Everton started strong at home, but the real test looms at Molineux! Our latest notebook delves into the Blues’ squad dynamics, key player performances, and the vital transfer decisions still ahead. Can Sean Dyche’s side maintain their momentum on the road?
Everton’s recent performances at the Hill Dickinson Stadium have provided an encouraging start to the new campaign, showcasing a resilience and tactical discipline that bodes well for the challenges ahead. Despite facing a talented Brighton & Hove Albion side, which had previously troubled Sean Dyche’s Everton, the Blues secured a decisive 2-0 victory. While the scoreline might have flattered the hosts and their goal seemed to lead a charmed life at times, the overall team display offered significant optimism, erasing memories of past insipid defeats and setting a positive tone for the Premier League season.
A notable talking point among supporters has been the early verdict on €30m striker Thierno Barry. Favoured over Beto in the initial home fixtures against both Brighton and Mansfield Town in the EFL Cup, Barry has garnered mixed reactions. His struggle to consistently find the back of the net in his limited appearances has been observed, yet his contributions in hold-up play, refined touch, astute passing, and general positional awareness have been lauded, suggesting a more developed understanding of the game compared to his striking counterpart.
Conversely, Beto, surprisingly awarded the number nine shirt, presents a different attacking profile. While manager David Moyes has not always appeared enamoured with his style, Beto offers raw power and directness. His primary instincts to run in behind defenders and unleash shots are undeniably positive characteristics for any forward. His formidable combination of size and speed makes him a formidable opponent for any centre-half, providing a physically imposing option in the attacking third.
Following their successful establishment at the new stadium, the Toffees are set to embark on a critical road trip before the impending international break. Their next destination is Molineux Stadium, where they will confront Wolverhampton Wanderers, a team that has endured a difficult start, losing both of their opening two league matches. Wolves’ struggles have been compounded by significant player departures, including star player Matheus Cunha to Manchester United for €74.2m and talented left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester City for €36.8m, along with Nélson Semedo’s move to Fenerbahce on a free transfer.
In an attempt to plug these substantial gaps, Wolves have been active in the football transfer news, bringing in several new faces. Their acquisitions include Celta de Vigo winger Fer López for €23m, Colombian right winger Jhon Arias from Fluminense for €17m, and Girona centre-half Ladislav Krejci on a loan with an obligation to buy for €22.5m next summer. Additionally, full-back pair Jackson Tchatchoua (€12.5m from Hellas Verona) and David Møller Wolfe (€12m from AZ Alkmaar) have joined. The club’s significant summer signing, Jørgen Strand Larsen, acquired for €27m after a successful loan spell, is reportedly doubtful for the upcoming match, amidst rumours of a substantial bid from Newcastle United.
Despite Wolves’ recent EFL Cup rally against West Ham, where Larsen scored two late goals, the extensive disruption during the transfer window suggests a team in a precarious position as they prepare for Everton’s visit. The Blues, however, appear to be in robust shape ahead of the encounter. Vitaly Mykolenko’s welcome return at left-back contributes to a reasonably well-balanced side, and team morale remains high. There is considerable expectation for Everton FC to adopt a confident and assertive approach, unlike their passive display at Elland Road, making a positive result at Molineux Stadium highly achievable, with a tentative prediction of a 2-1 victory for the Toffees in this crucial match preview.
Delving into the squad analysis, while Everton seemingly boasts 25 first-team players on paper, a closer inspection reveals potential vulnerabilities. This number includes a fourth goalkeeper, Harry Tyrer, alongside Harrison Armstrong, Nathan Patterson, and Youssef Chermiti, all of whom are likely candidates for loan moves, reducing the effective squad size to 21 – a number potentially insufficient for the rigours of a full season. The right-back position is an obvious area of concern, with centre-half Jake O’Brien often deputizing, and 37-year-old Seamus Coleman, despite completing 90 minutes against Mansfield, offering limited long-term reliability given his recent injury history.
Another significant weak spot lies in the centre of the park. Although the Toffees possess five players capable of lining up in midfield (assuming Armstrong’s departure), the primary contenders for the two central roles are Garner, the experienced Idrissa Gueye, and the less top-flight-experienced Tim Iroegbunam. Alcaraz has seen only limited action in a deeper role, and Dewsbury-Hall is likely to be utilized in a more advanced position. This highlights a clear and urgent need for a dedicated defensive midfielder. However, the names circulating in the media for this crucial role do not always align with the required characteristics or represent shrewd financial investments, making judicious recruitment paramount.
In conclusion, while Everton FC has started strongly at their new home, the upcoming away fixtures will be a true test of their mettle and the depth of their Everton squad. The transfer window, still open, presents both opportunities and challenges for the club to address key areas of concern, particularly in midfield and right-back. Strategic recruitment and continued strong performances from their key players will be essential in shaping the team’s trajectory and ensuring a successful Premier League analysis this season.
