Dwight McNeil can’t start for Everton vs Liverpool amid dreadful Brentford reveal
Dwight McNeil’s showing against Brentford should rule him out of starting Everton‘s clash with Liverpool this weekend.
David Moyes‘s side host their arch-rivals at Hill Dickinson Stadium on 19 April, with a genuine chance of victory as they continue their European chase.
The winger has enjoyed a renaissance recently, working his way back into the side, with five starts in the Blues’ last five matches.
However, for a game of this magnitude, he can’t start after his performance in the 2-2 draw with the Bees last time out.
Everton need to put a marker down, and if the former Burnley man starts, it will be the wrong message from Moyes.
🏟️ EVERTON MATCH DAY CENTRE 🏟️
Line-ups, predicted XIs, live player ratings, tactical verdicts, and match analysis from Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Everton source
Why McNeil should be nowhere near the Everton starting line-up vs Liverpool
McNeil was arguably the worst player on the pitch in Everton’ clash with Keith Andrews’ side, and that should rule him out of the starting XI for the Merseyside derby.
The attacker completed just 75 per cent of his passes, failed to create a chance for his teammates, and had just one touch in the opposition box, per Fotmob.
While he made five passes into the final third, he attempted four crosses and failed to find a blue shirt with all of them, which is simply dreadful.
| McNeil’s stats vs Brentford | |
| Pass accuracy | 75% |
| Chances created | 0 |
| Touches in opposition box | 1 |
| Crosses attempted(successful) | 4(0) |
| Recoveries | 5 |
| Ground duels won | 0/2(0%) |
| Aerial duels won | 1/1(100%) |
He did help out defensively, making one block, one interception and five recoveries, but the lack of attacking returns is concerning.
In terms of duels, he won none of the two that he attempted on the ground, and won the one that he contested in the air.
It was a dismal showing, and he should be replaced for the clash with Arne Slot’s side.
Who could replace McNeil?
Tyrique George seems like the standout contender to replace him in the team.
Moyes has hinted that he would like to give the Chelsea loanee more game time, and his performance at the G-Tech Community Stadium suggests that he deserves it.
In a 16-minute cameo, George had 12 touches, four of which came inside the opposition box, and completed half of his two crossing attempts.
| George’s stats vs Brentford | |
| Minutes | 16 |
| Touches (in opposition box) | 12(4) |
| Crosses completed | 1/2(50%) |
| Shots on target | 1/2(50%) |
| Pass accuracy | 83% |
| Defensive contributions | 2 |
He only failed to find a teammate with one of his six passes, for an 83 per cent accuracy, and he also made two defensive contributions in his short spell on the pitch.
He should start over McNeil to give some pace and trickery on the right flank against Milos Kerkez or Andy Robertson.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Goodison News Insider Access
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.