Born on this day in 1990 is former Everton left back and Costa Rica international Bryan Oviedo. The fullback’s career was stunted by a major injury, breaking both his tibia and fibula.
Oviedo began playing in his home country, with Costa Rican side Saprissa. After moving to Denmark with Copenhagen, he came to England to play for Everton in 2012. The Toffees were managed by a certain David Moyes, who gave Oviedo his debut as an 85th minute substitute against Swansea.
He was gradually integrated into the squad, and 14 of his first 15 appearances were from the bench. Oviedo’s first goal for Everton came in an emphatic 4-0 win over Stoke in November 2013, moving the team into the top four of the Premier League!
Disaster struck for Oviedo in January 2014, in an FA Cup tie at Stevenage. Despite Everton winning 4-0, a double leg break for Oviedo was the main talking point. Just 23 at the time, the fullback suffered the horror injury while attempting to block a Simon Heslop shot.
Speaking after the match, manager Roberto Martinez said: "A real negative today is the unfortunate incident and we need to give Bryan as much support as we can now. He's had a terrific season and I've been very impressed with him. He's an important player in the group and he deserves a speedy recovery. The injury to Bryan affected everyone. Those type of injuries leave a sick taste."
The Costa Rican defender was heartbroken that he would miss the Brazil 2014 World Cup, where his country would go on to face England in the group stages.
Oviedo made his long-awaited return to action in September 2014, starting in a League Cup game against Swansea before being brought off after 58 minutes. He was in and out of the team until January 2017, when David Moyes’ plan for surviving relegation with Sunderland was to sign all of his old Everton mates.
Oviedo came to Wearside, replacing Patrick Van Aanholt who had joined Big Sam’s Crystal Palace. Alongside the Costa Rican came Steven Pienaar, Victor Anichebe, Joleon Lescott and Darron Gibson. We all know how successful they were...
The lads were of course relegated to the Championship, with Oviedo continuing to play in the second division. Upon our relegation to League One, he earned some credit from fans for sticking around and not refusing to play, like some of his teammates at the time.
Despite clearly wanting to play at a higher level, he always gave his all on the pitch for Sunderland and left with his head held high after our play-off final defeat. He returned to his former club Copenhagen on a free transfer, and featured regularly in his first season back in Denmark. However, he was then placed on the transfer list by manager Stale Solbakken, who said: “Now have three left-backs and when Bryan came here for zero kroner, he can be allowed to leave us for zero kroner.” He is yet to find another club and is currently being used as a back-up left back.
