‘Top-class’ – Everton duo included in Garth Crooks TOTW after 1-0 win v Spurs
Everton started their Premier League season perfectly on Sunday, cruising to a 1-0 win against Tottenham.
Carlo Ancelotti handed his three new midfield signings debuts with Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure all shining.
It was a thumping header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin that handed the Toffees all three points, and it could have been by a bigger margin.
BBC pundit Garth Crooks has picked his first Premier League Team of the Week on Tuesday, including a couple of Everton players.
Crooks has singled out Rodriguez and Calvert-Lewin in his side and has showered them with praise after the victory.
“When I heard that Carlo Ancelotti had lured James Rodriguez to Goodison Park, it was clear Everton’s days of mediocrity were over,” he wrote.
“The Colombia international looked extremely comfortable in a new-look midfield that outclassed Spurs.”
Crooks went on to praise Calvert-Lewin, claiming that the forward can become world-class under the management of Ancelotti.
“Under Carlo Ancelotti, this lad is getting better with every game. It could be a defining season for the young Evertonian. He has all the elements to make a top-class striker.”
Calvert-Lewin got the all-important goal, but it was Rodriguez who certainly caught the eye in the centre of everything Everton did.
The 29-year-old had three shots on goal and also completed an impressive five key passes in the victory according to WhoScored.
Ancelotti gave the Colombian the chance to roam around the middle of the park, and pick the ball up in dangerous areas and that benefitted him and the team superbly.
Rodriguez will be vital to any success this season, and he must continue to perform at this level after announcing himself on the Premier League stage.
In other Everton news, BBC pundit heaps praise on ‘brilliant’ Toffees star after opening day victory against Spurs