In summary, could do better in the second half of the season. We sit well within touch of European qualification. Equally, we could join Tottenham in 14th place. I know my expectations come May…
Jordan Pickford: He has finally matured into the keeper we knew he had the potential to be. Especially now he’s got rid of the brain-fart moments.
Jake O’Brien: He has done everything asked of him at right-back. I’m looking forward to the prospect of him and Jarrad Branthwaite forging a future centre-back pairing.
Vitaliy Mykolenko: Our Ukrainian warrior is no world beater. At his age, he’s unlikely to get better or worse.
James Tarkowski: Captain eternal keeps on leading by example.
Jarrad Branthwaite: Read as for O’Brien. Future Everton captain.
Michael Keane: He’s forced me on more than one occasion to praise him, despite my inherent nervous tendencies with his quality and ability. Credit where due, a steady first half of the season.
Jack Grealish: I don’t think there is much I can say. A talent of English football. Enjoy him while we can.
Tyler Dibling: I haven’t seen enough of him to judge whether he’s made an impression.
Dwight McNeil: Hasn’t looked completely recovered from injury. I have a niggling feeling he could be moved on this month. Where is anyone’s guess.
James Garner: Reliable, dependable. A Moyes-type of player. Reminds me in some ways of Phil Neville.
Idrissa Gana Gueye: Does what it says on the tin.
Iliman Nidaye: The Senegalese magician who keeps conjuring. Maybe not as lively, but influential nonetheless.
Charly Alcaraz: Hasn’t really set the world alight, but in his defence, his cameos have been time-limited.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: Has looked good and has the makings of being an integral feature for the blues over the next few seasons.
Beto: What can I say? As unpredictable to our own players as much as opposition defenders!!
Thierno Barry: Needs a run, he’ll never be prolific, but I’ve seen enough to believe he will come good.
Tim Iroegbunam: Still working hard trying to establish a midfield slot for himself.
Merlin Röhl: Runs around a lot… but is he really any good?
Adam Aznou: Hasn’t been given a chance to see what he’s about??
Harrison Armstrong: We’ve called him back; use him, Mr Moyes!!
David Moyes: I was underwhelmed by Moyes’s re-appontment and I remain to be convinced. He’s done a decent job with an improved squad on last season, but a small squad could bite him as the fixtures pile up in the second half of the season.
Can do better.
Expectations: You can call them ‘hopes’ if you are slightly more cautious…
1. European qualification and lift a trophy.
2. No fear of the dreaded “R” word, but 10th is maintaining the status quo from the previous season. Anything lower represents regression.
Keep fighting for that Royal Blue jersey, Everton. Keep travelling up & down the country, Evertonians. We Shall Not Be Moved. Spirit. Forever.