David Moyes reveals what Adam Aznou must do to earn Everton start
Everton head into their Premier League clash against West Ham United looking to extend their unbeaten run at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton hope to keep four successive home clean sheets for the first time since 1987 in a match that sees Nuno Espirito Santo take charge of his first game for the Hammers.
David Moyes‘ side are looking to bounce back after Everton suffered a disappointing loss in the Carabao Cup against Wolves, as their long wait for a trophy continues.
The veteran manager opted to make numerous changes against Wolves, including the decision to put veteran captain Seamus Coleman at left back.
Moyes made seven changes for Everton, but one player has still failed to record a single minute for the Blues this season.
Adam Aznou given pathway to first team
Adam Aznou was Everton’s first signing in a busy summer transfer window.
He arrived from Bayern Munich in July, but has failed to make an appearance for the Toffees since their Premier League opening loss against Leeds United.
The Morocco international played 81 minutes for the Under-21s in an EFL Trophy match against Doncaster Rovers, which the Blues went on to lose 2-1.
In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, Moyes explained his plans for the 19-year-old as he looks to integrate him into the Everton first team.
“First of all, I want him to be with us and I want him to train and get used to him,” he said.
“He’s a really good footballer, a nice footballer. He’s just got a bit of building up to do, a bit of physicality to get, so we’ll do that and we’ll see how he develops.
“He’s above that level [U21s], but it doesn’t mean that he might need to get a few games – if we’re struggling to get him game time, we might need to use him [in the U21s] at different times.”
Everton U21s have two upcoming EFL Trophy games against Bradford City and Grimsby Town, and face Liverpool U21s on 26 October.
Read more: Everton search for Jarrad Branthwaite replacement as Adam Webster claim is made
Injuries could force Adam Aznou into the team
The left-back position has been causing nightmares for Everton this season.
| Leeds United | James Garner |
| Brighton | James Garner |
| Mansfield Town | Vitalii Mykolenko |
| Wolves | Vitalii Mykolenko |
| Aston Villa | James Garner |
| Liverpool | Vitalii Mykolenko |
| Wolves | Seamus Coleman |
The Toffees have failed to field a consistent left-back in all of their games this season, with Moyes starting a right-footed player on the left side of the defence in four of the seven matches.
Vitaliy Mykolenko has struggled with his fitness, which has prompted James Garner to deputise at left-back for three league games.
Should Everton continue to face fitness problems in this area of the field, Moyes could be forced into fast-tracking Aznou into the first team in order to favour a naturally left-footed player.
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