Marco Silva has shared his honest assessment on Yerry Mina's injury-hit Everton season.
The defender made the big money move to Goodison Park from Barcelona in the summer following an impressive World Cup with Colombia.
However a foot injury kept Mina from making his debut for the Blues until November's 3-1 home win against Brighton, before his first competitive start for the club came a week later in the 0-0 draw at Chelsea.
Fitness issues have continued to plague the towering centre-back throughout the majority of this season, with the 24-year-old struggling to put together a consistent run of matches.
Having been restricted to just 12 Premier League appearances this season, Marco Silva knows it's been a frustrating time for the defender.
“It's been a tough season for him [Mina]," Silva admitted.
“In some important this season the injuries he got were really tough on him and for us as a club.
“He came in and did well and he's always consistent during the training sessions. He has quality."
The manager still knows that there is a lot of work to be done with Mina, but the defender can still prove himself to be a vital member of the Everton setup in the future.
Silva added: “He needs more time to adapt. It's up to us to give him the right conditions and it's up to him to keep working hard, because the Premier League is really hard.
“When you play in Colombia, and then Brazil and then your first time in Europe with Barcelona – everything is different to when you are playing in the Premier League.
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“Of course I expected more games and more training sessions for him to adapt faster.
“It didn't happen, but we are happy with the player we signed. I know his quality, but next season will be important.
“It's his desire, and it's a moment for him to prove that for sure."
