In April 2014, a six-match winning streak placed Everton on the cusp of a first Champions League qualification in a decade, when an unheralded Crystal Palace visited Goodison. A win would hand Everton momentum in the race for fourth place with Arsenal – a team they had comprehensively beaten 10 days earlier.

But it was not to be. Everton, so dazzling against Arsenal, were underwhelming. And time and again, Palace’s hitherto unheralded winger, Yannick Bolasie, cut through the Blues’ defence as the South Londoners edged to a 3-2 win. The following September Palace repeated the same scoreline at Goodison, with Bolasie again outstanding.

Less than two years later, Bolasie was an Everton player, after a £25 million transfer. Alas, his best performances at Goodison were to be in the colours of Palace, and the player would eventually leave Goodison after five injury ravaged years having made barely 30 appearances for the club.

Born in Lyon to Congolese parents, Yannick Bolaise was raised in London, where he developed his skills as a footballer on the street pitches of the capital. He began his career as a semi-professional with Hillingdon, but it was in Malta where he turned professional, spending a season as a teenager in its Premier League playing for Floriana.

In 2008, he signed for Plymouth Argyle, though he was loaned out to non-league sides such as Barnet and Rushden & Diamonds. Bolasie’s big break came in 2011 when he signed with Championship side Bristol City. His explosive pace, dribbling ability, and unpredictability made him a standout performer. These attributes attracted the attention of Crystal Palace, who signed him in August 2012.

At Selhurst Park, Bolasie thrived under manager Ian Holloway. He was instrumental in helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs in the 2012/13 season. His dazzling footwork, direct running and ability to beat defenders quickly made him a fan favourite.  Standing 6ft 1 inch tall, his size made him a potent threat and he formed a dangerous partnership with Wilfried Zaha. His performances for Palace established him as one of the most exciting wingers in English football, also earning him international recognition with the DR Congo national team.

The £25 million move to Goodison came as Everton sought to add more dynamism and flair to their attacking options. Under manager Ronald Koeman, Bolasie was seen as a key player in Everton’s ambitions to break into the Premier League’s upper echelon.

Bolasie made his debut for the Toffees in August 2016, in a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion. His early performances showed promise, with his speed, strength and trickery causing problems for opposition defences. He quickly established himself as a regular in the starting XI, playing on the left flank, where he combined well with striker Romelu Lukaku. Bolasie’s ability to drive forward and create opportunities gave Everton a new dimension in attack.

Unfortunately, Bolasie’s promising start to life at Everton was cut short by a devastating injury. On 4 December, 2016, during a 1-1 draw against Manchester United, he suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee. The injury required two surgeries and sidelined him for over a year. This was a crushing blow for both Bolasie and the club, as his absence was keenly felt.

Reflecting on the injury, Bolasie later said in an interview with The Athletic, ‘It was tough to take. I was just getting into my stride at Everton, and to be sidelined like that was heartbreaking.’

Bolasie returned to action on Boxing Day 2017, in a match against West Bromwich Albion, but it was soon clear that the injury had affected his explosive style of play. Despite his efforts to regain his pre-injury form, Bolasie struggled to recapture the same level of consistency and confidence. ‘The mental battle was just as hard as the physical one,’ Bolasie admitted in an interview with The Independent in 2020. ‘You try to convince yourself you’re the same player, but deep down, you know there’s work to do.’

Everton underwent numerous managerial changes during Bolasie’s time at the club. Following Koeman’s departure in October 2017, Sam Allardyce took over, followed by Marco Silva in 2018. These changes, combined with new signings and tactical shifts, limited Bolasie’s opportunities. By the 2018/19 season, he found himself on the fringes of the squad. ‘It felt like a revolving door,’ Bolasie told The Athletic. ‘Every time I thought I had a chance, something changed.’

Bolasie embarked on a series of loan spells. In August 2018, he joined Aston Villa in the Championship. He made 21 appearances for the club, contributing with goals and assists, but returned to Everton in January 2019. He then had short stints with Anderlecht in Belgium and Sporting Lisbon in Portugal during the 2019/20 season, where he showed glimpses of his talent but struggled for consistency.

During Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure as Everton manager, Bolasie’s prospects at the club remained bleak. Despite his efforts in training and his positive attitude, Ancelotti made it clear that Bolasie was not part of his long-term plans. ‘I respected Ancelotti’s honesty,’ Bolasie told The Independent. ‘I knew where I stood, and that allowed me to focus on finding a new challenge.’

Bolasie’s time at Everton officially came to an end with the expiry of his contract in 2021. In total, he made 32 appearances for Everton, scoring two goals and providing several assists. While his time at Goodison Park was ultimately frustrating, Bolasie remained a player admired for his determination and character. ‘I gave everything I had,’ he told The Athletic. ‘Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but that’s football.’