How Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has already solved significant Everton headache this season
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been doing something for Everton they have been needing.
With Iliman Ndiaye sold, the Blues have lost a little bit of edge in their forward line, particularly in carrying the ball up field.
No direct replacement for the Senegalese winger has been brought in, meaning David Moyes has to seek internal solutions to what his squad is now lacking.
Dewsbury-Hall has been a key player for Everton over the last year and now he may be even more important.
His ability to carry the ball upfield will be an asset and so far he has been doing it effectively.
In fact early numbers from the opening four Premier League games have truly highlighted his impact.
What Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is filling specific Iliman Ndiaye void
Dewsbury-Hall is proving he can provide Everton with a much-needed trait this season, as he is one of the leading midfielders in the Premier League.
As per Opta, Dewsbury-Hall is second in the Premier League for progressive carrying distance with a total of 518.8 metres.
In fact, he is the only midfielder in the top five, with the rest being made up by defenders.
On average, the Englishman is carrying the ball by 17.9 metres per progressive carry.
If Dewsbury-Hall can continously pick up the ball, and help drive it forward as he has been doing so far, then Moyes may have a ready-made solution for the qualities that Ndiaye has left behind.
Why Dewsbury-Hall can become Everton's talisman
While Dewsbury-Hall is able to get the ball up the pitch effectively, he will need to do a lot more, and thankfully he already is showing that too.
His effectiveness was highlighted on Saturday by him completing 100 per cent of his three dribbles attempted against Tottenham.
But that progression needs to result in decisive actions such as creating chances and popping up with goals.
In his four appearances so far, he is averaging 2.25 key passes per game. The same level that Chelsea's Cole Palmer is registering, according to Sofascore.
It shows that Dewsbury-Hall is simply not carrying the ball for the sake of progression, but he is making meaningful use of that ball.
Those are telltale signs of a player who can become a talismanic figure, and hopefully he continues to get to the next level with Everton this season.