Eni Aluko has offered some expert insight on her debut as a pundit.
ITV’s punditry team for this World Cup has offered great entertainment so far. Eni Aluko has stood out in particular, demonstrating a broad knowledge of the game and offering detailed tactical insight.
The former Chelsea forward, who has just moved to Juventus, has been a breath of fresh air in comparison with some of the bland analysis that many seasoned pros offer.
During the pre-game build-up to Serbia vs Costa Rica this afternoon, Aluko was speaking about Joel Campbell. Remember him? He rose to fame during the last World Cup, when he scored five goals for Costa Rica, helping them top the group of death against the odds.
Aluko spoke of his dip in form and Costa Rica’s lack of a striker being a problem for them today, which appeared to blow Patrice Evra’s mind.
“Wow, very good”, the former Manchester United defender said.
LOOOOOOOOL PATRICE EVRA HAS NEVER EVEN CONTEMPLATED TALKING ABOUT FOOTBALL TO A GIRL 😭😭 #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/XBqqrtaP2x
— Harry Hesketh (@HarryHesketh) June 17, 2018
He went on to state how impressed he was by her punditry.
Why is @Evra surprised that @EniAlu who that has played over 100 times for her county understands football, and has done some basic preparation before going on air? #EverydaySexism pic.twitter.com/6M3tWJmmnk
— Donnacha Harte (@pompeydunc) June 17, 2018
Football fans watching at home didn’t appreciate this reaction from Evra, asserting that his praise is patronising and an example of the everyday sexism that women face in football.
Patrice Evra showing surprise and actually *clapping* Eni Aluko’s analysis… awful, patronising
— Omar Chaudhuri (@OmarChaudhuri) June 17, 2018
Eni Aluko – has done research into the teams she is talking about. Unlike Patrice Evra, I'm not going to patronise her for that; it's what ALL pundits should do. And her reaction to Patrice's 'praise' suggests she thinks the same.
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) June 17, 2018
The awkward moment Patrice Evra applauds Eni Aluko after she gives her punditry. No wonder women feel like they have to battle when talking football when you get patronised like that!
— Nick Whittaker (@Nick_Whittaker) June 17, 2018
Canny bit of patronising shite from Patrice Evra there on Eni Aluko (102 England caps 33 goals). She gives a good analyses of Costa Rica and Evra claps saying well done then continues further on. ‘Oh man she knows more than us’. Would he have said that to another male ex pro?
— derek bird🥁❤️🎹🍷🏁 (@derekbird3) June 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/Alli_katt67/status/1008312395712880641
https://twitter.com/Jophes86/status/1008311677270491136
https://twitter.com/DeanCoombes/status/1008314445309927424
My god, Evra and Larsson are being so sexist to Eni Aluko. Acting shocked when a professional footballer knows what she’s talking about?!
— Spencer (@SpenceCole) June 17, 2018
