In slightly cooler temperatures following the UK heatwave, David Moyes took his Everton team on a half-hour drive south from their training camp to face Scottish Premiership side Dundee. The “Dark Blues” were playing their sixth pre-season friendly whereas of course this was the first stretching of the legs for Everton.
Aside from those players still on holiday following the World Cup, the Blues’ matchday squad was also missing Garner, Branthwaite, Mykolenko and new signing Hayden Hackney. They lined
up as below in what appeared to be more of a 4-1-4-1 formation rather than the tired and trusted 4-2-3-1. The “1” in the midfield was most definitely Tim Iroegbunam with support from Dewsbury-Hall and Armstrong when under pressure.
The Blues were too good on the day for their hosts even though there was an understandable amount of passes going astray and lack of cohesion. The goals came as follows:
In the 37th minute. persistence by Armstrong won the ball and fed Beto in the exact same position in which he’d found himself just one minute earlier. On the first occasion, Beto had fired in a low left footed shot that produced a comfortable save but this time his low left-foot shot took a double deflection over the goalkeeper to give Everton a deserved lead, 1-0.
After 68 minutes, Beto’s lively replacement Barry quickly closed down the home goalkeeper and the latter’s attempted clearance flew backward off Barry’s intercepting foot to nestle in the net, 2-0. Fortuitous but deserved for the effort to close down.
After 81 minutes, Blues #81 Harvey Foster took advantage of another mistake by the home goalkeeper who mis-hit his clearance to the edge of the area. The calm left-footed first-time pass into the net was not easy though but Foster made it look so, 3-0.
The calamitous Dundee defence then gifted possession under pressure from a few Blues’ attackers and Alcaraz set up McNeil for an easy tap in, 4-0.
The Blues’ line up was totally different to the starting one by the 60th minute although a couple of players had made way at half-time. Stand-out players were Iroegbunam, Rohl as a right back, O’Brien as a centre back and the interplay between Dewsbury-Hall, George and Aznou was highly encouraging. Individuals rated below (without numerical performance marking as it was only a fitness-building friendly):
Travers got the nod as Pickford’s deputy and did OK apart from one fumble from a cross where he was fortunate
Rohl was typically energetic yet disciplined in the right back berth. Got forward and ventured inside when he had the opportunity, covered the centre backs well, didn’t get beaten once down the line.
O’Brien looked a better player for being in his natural Centre back role. Commanding at the back and won countless headers in the opposition penalty area.
Keane was steady throughout, nothing spectacular but as first half skipper he was calm.
Aznou was typically adventurous for those that have been fortunate to see him play. Combined very well with Dewsbury-Hall and George down that left flank. One 60 yard run infield where he couldn’t quite get his shot away. Defensively reasonable though it is his attacking flair which takes the eye.
Iroegbunam was the best player on the pitch thogh the opposition was feeble. Won the ball at will and moved and played it cleverly.
Dibling continued to frustrate. One or two flashes of his undoubted skill but too infrequent and he snatched at a presentable opportunity shortly after the break. He had a tendency to slow the game and cut onto his favoured left foot too often. I think it’s about confidence still though his languid body style does him no favours at all.
Armstrong started sloppily in possession but grew into the game in what I believe is his best position (#8). He definitely got better as the game wore on and didn’t look out of place at all.
Dewsbury-Hall clearly not as 100% match sharp as you normally see but he was impressive and strong in a slightly more #8/#10 position. His link-up play, intelligence and understanding with ex-Chelsea colleague George was clear to see.
George had a good game. Not everything came off and he was dispossessed a few more times than we’d like to see but he’s a livewire even at this state of fitness and he was confident throughout. At the start of the 2nd half he replaced Beto at centre forward and looked comfortable.
Beto did well. He got shots away when he could and his goal attempts seemed to boost his game.
Tom King played his first minutes as replacement for Travers and he looked pretty good to be honest. He made a very smart save low down in the 74th minute and handled the ball confidently.
George Finney the U21s’ right back got forward very well and one delightful cross should have brough a goal. Maybe caught out defensively with positioning once or twice but he can be pleased
Tarkowski was well … Tarkowski, strong as an ox and commanding.
Will Tamen, U21s’ centre back did well, another strong unit like Tarkowski, threw one mighty saving “Tarks-like” tackle to prevent the clean sheet being spoiled.
Eli Campbell, competent, not much to do, not as adventurous as Aznou but did OK
McNeil did OK, initially on the left then on the right, combined well with Finney on several occasions, couldn’t miss his chance.
Harvey Foster – at U21 level he is a graceful deep centre midfield player and at this level too he was calm and confident on the ball with his nice range of passing and he took his goal great.
Malik Olayiwola in midfield was extremely busy and always available. His energy hit Dundee hard and his closing down assisted McNeil’s 4th goal
Charly Alcaraz playing in his favoured position behind the striker had a bit of a frustrating 45 minutes. He set up McNeil well but too often just played safe. He’ll be better when fitter.
Braiden Graham playing left of a midfield 4 is not his best position at all and he failed to impress, missing a gloriously inviting Finney cross. He’ll be hoping for a game more central to show what he can really do.
Barry has his smile back! He won every ball in the air and was eager and sharp. His link up play was good and he looked more like the player we thought we had signed last August, here’s hoping he can continue this form. Made and took his goal.
Overall, though it was against weak opposition, it was a very good workout and there’s hope for the new season already!!!
