Everton’s recent striking record is not particularly impressive, with a number of forwards passing through the club without much success.
One man who fits that description perfectly is Oumar Niasse.
Everton pounced to sign Niasse from Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2016, having seen the Senegalese forward hit 19 goals in 42 games in Russia.
Niasse struggled to make an impact under Ronald Koeman but did score nine goals in the 2017-18 season after returning from a strong loan spell at Hull City.
Bernard in action for Everton against Manchester United
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Oumar Niasse names the best player he played with at Everton
Niasse was released by Everton in 2020, and it’s fair to say that he didn’t quite live up to his £13.5million price tag.
Now 35, Niasse appears to have finished his playing career after spells with Huddersfield Town, Burton Albion, Morecambe and Macclesfield.
Niasse has now spoken to More Than A Match and has commented on the best player he ever called a teammate over the course of his career.
The former Everton striker was in absolutely no doubt over that question, immediately naming winger Bernard.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Everton signed Bernard in 2018, and Niasse branded the Brazilian ‘really good’ after seeing him in action at Goodison Park.
“The best player I played with… Bernard,” said Niasse.
“Bernard, the Brazilian winger. He was really good, really good,” he added.
Niasse played with the likes of Idrissa Gueye, Seamus Coleman, Leighton Baines and even Wayne Rooney during his time at Everton.
Bernard was Niasse’s pick, but the pair only actually played two games together – and they were a pair of defeats against West Ham United and Southampton.
Niasse will have seen more than enough of Bernard in training, though, and that was seemingly enough to place him ahead of Rooney.
Where is former Everton winger Bernard now?
Bernard wasn’t exactly built for Premier League action at just 5ft 5in tall, but he had plenty of skill and guile.
The Brazilian spent three years at Goodison Park before leaving for Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
After a return to Europe with Panathinaikos, Bernard is now playing for Atletico Mineiro back in his native Brazil.
Bernard came through the Atletico Mineiro ranks and is now back with his first club at the age of 33.
It’s almost five years since Bernard scored his final Premier League goal against Manchester United, though his FA Cup winner against Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 will live long in the memory.
Bernard clearly impressed Niasse during his time at Everton, though some will be surprised to see him named ahead of Rooney.