Rafa Benitez has defended Salomon Rondon following criticism of the Venezuelan striker from Everton fans and former players.
Rondon, 32, was signed on a free transfer on deadline day from Chinese club Dalian Pro as back-up for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. But, with both first-choice strikers injured, Benitez has had to use Rondon as his target man and he has had little impact — with no goals in seven appearances, six of them starts.
Everton fans have been critical of his performances and vented their fury when Benitez took off youngster Anthony Gordon, rather than Rondon, against Watford —and former Everton defender Michael Ball described his display in the shock 5-2 home defeat by the Hornets as ‘offering nothing’.