‘Moyes to seal Beto’s future’ – Three things learned from Everton v Blackburn
Everton continued their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday (19 July).
The loss means that the Toffees remain winless in their preparations for next season, having previously drawn 1-1 with Accrington Stanley.
Moyes will have taken a lot away from the Blackburn clash, as his side turned out a frustrating, sub-par performance against their Championship hosts.
With that in mind, Goodison News picks out three things we learned from the Merseysiders’ most recent pre-season assignment.
Travers is a capable backup
Mark Travers made his debut for Everton in the Blackburn reverse, having completed his switch from Bournemouth earlier in the week.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper has proven himself to be a capable Premier League gloveman across intermittent starting berths for the Cherries, and he showed his credentials once again at Ewood Park.
He made an impressive save from a direct free-kick in the second half, and could do little about the goal that the Toffees conceded.
It was an assured display from the new man on the whole, and he has issued a clear statement to everyone at the club that he is a perfectly reliable option, should Jordan Pickford suffer an injury at any stage.
Ndiaye holds the key going forward
Iliman Ndiaye still looks likely to hold the key to Everton’s attacking exploits, despite the fact that they are expected to look fairly different next term from the team that had such an impressive turnaround last time out.
The wideman had a relatively quiet afternoon by his usual standards, but on the few occasions when his team got the ball to him in a dangerous area, he looked a real threat.
The former Sheffield United star showcased his desire to drive at defences and make things happen, and as a result, he will surely play a vital role in his side’s attack once again next term.
| Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 33 | 9 | – |
Ndiaye had an excellent Premier League campaign last time out, and with the Toffees lacking pace and trickery in the final third, he will be hugely important moving forward.
Moyes seals Beto future with start
Thierno Barry is a high-profile addition for Everton, but Moyes showcased the faith that he still retains in Beto during the Blackburn clash.
The Guinea-Bissau international has been linked with a move away for several months now, but his manager’s decision to hand him 70 minutes of football this early into pre-season surely suggests that he still views him as a firm part of his plans.
Beto toiled away with little service for large parts of the afternoon, but he battled hard and brought his teammates into play when he had the opportunity.
He may not be the Premier League’s most prolific striker, but he does vital groundwork for the team, and can be a very useful option to help them get a foothold in games when they are up against it.
The frontman has been tipped to depart, but Moyes still seems keen to have him around.
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