Everton player ratings v Blackburn – Ndiaye bright, 4/10 teammate a concern
Everton continued their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday (19 July).
The Toffees slipped to defeat to their Championship hosts, meaning they remain winless in pre-season following their draw away at Accrington Stanley in midweek.
It proved to be a frustrating afternoon’s work for David Moyes’ charges, as they toiled away with little to show for their efforts in the way of goalscoring opportunities.
The Scot named a starting XI packed with Premier League calibre, with Goodison News now rating each player’s performance out of 10.
Ndiaye a threat in Everton defeat
Iliman Ndiaye’s 7/10 showing was one of the few positive displays as the Toffees slipped to a disappointing defeat.
Moyes’ side struggled to fashion clear-cut goalscoring opportunities all afternoon, but Ndiaye looked the most likely candidate to produce something for the visitors.
The former Sheffield United wideman showed moments of promise before he was substituted in the 58th minute, and was constantly looking to attack his full-back and deliver a cross into the box.
He showcased his ball-carrying ability on several occasions and his willingness to be direct with the ball at his feet is a huge influence in Everton’s attacking play.
It was far from the Senegal international’s best display, but you could sense that if the Toffees were to produce an equaliser, it would have likely come through him.
Moyes will know that he needs to add more quality in the final third before the end of the transfer window, but Ndiaye will surely remain a key player for him in the attacking half of the pitch.
Nathan Patterson struggles v Blackburn
Nathan Patterson struggled for gametime for Everton last season, and his performance against Blackburn is unlikely to have pushed his name forward for an increased number of opportunities.
The right-back was caught out for the host’s goal, when he got drawn into the centre of the box, leaving space over his shoulder for Dion De Neve to finish off a neat move.
His defensive abilities were found wanting on another couple of occasions, as his side of the pitch proved to be a fairly fruitful avenue for Blackburn going forward, in the context of a game with few chances.
Patterson also struggled to have much of an impact going forward, with his flashed ball across the face of goal midway through the first half the only time he really got into the opposition box.
It was a difficult afternoon for the 23-year-old, who turned out a 4/10 performance, but he was far from the only man in Moyes’ side to put in a sub-par display.
Everton player ratings v Blackburn Rovers
Mark Travers – 6
Nathan Patterson – 4
Jake O’Brien – 5
Jarrad Branthwaite – 6
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 5
James Garner – 5
Idrissa Gana Gueye – 6
Dwight McNeil – 6
Charly Alcaraz – 5
Iliman Ndiaye – 7
Beto – 5
Substitutes
Michael Keane – 6
Harrison Armstrong – 5
Isaac Heath – 5
Yousef Chermiti – 5
Justin Clarke – 5
Jenson Metcalfe – 5
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