Everton duo Idrissa Gueye and Vitalii Mykolenko named as ‘unlikely heroes’ as ‘invested’ Sean Dyche verdict shared
Idrissa Gueye and Vitalii Mykolenko have emerged as “unlikely heroes” at Everton, according to Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas.
The midfielder and defender both scored as the Toffees defeated Crystal Palace 3-2 at Selhurst Park on Saturday (11 November).
Gueye’s fellow midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure also scored to help the Merseyside outfit climb to 14th place in the Premier League table.
Noting the emergence of “unlikely heroes,” Thomas wrote for the Liverpool Echo: “Two players who have unexpectedly sparked celebrations in recent weeks have been Idrissa Gueye and Vitalii Mykolenko.
“Gueye has lost his starting place to James Garner but seized his opportunity when he was introduced at half time against Palace. His cooly taken goal was just his fourth in 176 Premier League appearances. Its value was immense.
“Already on the scoresheet was Mykolenko, who had just one goal in 53 appearances at the start of the month. Two in two – both in the first 10 minutes – have given Dyche the upper hand in consecutive matches.
“Both contributions came from players who have spent time outside the starting XI this season, suggesting Dyche is able to keep squad players invested in his project.”
Great squad?
Everton have proven in recent weeks that they certainly have a great squad of players, with a real team spirit emerging under manager Dyche.
Certain players have stepped up with big goals when the Toffees have needed them most, with others also picking their moments to shine on the pitch in the club’s recent strong run of form.
The Toffees are slowly but surely climbing the Premier League standings, now sitting closer to the middle of the table after being dangerously close to the very bottom.
They have been helped by the poor results from those struggling below them, but mainly the rise has been down to their own determination and displays.
Dyche’s men are now unbeaten in their last three league games, with wins against Palace and West Ham and a draw against Brighton in that run.
Frustratingly for the man in the dugout, the current international break may have just arrived at the worst possible time.
In other Everton news, a journalist has shared a Toffees 12-point deduction verdict amid a “historically bad” Premier League campaign.