Michael Ball hails Neal Maupay for ‘excellent’ Everton display v Southampton
Neal Maupay didn’t score either goal for Everton in the 2-1 win against Southampton but Michael Ball was still in awe of the Frenchman.
The 26-year-old was brought to Goodison Park late in the transfer window and thrust straight into the firing line but he has come through the baptism of fire with flying colours.
Maupay has had to take the reins from Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front with the Englishman out injured and Ball is delighted that the pressure has been relieved.
“I thought Neal Maupay was excellent against Southampton, he didn’t get his goal, but I thought he was an absolute nuisance for the opposition back four, which is great to see,” Ball said to the Liverpool Echo.
“When Calvert-Lewin does come back, I think there will be moments this season for them both to play up front, perhaps alongside each other.”
Revolutionary
Frank Lampard might not yet realise how important Maupay’s presence at Finch Farm is going to be this season until Calvert-Lewin does return.
The Frenchman has ensured that any injury is now not as much of a problem but also given the manager the freedom to try new formations when both players are available.
It has been some time since Lampard has been able to experiment with his Everton squad having played only one striker almost exclusively during his time on Merseyside so far.
Richarlison’s adaptability helped him play the occasional 4-4-2 last season but his exit had taken that luxury away from him until Maupay arrived.
It might only be a small thing but it is often that kind of tiny change that can suddenly revolutionise an entire squad and their fortunes and there is already evidence of that working this season.
Everton are now level on points with Liverpool and only going in one direction.