Journalists are concerned about Everton’s ‘alarming’ condition at Goodison Park.
Full-backs Nathan Patterson, Ashley Young, and Vitaliy Mykolenko have all struggled at moments this season, according to Dean Jones, which is “alarming” for Everton.
Everton had only one point from their first four Premier League games as the season enters its first international break in 2023-24.
According to the former Eurosport journalist, speaking to GIVEMESPORT [4 September], the full-back positions could be a particular challenge for Sean Dyche this season based on what he has seen so far.
“It’s a difficult one,” he said. “I believe Patterson, Young, and Mykolenko have all struggled, and it’s been quite alarming at times to see how much they’ve struggled.”
“They all have various abilities. But, at the moment, none of them are establishing a case to be Everton’s regular long-term starter.
“It’s possible Dyche doesn’t have much of a choice because there aren’t many options at full-back for him this season, and those three will almost certainly play significant roles.”
There is room for improvement.
Despite the fact that Everton lacked a legitimate goalscorer until Beto’s late arrival, the defense is also a source of concern.
Young, 38, has started all four Premier League games as left-back this season, which is rather amazing.
Meanwhile, Patterson has started every game on the opposite side of defense, and Mykolenko was used in the EFL Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers.
Given that Everton has conceded eight goals while scoring only two, it is evident that there are big difficulties in the team.
The hope following the 2-2 draw with Sheffield United is that the attacking woes have been alleviated, especially with Dominic Calvert-Lewin due to return from his current injury layoff.
Defensively, there is much space for improvement, as Young and Patterson are far from the strongest full-back partnership in the league – though the latter did impress in the draw at Bramall Lane.
Dyche can only work with what he has, and fingers crossed that the trio can deliver throughout the course of the season to keep Everton in the Premier League.
