David Moyes risks Everton selection howler v Liverpool after player admission
David Moyes risks making his first selection howler since returning as manager when Everton face Liverpool on Wednesday.
Everton were eliminated from the FA Cup by Bournemouth over the weekend, but that was more down to individual errors than Moyes’ team selection.
Up next is a huge Merseyside derby showdown with Liverpool – now officially the last ever to be staged at Goodison Park as the sides can no longer meet in the FA Cup.
And on the basis of what Moyes said after the loss to Bournemouth, he could make a big mistake when it comes to naming his XI against Liverpool.
David Moyes has easy Everton selection decision to make v Liverpool
Moyes told reporters at his post-match press conference on Saturday that it was too soon to say whether Carlos Alcaraz has forced himself into his plans.
Alcaraz was superb after being introduced from the bench for his debut against Bournemouth, with Paul Merson hailing one moment in particular as “phenomenal”.
That has led to calls for Alcaraz to start against Liverpool in midweek, but Moyes is clearly undecided in that regard.
On the basis of what he showed in his cameo against Bournemouth, Alcaraz clearly offers Everton something they have badly lacked from midfield – creativity.
Carlos Alcaraz has to start against Liverpool
Alcaraz was brought on with 65 minutes played in the 2-0 loss to Bournemouth on 8 February and registered a couple of key passes, which was the joint-most of any Everton player [WhoScored].
The former Southampton player’s 93 per cent pass completion rate, meanwhile, was the best of any Toffee who attempted more than eight passes.
Beyond the figures, Alcaraz also passed the eye test and it is clear he needs to start against Liverpool if Moyes’ men are to have a realistic shot at an upset.
There is an argument to be made for Everton going defensive and trying to keep things tight before unleashing Alcaraz in the second half.
But against an admittedly rampant Liverpool side at full strength, fighting fire with fire may just work on Wednesday.
Alcaraz is a player Liverpool will not be fully clued up on given he only recently returned to English football, and it makes sense to get him in from the off.