Everton set for drastic defensive change vs Tottenham as Merlin Rohl provides solution
David Moyes has another tough test as Everton face Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.
Spurs will travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 26 October, with the Toffees looking to get back to winning ways.
Moyes saw his team suffer defeat against Manchester City on 18 October, with Erling Haaland scoring a brace as the game ended 2-0.
The Scottish manager should now look to make changes to his backline after an underwhelming performance at the Etihad Stadium, and he could opt to do something drastic.
James Garner to replace Jake O’Brien in Everton vs Tottenham
Jake O’Brien has let Moyes down this season, with the Republic of Ireland international starting the season poorly.
The defender has been unable to turn his form around in recent matches, particularly struggling against Man City at right-back.
As per Sofascore, the 24-year-old lost all four of his ground duels at the Etihad Stadium, won just one of his four aerial duels, committed two fouls and was dribbled past once.
O’Brien had a passing accuracy of 83 per cent, with just 43 per cent of his long balls reaching their intended target.
The defender was also sloppy on the ball, losing possession 11 times, and the likes of Xavi Simons or Mohammed Kudus will certainly pounce on his mistakes if they come up against him at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
James Garner has played at left-back on a few occasions for the Toffees this season, and the right-footed midfielder could undoubtedly be an option to replace O’Brien in the starting lineup against Tottenham.
David Moyes already has James Garner replacement
Garner is attracting interest from Manchester United after putting in some brilliant displays for the Blues over the last few months.
The Englishman’s contract at Everton expires at the end of the season, and his renewal should be one of their priorities.
Merlin Rohl returned from injury against Man City, and the summer signing’s 20-minute cameo showed that he’s ready to start making an impact in Merseyside.
While the 23-year-old has mostly played a more attacking midfield role, he can replace Garner against Spurs, with Idrissa Gueye playing as the pivot.
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