Everton manager Roberto Martinez has said winger Christian Atsu has not performed to the levels expected of him since his arrival from Chelsea on loan, reports the Express.
The 23-year-old arrived from Chelsea on loan until the end of the season, but hasn’t been able to become a permanent fixture in the first-team.
Having Aiden McGeady, Steve Naismith and Kevin Mirallas as direct competition for a starting place has seen Atsu spend time out of the side, but his manager is confident he will play a part in Everton’s second-half to the season.
Atsu has recently returned from the African Nations Cup, where he was named player of the tournament with Ghana, but his domestic career hasn’t quite kicked off in similar fashion.
Martinez looks set to play him in their Europa League clash to come, but he recently admitted that Atsu hasn’t come close to showcasing the performances expected of him.
The Toffees boss is hoping his spell with the Ghana national team will see the winger return in even better form than before so he can help with their climb up the table.