Local media react to what Everton loanee Eli Campbell 'somehow' did for MK Dons vs Blackpool
Everton loanee Eli Campbell made his fifth appearance for Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old joined the League One outfit on a season-long loan deal this summer.
He's a product of Everton's academy system, and has made one competitive appearance for the Toffees.
That came in the FA Cup last season, before spending the second half of last term out on loan with Port Vale.
Campbell is now at a make or break stage of his Everton career, and needs a strong loan spell with MK Dons to make an impression on David Moyes.
His latest opportunity to do that came on Tuesday night, as the Dons travelled to Blackpool for a League One clash.
What MK Dons moment saw Eli Campbell come in for criticism vs Blackpool?
MK Dons have been struggling in League One so far this season, having won just once from their opening 10 games after promotion.
Blackpool haven't been much better, but they were against the Dons on 20 October.
The Tangerines won 2-0 at Bloomfield Road, with two second-half goals from Karoy Anderson and Dale Taylor.
Campbell played 79 minutes before being withdrawn, but only after squandering a golden chance to give his side the lead.
The MK Citizen wrote: "After having the better of the chances in the first-half, including an Eli Campbell opportunity missed from less than a yard out, Dons slumped after the break."
Gobsmacked, they continued: "Eli Campbell somehow failed to convert from practically on the goal-line after Sam Silvera’s fierce cross hit the inside of the post and cannoned off the Everton loanee."
But where was Campbell playing for the Dons, and do his underlying numbers paint a better picture of his performance?
Campbell should hold his head high after Blackpool display
Campbell has largely played well for MK Dons so far this season, and has started all three of his League One games.
A defender by trade at Everton, Dons manager Paul Warne has recently been deploying him as a left winger in recent games.
That was also the case against Blackpool, and his numbers from it suggest the Everton loanee wasn't to blame for the defeat at all.
Per FotMob, he played seven passes into the final third, made six clearances, and three recoveries.
Campbell also made three headed clearances, two tackles, two interceptions and won two fouls.
He also won four of his seven ground duels and his only aerial duel, flashing his all-round ability in impressive fashion.
Campbell's Everton contract is set to expire next summer, so he will need to continue putting in top displays if he's to preserve his Toffees status moving forward.