With the 2024-25 season coming to a close, we are intoour season review series with a look at the full backs and how they did this season.
Defensively, Everton ended the season with solid defensive numbers ranking third in clean sheets, third in interceptions and number one in duels won. However, the role of the full backs in those numbers was not as apparent as the centre backs. This is the second year where only Vitalii Mykolenko has consistently contributed and the remaining players have taken turns to fill the right back role.
Moving into the new season there is a desperate need to address the right back position and some coverage for Mykolenko on the right.
Newcastle United FC v Everton FC - Premier League Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images
Vitalii Mykolenko
G - 35 Min - 3082 Gls - 1 Ast - 2 xG - 0.5 npxG - 0.5 - xAG - 2.6 SCA - 43 GCA - 4
After a break out year in 23/24, the Ukrainian was a solid and alert defender, ranking in the 89th percentile for interceptions and 83rd for clearances and 82nd for aerial duels won respectively in the Premier League. His work keeping Mo Salah under wraps this season showed his quality against the most potent striker in the Premier League.
With solid defensive numbers, Mykolenko continued to be non-existent going forward under Dyche but was given more latitude to venture forward with the arrival of Moyes. However, his attacking numbers need to improve especially in progressive carries, successful take ons and shot creating actions which were all in the bottom 10thpercentile of all players in the top five leagues.
Grade: B (Benefitting from Moyes to balance his game)
Everton FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Seamus Coleman
G - 12 Min - 665 Gls - 0 Ast - 0 xG - 0 npxG - 0 - xAG - 1.0 SCA - 6 GCA - 0
Two years ago I wrote:
“It is hard not to wax sentimental about our Club captain but there aren’t many players held in as high a regard in the game as the 34-year-old. Though his best playing years are behind him, his absolute commitment to the cause and to his position as skipper remains as strong today as when he was bestowed with the honour.”
The only thing that has changed is that he is now 36! Last season he featured in 12 league matches and this season it was down to 5. Coleman has agreed a new one year contract to keep him at the club and it should transition him into a coaching role which he had his first taste of when he stood alongside Leighton Baines after the departure of Sean Dyche.
Grade: C (Coach in training)
Everton FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier League Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Nathan Patterson
G - 10 Min - 347 Gls - 0 Ast - 1 xG - 0.1 npxG - 0.1 - xAG - 1.0.4 SCA - 11 GCA - 1
Nathan Patterson and Vitalii Mykolenko both arrived in January 2022. The Ukrainian has grown into the part but the Scot has yet to realize the potential that he showed earlier in his career. Featuring in just 10 league games and only starting in 3, Patterson struggled to impress Sean Dyche and was overlooked by Moyes who selected centre half Jake O’Brien.
The big question has to be what to do with Patterson this summer as the team rebuild continues. The resigning of Michael Keane is practical decision by the club and the need to keep hold of Patterson would be a similar decision. There is no doubt that Moyes is looking to build the team and I think that he has not given up on Patterson who is still only 22 years old.
As good as Mykolenko is at defending, Patterson has put up some decent numbers going forward this season. His dribble success is in the 98th percentile and his cross accuracy was in the 98th percentile. This is tempered by his poor numbers defending which have to be improved if he has any chance of contributing when the season begins.
Grade: D (Defended properly,)
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Jake O’Brien
G - 20 Min - 1571 Gls - 2 Ast - 0 xG - 0.8 npxG - 0.8 - xAG - 0.6 SCA - 16 GCA - 0
O’Brien is our square peg in a round hole this season but it was one that had a significant impact in the turnaround after the arrival of Moyes. O’Brien is a natural centre half but when Coleman was injured and neither Patterson or Young could cement their place in the position, Moyes chose to move O’Brien out wide and the big defender never looked back.
After struggling to get a game because of the Branthwaite/Tarkowski success, Moyes saw the potential of the Irishman and he took the chance. He did not change the attacking play but he further solidified the back end.
Grade: B+ (Brought stability to the problem position)
Fulham FC v Everton FC - Premier League Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Ashley Young
G - 31 Min - 2280 Gls - 0 Ast - 0 xG - 0.6 npxG - 0.6 - xAG - 1.5 SCA - 58 GCA - 1
The signing of Ashley Young two years ago provided the team with experience and flexibility that should be acknowledged as a successful signing in a turbulent time in the club’s history. This season, the departure of Sean Dyche saw Young lose his starting position and then only getting minutes off the bench in decreasing numbers.
His contract expired at the end of the season and it was not renewed. His contribution was professional and his experience was called upon to get the team over the line in several games. It was the right call moving forward as he leaves being the oldest outfield player in Everton’s history.
Grade: D (Diminished)
Click here forthe full 2024-25 Everton Season Review series where we recap every aspect of the campaign that just ended.