During the last international break, I offered my player gradings for Everton’s campaign to date.
Now, we’re 10 Premier League matches in, with Everton sitting 6th on 16 points. They are into the quarter-finals of the League Cup, too. So, in all, 13 games, 7 wins, 2 defeats and 4 draws. Not a bad start.
So, given we’re in the midst of the final international window before the hectic winter schedule kicks in, it’s a good chance to take another look at some player ratings. This time, it’s a simple 1-10 scale — 10 being the best, 1 being absolutely terrible.
Only players that have made at least 1 appearance this season are counted here.
Jordan Pickford — 7
Coming off the back of a busy summer, Pickford has gone through some shaky form, but he seems over that rough patch and has been generally excellent in Everton’s last 3 games. Needs to continue at this level.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles — 6
Had a strong start but his defensive frailties came home to roost in a couple of key moments, and David Moyes seems to have made his mind up that he is a squad player for now. Can deliver a great cross, though.
Merlin Röhl — 6
Still don’t think he looks comfortable defensively at right-back but no doubt he offers plenty of energy and endeavour. Played superbly as a right midfielder away at Newcastle United and expect to see him there again over the coming weeks.
Jake O’Brien — 6
Slotted in at centre-back in Jarrad Branthwaite’s absence and played well, albeit he is lacking in the air for a player of his stature.
James Tarkowski — 9
Everton’s Player of the Season so far. Has generally been superb, and extremely consistent. A couple of lapses and he will never be perfect, but he’s been a standout performer.
Michael Keane — 6
Did okay when thrust in to start against Hull City and then has come on to try and see out results as of late. Fine as a fourth-choice centre-back.
Jarrad Branthwaite — 8
Elevates the entire defence (and team) when he’s in the back line. Need to keep him fit and firing. No surprise that Tarkowski’s form has stepped up when he plays alongside Branthwaite.
Vitalii Mykolenko — 7
Will always be a frustrating player given what he lacks, but has been extremely solid; it always helps when he has Branthwaite next to him, though.
Christian Nørgaard — 4
This rating may seem harsh, but based on the little we’ve seen of Nørgaard, he is way off it in terms of sharpness. Hopefully will begin to be eased into the team after the international break and build his way up to full fitness. Could still be a really important player this season.
James Garner — 6
Has stepped up in recent games after a poor run of form. The lack of pre-season clearly hurt him, but seems much closer to being back towards the player he showed he can be last term.
Harrison Armstrong — 7
A tireless runner, who has the quality to go with it. Needs to add some composure in attack but at just 19, he’s doing brilliantly. Well-deserving of his place in the team, albeit it does seem like the midfield lacks some balance, still. Has covered the 3rd-highest distance in the Premier League this term (114.99 km).
Hayden Hackney — 7
When he has played, he’s done well. Moyes needs to be willing to use him more, even if that is primarily as a substitute.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall — 8
Even when he wasn’t playing well earlier in the season, he was still always trying to make things happen. He’s always involved, and delivers output. Has already created 22 chances and registered 4 Premier League goal involvements (3 goals, 1 assist).
Charly Alcaraz — 6
Just hasn’t been given enough of a chance to show what he can do, but that’s partly understandable given how key Dewsbury-Hall is. When he has featured, he’s done okay, without being a star player, bar when he came on to score the winner against Wolves in September.
Tyler Dibling — 6
Has been in and out but as long as he keeps seeing minutes, that’s what matters for now. Clearly has immense potential, but needs to show the same kind of intensity he displayed against Wolves and Ipswich Town before the last international break, and not slow play down too often.
Brennan Johnson — 5
Unfortunate to get a goal disallowed v Hull City in October, but just hasn’t been able to get into games enough when he’s started. Should be the primary back-up for Thierno Barry for the time being.
Tyrique George — 7
Makes some frustrating decisions, but has the pace and dynamism that most of Everton’s other attacking options lack. Risks becoming too predictable at times but should always be featuring in a first-choice XI, whether that’s on the left or right wing.
Jack Grealish — 2
Grealish was not playing particularly well before “the incident”, but he did seem to be picking up a bit against Hull and Chelsea. However, he took a huge step back with his breach of club discipline. He’s now back in the fold, and he needs to work hard to get his place back and prove that he can still make a positive impact. Let off the hook by his team-mates.
Thierno Barry — 8
He’s making plenty of fans eat their words, including me! Still has a lot to work on with his all-round game, and needs to ensure that big chances missed ratio drops down somewhat, but he is scoring goals and getting into scoring positions. Has recorded the second-most shots (36) and second-most shots on target (15) in the Premier League this season, while his 13 goal involvements in all competitions is bettered by only Erling Haaland (14) among players from England’s top flight. Keep it going, and he’s on course for a 20+ goal campaign.
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