22 Jul 2017 17:37:16
I've just watched Everton draw 1-1 in their pre-season match that was broadcast on the Everton official club website.
Another good workout, with most of the first-team squad getting a good run-out.
We aren't yet up to speed sharpness-wise, but there were some good bits of play and the team is gradually beginning to take shape and get match-fit.
Stekelenburg (a second-half sub for Pickford) did well and should be an adequate backup, although RK reportedly wants a third goalkeeper if (when? ) Robles moves on.
We clearly miss Coleman as an attacking/ crossing threat. Martina and Holgate aren't as productive, while Kenny may need to get more competitive (on loan perhaps? ) experience.
Connolly looks like RK's preference as Baines' backup.
Keane is fine at centre-back, but Williams (and Jagielka - plus the injured Funes Mori) might need to be improved upon.
Besic looks great bringing the ball out of defence, but he's a mistake (a bad tackle or misplaced pass or caught in possession) waiting to happen as a centre-back.
Barry is a class backup for Schneiderlin in front of the centre-backs.
Gueye works his socks off and is more forward-thinking when he has a Schneiderlin or Barry behind him.
Davies is sound.
McCarthy (and Besic as a midfielder) might now be surplus to requirements - especially if we make more signings for the midfield.
Sandro did fine - he set up Rooney's goal - but clearly needs to get up to speed. He's not a traditional target-man, but he will trouble opposition defenders with his work-rate, aggression and ability.
Dowell, Mirallas and Lookman were reasonably busy, but didn't really stand out consistently.
Calvert-Lewin was a late sub, so didn't have too much time to impress this time. Whether or not he's ready to be our target-man is a moot point, so RK may want to recruit someone more experienced.
The classiest player on the pitch was Rooney. He and Klaasen linked up well on several occasions, which bodes well.
It'll be interesting to see who RK starts with - and who's on the bench - for the Europa League match.
22 Jul 2017 18:07:32
Great info thx mate.
22 Jul 2017 18:38:19
I like the look of Klaassen. He's very busy in mid field and when he gets the ball is always looking forward, particularly to Rooney. We've got a good one there. Also Sandro will be a pain for any defence, not letting them settle. He also as you'd expect from a Barcelona academy player got a lovely touch. Something we've not seen a lot from a previous striker I care not to mention.
We will still need to strengthen attacking options as I think Mirrallas will be inconsistent and DCL needs to develope still.
22 Jul 2017 18:52:22
Can't argue with any of that Bobby. Great post ðŸ‘ðŸ½ðŸ‘ðŸ½.
22 Jul 2017 22:38:49
Really like the look of Sandro. He needs to stop coming so deep and instead keep bothering those defenders. Pickford was really good as well.
I am concerned with Williams though and Holgate is not a right back. Apart from that it was a good run out and we look good enough for the Europa.
Roll on Thursday!