Everton: Sean Dyche must rectify Ashley Young error v Palace, Danny Murphy was ‘surprised’
Sean Dyche must haul off Ashley Young at half-time in the Everton game against Crystal Palace on Monday (19 February).
The 38-year-old was surprisingly named in the starting lineup for the clash against the Eagles despite his poor showing in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on 10 February.
With Abdoulaye Doucoure returning to the side, it was Jack Harrison who dropped to the bench, with many expecting Young to make way for the Mali international.
Speaking on talkSPORT during the first half, Danny Murphy shared his confusion at the versatile player, who started on the right wing, being selected ahead of the 27-year-old loanee.
“Really surprised if I’m honest,” said Murphy. “I think Jack Harrison’s more of a goal threat, goes past players, he’s fitter, he’s stronger.
“I mean, Ashley Young’s been a great player but he’s near the end of his career, he’s not got quite got the pace and power he once had.
“Harrison, for me, is much more of a creative asset, somebody I would worry playing against whereas Young, yeah, he’s got a good delivery, but he’s not going to hurt you other than a whipping cross.”
The decision to start Young wasn’t justified in the first half as he struggled to make much of an impression on the game, with the Toffees going in level at 0-0.
Over the past seven or eight years, he’s changed his game completely and become much more of a defensive player compared to his younger days on the wing.
Having started on the right-hand side of the midfield in recent weeks, he’s shown plenty of endeavour but has really lacked quality going forward.
While he did make a crucial block to keep the scoreline level just a few minutes before half-time, he only recorded a 60 per cent pass accuracy after having 19 touches of the ball [SofaScore].
His two long passes also went astray and he headed an effort wide of the goal when perhaps Ben Godfrey coming in behind him was in a better position.
You can’t fault his effort, but surely Harrison is a much more attacking option to help the Blues win the game in the second half.
In other Everton news, Alan Stubbs has raged at what has happened to the Toffees as he shared an appeal verdict.
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