The news that John Stones would not be available for the Merseyside Derby left many Everton fans somewhat worried. The young Englishman is central to the solidity of the Everton backline and is also one of the hottest defensive prospects in world football. Yet Everton fans need not have worried. Ramiro Funes Mori deputised for the injured England international with great confidence and ability.
The prospect of the Merseyside Derby is something which would faze most newly signed players but Funes Mori stepped into the starting 11 with ease. Having contested one of the most frenzied derbies in world football, River Plate vs Boca Juniors, Funes Mori showed he had the maturity and skills to make a great impression in what was his first Merseyside Derby.
‘Playing in the River – Boca games means I will maybe be more comfortbale playing in the derby. It’ll prepare me for them. I’d expect it’s going to be intense and the adrenaline will be high.’ – Funes Mori.
He was right; his previous experience in derby fixtures certainly led to a more composed performance from the young Argentine centre half. Alongside club captain Phil Jagielka, Funes Mori marshalled the defence and prevented Liverpool from creating many chances on the Everton goal. This is made all the more impressive due to the fact that Daniel Sturridge is now back to full fitness. Funes Mori, capitalising on John Stones injury, proved that he was a worthwhile replacement by limiting the creativity of Liverpool’s strikers and also drew comparison to Stones throughout the game.
Thus far this season John Stones has been Everton’s most precise passer, with a fantastic total of 89% of Stones passes reaching their intended target. Yesterday Funes Mori also showed he is skilled in the passing department with a grand total 78% passing accuracy. Being comfortable on the ball is a vital part of Roberto Martinez’ footballing philosophy so therefore having a player like Funes Mori in the team is invaluable. His accurate passes provide the perfect opportunity to link defence to attack in a quick fashion.
Funes Mori also won 100% of his tackles throughout the game, therefore justifying his importance to the team. But perhaps his most impressive stat is the fact that he made five interceptions. Liverpool like to play a passing game to create their chances, but with a player as quick and defensively aware as Mori in the Everton backline, Liverpool found it difficult to play to ball through to either Sturridge and Ings. Therefore Mori played a vital role in nullifying Coutinho’s creative influence.
Whilst it has been previously noted that Funes Mori is a great passer of the ball, he is also a force in the air winning 7 aerial duels in the game. Just a pity he wasn’t marking Danny Ings for their goal.
Having been previously written off by BBC correspondent Tim Vickery, Funes Mori showed yesterday that he has the potential, mindset and ability to the develop into one of the most influential players at the club.
