Despite a huge amount of optimism surrounding the arrival of Marco Silva at the start of the season, Everton have been disappointing for the most part of this campaign.
The Toffees have secured only 19 points in 12 matches and are languishing in mid-table – a far cry from their early season expectations of challenging for a place in Europe. However, they have shown signs of promise, at times and here is a report card of how they have fared so far this season.
Standout performers
Gylfi Sigurdsson has arguably been the biggest revelation under Marco Silva so far, with the Icelandic international performing brilliantly, following a torrid debut campaign with Everton last term.
Indeed, the former Swansea superstar leads the team in terms of attempts on goal while his tally of 31 key passes is among the top five in the league, just one behind Chelsea’s Eden Hazard. His creativity and vigour in the final third have certainly revamped the Everton attack, who have already netted 19 goals this campaign.
While Sigurdsson has supplied the creativity in the final third, it’s new signing Richarlison who has impressed with his scoring prowess and intimidating presence in the attacking half. The former Watford superstar is the club’s top scorer so far with six goals. As a result, coach Silva was even convinced that he can operate as the number nine and it will be interesting to see how he performs during the rest of the campaign, especially in the festive period with the matches coming thick and fast.
Underwhelming performers
Morgan Schneiderlin has failed to impress under Marco Silva so far, featuring in only 248 minutes of league football and his game time could take a further hit, especially with Andre Gomes returning to full fitness.
Elsewhere, Cenk Tosun has provided decent service as the number nine but the Turkish striker certainly needs to improve his scoring tally, having found the net only twice this season.
The manager and tactics
Marco Silva has rung in the changes after taking charge of Everton in the summer, especially from a tactical point of view, with the Toffees now becoming more dynamic in the final third, thanks to the fluid movements of Theo Walcott and Bernard while Gylfi Sigurdsson operates as the attacking midfielder, who, at times, drops deep to link-up with the double pivot.
Richarlison, on the other hand, has been used as a central striker in recent matches, where he has been given the license to wreak havoc in the final third. His physical prowess also helps him, in this regard, much like Cenk Tosun and considering the Brazilian’s strong record in front of goal, things could really work out in the nigh future.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored