Callum O'Connell

Fri 13 October 2023 10:10, UK

Everton had a disastrous start to the season, but more recently have begun to turn things around with three wins in their last four games, leaving the Toffees 16th in the table.

Few players have been particularly impressive so far this season, with the attackers particularly disappointing as the side have struggled for goals, having scored just nine goals in eight games.

Sean Dyche has been forced to re-evaluate certain areas of his team after their poor start but seems to have found the solution based on their recent form, with James Garner the key.

Goodison News has ranked Everton’s players with more than five appearances this season out of ten…

Jordan Pickford – 7

Pickford, as always, has been the star man for Everton this season. What immediately springs to mind is his last-gasp double save against Sheffield United to earn his side their first point of the season, but his all-round game has been as impressive as ever.

An average of 2.4 saves per game shows his consistency, and while he has kept just one clean sheet, it has been more down to the team than his efforts. [Sofascore]

Nathan Patterson – 6

The Scottish international defender has made seven Premier League appearances so far this season and has proved to be the prominent option at right-back for Sean Dyche.

His one assist from one big chance created, 75% passing accuracy and 0.7 key passes per game are an impressive display of his ability going forward, while two tackles per game and 3.4 recoveries per game display his proficiency in defence, in what has been a solid season so far. [Sofascore]

Ashley Young – 5

Ashley Young arrived as the first signing of the summer transfer window but has failed to impress in his eight Premier League appearances so far. He has provided an option in both full-back positions for Dyche.

His defensive stability has been poor so far, playing his part in Everton keeping just one clean sheet so far this season, making just 0.8 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and winning possession just 0.1 times per game.

In what should be an all-action position both defensively and going forward, Young has struggled at both, and just a 33% dribble ratio has been very poor. [Sofascore]

Michael Keane – 3

Keane has been particularly poor this season, and it now looks like his future should be away from Goodison Park. He contributed heavily to the awful start to the season and his poor form peaked in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

With a 44% duel success percentage and failing to win position even a single time in his three Premier League appearances, he has also lost possession 6.7 times per game, and an error leading to a goal. It has been a tragic season so far for Keane, and he has since been replaced by Jarrad Branthwaite.

James Tarkowski – 7

Tarkowski’s start to the season has been almost the polar opposite of Keane’s. He has been a solid and dependable defender at the heart of Sean Dyche’s unit and has even chipped in with an important goal.

His 79% passing accuracy, zero errors leading to shots or goals, and 4.9 duels won per game have typified his prowess in defence and displayed why he has been such a key player this season.

Jarrad Branthwaite – 8

Branthwaite has been one of the stars of the season so far for Everton. The 21-year-old’s presence in the back line alongside Tarkowski has directly lined up with their upturn in form.

His impressive displays earned him links to both Manchester City and Manchester United, but he has since opted to sign a new deal at Goodison Park in a strong show of faith both from him to the club and the club to him.

The hope will be that he continues his rapid progress and shines at Goodison Park for many years to come.

Vitalii Mykolenko – 5

The Ukrainian left-back has been another weak link in the Everton defence, being beaten by dribbles 1.5 times per game, compared to winning possession just 0.3 times per game.

These stats typify his poor displays, with the left-back position a particular issue for Dyche with both Mykolenko and Young struggling to impress.

Amadou Onana – 6

While he may not have hit the heights he is capable of since the first half of last season, Onana has been a consistently solid performer for Dyche this season. His Sofascore rating has dropped under 7.1 just once in his last eight appearances, and that was against Arsenal.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6

Doucoure has been playing in a more advanced position behind the striker this season and has bagged three goals in the Premier League as a result. He also plays an average of 1.9 key passes per game, and boasts an 84% passing accuracy, displaying the effectiveness of his attacking change. [Sofascore]

Idrissa Gana Gueye – 5

Gueye has always been a solid and dependable option for Dyche, but his ability on the ball has left fans frustrated by his displays so far this season. Averaging just 35.1 passes per game from midfield shows his lack of influence in possession, and calls were made to drop him from the starting team. [Sofascore]

He was left out through injury against Bournemouth, and Dyche’s team went on to win the game 3-0, in what may have been a damning indictment of his effect on the side.

James Garner – 9

Alongside Branthwaite, Garner has been the bright point of the season for the Toffees. Despite a change in position which has seen him play out wide, the midfielder has bagged two goals in ten games this season.

There has been a notable change to the team when he has featured, providing the opposite to Gueye’s on-ball struggles as he has proved to be one of the most forward-thinking and confident players at the club while in possession, leaving fans impressed by his displays.

Dwight McNeil – 6

McNeil’s return from injury has always correlated with the upturn in form at Everton, winning three of their last four games. Dyche trusts McNeil as one of his key players on the left-hand side, and he has repaid that faith with some top performances.

If it wasn’t for his lack of game time this season his rating may be higher, but availability is such a crucial factor, and his injury issues meant he wasn’t.

Arnaut Danjuma – 5

Danjuma arrived with plenty of anticipation this summer, with his transfer feeling like unfinished business after his last-minute U-turn last season.

However, the move has been disappointing so far. The manager is clearly unsure of his best position, rotating him between wide left, striker, and number ten but he has struggled to make a real impact anywhere, starting just three of his seven league appearances this season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 8

Calvert-Lewin has starred for Everton already since his return from injury. Three goals in his last four games have provided the Toffees with the regular goalscoring outlet they have been desperate for all season.

His 18% shot conversion ratio is a good return, while 21 touches per game playing up front proves he gets involved with the general play as well as being the man on the end of the moves. 4.4 duels won per game is a display of his willingness to battle with defenders, and he has been a real difference-maker since his return from injury. [Sofascore]

If he continues this current run of form, we could well be seeing Calvert-Lewin back at his best.

Beto – 4

Beto was seen as the saviour when he arrived at Goodison Park in the summer in a £25.75million move from Udinese at a time when Everton were desperate for a new striker. However, it hasn’t gone to plan so far.

His only goal came in a League Cup win over Doncaster Rovers, having failed to score in five Premier League appearances. Three big chances missed is also a display of his lack of a clinical finishing touch Everton need, as just 0.2 of his 2.6 shots per game hit the target. [Sofascore]

In other Everton news, an injury expert has shared an update on one Toffees player.