Everton star with ‘incredible potential’ has just handed David Moyes major selection dilemma
Everton are enjoying a positive atmosphere following a strong start to the season and an exciting summer window.
A disappointing defeat to Leeds on the opening day has been forgotten in a hurry, with Everton’s 3-2 win over Wolves marking three consecutive wins for David Moyes’ side.
And off the pitch, the Toffees have moved to strengthen the Scot’s options, with nine new players arriving at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer.
Everton signed Merlin Rohl from SC Freiburg on transfer deadline day, the German midfielder arriving on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy next summer.
The signing allowed Harrison Armstrong to leave Everton for Preston North End on loan, with the highly-rated teenager keen to continue developing.
Adam Aznou makes return from injury
Everton signed Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich earlier in the summer, but the full-back was instantly struck down with an ankle injury.
With Vitalii Mykolenko also suffering from an injury at the start of the season, that left James Garner forced to fill in at left-back.
Issues to both players underlined the one worry left over after Everton’s transfer window – the lack of defensive depth.
Everton have already lost four defenders to injury this season:
- Jarrad Branthwaite is out with an injury to his hamstring.
- Adam Aznou has spent time injured with an ankle injury.
- Vitalii Mykolenko has returned after missing the start of the season.
- Nathan Patterson is close to a return from injury.
The Toffees currently have just eight senior defenders to cover four positions, with five of them having suffered from recent injuries, if they are not already injured.
That has left Moyes’ defence in a precarious position, with just one or two more problems for key players risking serious issues.
Everton did receive a boost on Tuesday, 2 September, however, when Aznou made his return from injury for the Under-21s.
The defender played 80 minutes for the Toffees’ development side as they lost to Doncaster Rovers in the Vertu Trophy.
Adam Aznou can challenge for starting role
Aznou arrived at Everton having been very highly rated in Germany. The full-back had featured several times for Vincent Kompany’s side, but was keen to find a more prominent role.
That could come in the Premier League, with just Mykolenko standing between a starting role for the Morocco international.
| Adam Aznou | Vs Doncaster Rovers |
| Minutes played | 80 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Was fouled | 4 |
| Duels won | 5 |
Speaking about Aznou after he had made his professional debut for Bayern in 2024, sporting director Max Eberl said: “He has an extremely great talent. He has incredible potential, and that’s why we’re happy that he’s now reached the professional level.”
Everton will now hope to be the beneficiaries of that talent, with Aznou now set to challenge for a spot in Moyes’ side.
Sign up for the Goodison News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Everton news sent straight to your phone.