When he initially signed on loan in Aug. 2018 I genuinely could not contain my excitement. I considered him to be neck and neck with Leon Goretzka for most promising young box-to-box midfielders in world football.
3-Years later and I believe his technical ability has remained stagnant and his tactical understanding has declined failing to deliver on his earlier promise, while his physical ability and fitness has never recovered from his injury (I have yet to forgive Son for that malicious challenge).
When watching Gomes play I am always impressed with his range of passing and close control when in possession. Then in equal measures I become frustrated with his positioning both offensively and defensively as well as his refusal to carry the ball forward up the pitch himself, although it's mostly due to a lack of spacing on the pitch.
Every time Andre gets the ball he has 4 options:
1. Pass wide to Digne.
2. Pass forward to Richarlison who in turn immediately loses possession.
3. Pass back to Keane.
3. Look at Siggurdson who is standing still marked by a defender and pointing back to Keane.
I believe the technical ability to be a great player is still there, but if he is going to succeed in the premier league it will be as a playmaker given that his physical skill set may never fully recover.
If Benetiz can provide improved tactical positioning instructions to Gomes, remove Siggurdson from the squad entirely, and get Richarlison to play as a wide midfielder as opposed to an inside forward you will see an Andre Gomes with more space and time when on the ball and hopefully providing loads of assists and key passes.
If we continue to use him as a defensive midfielder or the Box-to-box midfielder we thought he was pre-injury he will be playing his club football in Italy/Spain come January.