Everton recorded a comfortable 2-0 victory over Dundee last night.
We take a look at the players that impressed for the Blues at Dens Park.
Joel Robles- Tim Howard’s deputy had little, in truth, to do for most of the encounter, but was steady enough when called upon. Beaten by a rasping drive that struck the crossbar, but distributes the ball well and should push his American teammate all the way for the coveted number 1 position in the coming months. 6
Seamus Coleman- A quieter performance from the usually rampaging Irishman. Supported well in attack and defended with typically high intensity, yet failed to provide the decisive moments that epitomised his performance against Hearts on Sunday. Remains one of the Premier League’s best right-backs and a key asset in Martinez’s system. 6
Tyias Browning- Stood out against Stoke in Singapore due to his physicality and increasing calmness on the ball, and impressed again here. Browning is blessed with real pace and power, and has fantastic potential as a one-on-one defender. Having helped nullify the Dundee attack, the Liverpool-born defender may now start to feature more regularly for the senior side after an excellent pre-season so far. 7
John Stones- Another elegant performance from England’s best young defender. Stones was rarely troubled on a pretty straightforward evening for the Blues, and the 21-year-old performed admirably in the face of constant speculation over his future. Simply put, Stones wouldn’t have played last night if a move to Chelsea were as close as the media is suggesting.7
Leighton Baines- Struggled, like Coleman, to impose himself on proceedings in any real way, as Everton’s midfield provided the sort of inspiration that is usually left to the Blues’ creator in chief. Still a decent return to action for Baines, who plays with the confidence and professionalism of one of Europe’s best attacking full-backs. 6
James McCarthy- A dynamic, aggressive, ball-winning display from the Irishman, who dominated midfield for long spells and, along with Cleverley, set the tempo in Everton’s passing game. Snatched at the few shooting opportunities he did have, and must show more in an attacking sense this campaign.7
Tom Cleverley- Whisper it quietly, but the former Manchester United man is really impressing this pre-season. As mentioned above, Cleverley’s energy and passing helped Everton emphatically win the midfield battle. The new signing presses well and always looks to play the ball forward quickly, while his breaks from midfield add a new dimension to our attacking play. I’m absolutely convinced he’ll start the season as part of Everton’s strongest 11. On this evidence, though, that should be alongside McCarthy, and not to the left of an advanced three. 7.5
Ross Barkley- It’s amazing what a goal does for a player’s confidence, isn’t it? Last year, the prodigiously talented midfielder experienced something of a slump, but the signs are positive that he’s found his mojo again. Surged forward at will, combined well with Dowell and McAleny, and won the penalty that he, himself, confidently dispatched. Key to Everton’s chances this season. 7.5
Steven Naismith- This was a typical Steven Naismith performance: lots of good work off the ball and always a threat buzzing round the opposition box, yet lacking in real quality. Gave the ball away carelessly as Dundee hit the bar, but will still be a valuable asset off the bench for an Everton side relying heavily on the exploits of Lukaku. 6
Conor McAleny- Could this be the injury-prone 22-year-old’s breakthrough season? He’ll get chances if he continues to play like this, that’s for sure. McAleny cut in well from the left, curled an excellent opener into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, and looked a threat with the ball at his feet. Should make the bench for Watford on this evidence. 7.5
Romelu Lukaku- Did little of note before going off with a tight hamstring. A massive worry for the Blues ahead of the new season, as Lukaku’s goals are nothing short of priceless for an otherwise barren forward line. 5
Subs:
Kieran Dowell- Man of the Match, in my book. Dowell’s control, balance and vision are of the highest quality, showing why those at the club rate him so highly. Produced some moments of magic as he regularly turned on a sixpence and glided past defenders at will, and could come into contention for a place in the squad if he keeps up his outstanding form. The 17-year-old England youth international excelled cutting in from the right on his wonderful left foot and nearly scored with just about his first touch. Perhaps the outstanding talent from a bumper crop of Everton youngsters featuring the likes of Galloway, Ledson et al. 8
Bryan Oviedo- A composed second-half performance from the Costa Rican, who used the ball well and got forward at regular intervals. Has a part to play this season if he can keep himself fit. 6
Matthew Pennington- The versatile former Coventry loanee, who can play at either centre-back or on the right, looked good in the air and strong in the tackle on his first appearance for the seniors. Pennington does, however, seem to lack a bit of quality on the ball, and will probably end up at centre-half. 6
Kevin Mirallas- The mercurial Belgian had little time to make an impact, but should start on the right in the season opener against Watford. 5
