acquired number tens, Gylfi Sigurdsson has shone as the main man this time around. His goal threat and assist tally means he has to start.

When he returns to full fitness, 6ft 2in Gomes must also be in Silva’s team every week. He offers quality on the ball that not many sides outside the top six can boast from a deeper midfield role and should form a great relationship with Sigurdsson.

The biggest fight is between Everton’s holding midfielders. Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin are the front-runners, with Tom Davies also able to add energy. James McCarthy will also return later in the season to offer further variety.

For the time being, Gueye should get the nod. His work-rate would top off Everton’s new-look midfield and Schneiderlin is still battling with off-field issues after the death of his father recently.

That’s a formidable unit, with good options off the bench. But Gomes offers Silva something he didn’t have before; someone who can knit the side together with guile and aplomb.