The Blues draw another blank at home in a match they really should have won

Everton boss Sean Dyche had come under early pressure to shake up his starting eleven in the wake of the Blues’

abject performance being routinely dismissed at Villa Park last weekend. Out was under-fire Centre half and Dyche

favorite Michael Keane, to be replaced by Jarrad Branthwaite, fresh off an impressive loan spell in the Eredivisie at

PSV, but with less than 700 minutes of Premier League action under his belt.

 

 

There was a high degree of expectation placed on the 21-year old’s shoulders, but fans had grown disenchanted with

Keane’s level of performance last season and were in no mood to see the ex-Burnley man retain his place following a

poor effort against Aston Villa. It appears his old Turf Moor boss had received the message.

 

 

In what felt almost like a debut for the defender – more than 15 months have elapsed since the Goodison Park crowd

had last laid eyes on him in a competitive fixture, it’s fair to say that it could hardly have gone better for the young

man – score line aside. It is far too early to make a definitive call on how he will fare as the campaign progresses, but

on the evidence of Saturday’s outing it is easy to justify the admiring glances Branthwaite has been receiving from

other clubs. Comfortable with both feet, the tall Centre half adds much-needed balance to the Toffees backline,

allowing James Tarkowski to shift across to the right side of central defense, where he has played for most of his

career.

 

It is clear that the Carlisle-born defender’s experience of regular high-level football in the Netherlands, which

included two full 90 minute appearances in Europa League knockout ties against a top side in Sevilla, has brought

the youngster on as a player. Unusually quick and agile for his size, Branthwaite demonstrated a calmness and

composure in possession and in his defending that belies his tender years. He ended up with an 82.8 percent pass

completion rate, led the team in ball recoveries (ten), won all three aerial duels and easily dealt with any individual

defensive challenges.

 

 

Consistency will be the key determiner for how the Centre back’s season will progress and this is often difficult to

attain for young players. His performance has convinced me that the club should rebuff any late moves for the player

during what remains of the transfer window. He’s a significant asset on the pitch that will only grow in value with

continued exposure in the English top flight.

 

Evaluating the Debutants

Injuries to important players in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Alex Iwobi required further rejigging. In their places and

making full debuts for the Merseysiders were Arnaut Danjuma and Lewis Dobbin and later, from the bench, new

signing Youssef Chermiti.

 

 

The Dutchman was selected in preference to Neal Maupay, who is a specialist striker – albeit an underperforming

one, whose days on Merseyside seem numbered – and led the line fairly effectively. Danjuma is clearly far more

comfortable operating wide left, a position he was shifted to following Dobbin’s withdrawal and Chermiti’s

introduction in the 66th minute, but he offers the side pace, directness and a willingness to get shots off: his five

efforts generated an xG (Expected Goals) of 0.50. The on-loan forward can be a tricky customer, confident in taking

on defenders, brings excitement when on the ball and will surely do damage when used regularly in his best role, on

the left wing.

 

Dobbin fought his way into Dyche’s thinking during preseason and largely due to a dearth of wide options available

to the Blues boss, was selected to start on Saturday. Deployed on the left, the fleet-footed, energetic attacker

demonstrated that he may be closer to Premier League level than was apparent during an underwhelming loan spell

at Derby County last season, in the third tier. Only 20, he appeared unfazed by the huge step up in level and

demonstrated some good attributes, including quickness and a willingness to take on opposite number Nelson

Semedo. He showed confidence and a good first touch, but too often attempted too much, leading him to lose out

after winning the initial battle. Still, an encouraging outing for the youngster.

 

 

Fans were getting a little impatient to see Chermiti, considering how impotent the Blues had been up front in the

opening two games of the campaign and his appearance midway through the second period was warmly welcomed

by the Goodison faithful. The 19-year old immediately offered a focal point for Everton’s attacking play that has

largely been absent for the last two seasons – given Calvert-Lewin’s lack of availability; a mobile big body that gives

the team some reason to go direct. The Portuguese striker looked robust enough to deal with the famed physicality of

the Premier League, holding off defenders and demonstrating good control when the ball was played into him. His

link-up play showed promise and he demonstrated intelligent movement, alternating dropping deep with making

runs off the defence. I think Everton have bought well here.

 

The side is in need of revitalization – hence the importance in bringing in additional reinforcements during the final

days of the transfer window – but all three new faces provided some reason for optimism.