Carlos Alcaraz by the numbers – David Moyes given selection headache by Everton hero
David Moyes has Everton and their fans buzzing after a good start in the Premier League.
Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Sunday to go into the international break on a high, as Jack Grealish scored his first goal for the Blues.
Moyes is hoping that Jarrad Branthwaite will be back for a busy period of fixtures for Everton, as Merlin Rohl is still recovering.
Carlos Alcaraz joined Everton permanently in the summer, and he may have just put in his best performance of the season so far, from the bench, to beat the Eagles.
Carlos Alcaraz changed the game for Everton vs Crystal Palace
Everton were trailing at half-time against Palace as Moyes decided to replace Tyler Dibling with Alcaraz.
Dibling made his first Premier League start for Everton, but Moyes thought Alcaraz could have more of an impact, and he was right.
| Minutes | Pass accuracy | Ground duels (won) | Tackles | Dribbled past | Key passes | Touches | Shots |
| 45 | 78% | 5 (3) | 2 | 0 | 1 | 34 | 2 |
Alcaraz did well to keep possession with a 78 per cent pass accuracy, despite always looking to play forward against Palace’s resolute back line.
He was always looking to get on the ball, as Everton looked much more of a threat as soon as the attacking midfielder was on the field, as the Toffees turned the game on its head.
Moyes now has a good problem to have, in whether to start Alcaraz, as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will return from suspension for Everton.
The 22-year-old has been rarely seen this season, with only one start and 163 minutes played, but now might be the time for that to change.
Alcaraz is ready to start for David Moyes and Everton
Dewsbury-Hall will provide stiff competition again for Alcaraz, but the Argentinian attacker can also play across the front line.
Alcaraz has shown that he is capable of being effective for Everton, and his hero performance should earn him a start in the near future.
| Opponent | Venue | Date |
| Manchester City | Etihad Stadium | 18 October |
| Tottenham | Hill Dickinson Stadium | 26 October |
| Sunderland | Stadium of Light | 3 November |
With Grealish ineligible against Manchester City next time out, the door may be open for Alcaraz again.
Overall, it’s good news for Everton and Moyes, as the Toffees keep winning and their squad is showing healthy competition for places.
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