How Joe Thomas rated the Everton players in the 4-0 victory over Dundee at Dens Park
Everton's Tyrique George (right) and Dundee's Own Bevan (left) battle for the ball during the pre-season friendly match at Dens Park, Dundee
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Everton have made the perfect start to pre-season with a 4-0 win over Scottish Premiership side Dundee at their Dens Park home.
The hosts were playing their sixth friendly of the summer, in addition to two Scottish League Cup games, but they were well beaten by the Blues, who were the beneficiaries of poor second-half goalkeeping and defending.
Beto opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a deflected shot before his replacement, Thierno Barry, closed down the home keeper and saw the ball fly into the net to double the advantage in the 69th minute.
By that stage Everton had rung the changes but they continued to chase more goals and in the 82nd minute young midfielder Harvey Foster got one when he made the most of another goalkeeping mistake.
It was left up to a third substitute, Dwight McNeil, to tap home the fourth a minute from time.
And here's how we rated the Blues...
Mark Travers 6
Rarely troubled, making just the one save that was straight at him. Comfortable throughout.
Merlin Rohl 6
Everton need a new right-back this season and the hope will be a specialist is signed rather than the Blues face another year with a square peg in a round hole. Rohl is competent out wide and did push forward but refused the best opportunity to show off his pace
Michael Keane 6
Captain for the day and composed throughout - had little to deal with before being replaced by Will Tamen.
Jake O’Brien 8
Started in his preferred position of centre-back and was as imperious as he always looks in that slot for the Blues. A good sign that David Moyes is open to looking at him in the middle and he was not troubled, his only indiscretion being a pass that played Rohl into trouble. Was taken off for James Tarkowski at the break.
Adam Aznou 7
Worked hard down the left and supported Tyrique George well. Put in a good cross at the back post in the first half but there was no-one to meet it. Gave Everton an attacking thrust they have missed down the left for too long.
Tyler Dibling 8
Played within himself for most of the first half, protecting possession well but repeatedly opting against taking on his man. That changed after a clever through ball to Beto created a good chance for the forward. Following that he grew in confidence and won a corner late in the first half by driving at two defenders. Started the second half well, looking to take players on and shoot before being replaced.
Everton's Tyler Dibling (centre) has his shot blocked by Dundee's Alan Forrest (left) and Zan Besir (right)(Image: Malcolm Mackenzie/PA Wire)
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Harrison Armstrong 7
Whether it is Tottenham Hotspur away or Dundee in pre-season, he looks composed. Wanted the ball and his through ball to Beto in the first half was one of few moments of real quality in the game.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 6
Was keen to build momentum and tried to play intelligent football through the middle of the pitch but the link-up play with those around him did not quite click. Covered ground well and was not afraid to chase back to help the defence when Dundee broke. Replaced at the break by Carlos Alcaraz.
Tim Iroegbunam 7
Was busy in the middle and overloaded at times as Dewsbury-Hall and Armstrong pushed forward in the first half. Growing into a capable player.
Tyrique George 8
A positive performance from a player who has now signed permanently. Linked up well with Aznou and caused problems by cutting inside onto his right before being replaced.
Beto 7
Got the goal that will hopefully breed confidence for pre-season, but it came courtesy of a healthy deflection. Delayed his shot too long after a clever ball from Armstrong, allowing Owen Bevan to clear when he was through. Also could have done better just before the goal when he decided to switch onto his left rather than drive at goal after a lovely pass from Dibling.
SUBS
Tom King 7
Made a very good, sharp save low down to an Ash Hay effort from 12 yards out.
James Tarkowski 7
Good at the back when he came on and steered a young back four through the last half an hour of the match.
Dwight McNeil 7
Played on both wings after coming on at the break and tested Harrison Sharp with an effort on his left foot that he would have hoped to have done better with. Added the fourth for a late flourish.
Thierno Barry 7
Showed good perseverance to close down Sharp and was rewarded when the keeper’s clearance thundered into him and looped over the line.
Carlos Alcaraz 6
Had a great opportunity just inside the box after Rohl fed the ball back to him early in the second half but fluffed his effort. A willing runner throughout the second half and kept his composure to help Everton get the fourth.
Will Tamen 7
Made a brilliant block in the dying moments to deny Dundee a consolation. Last-ditch defending at its best and even more satisfactory given the game was won.
George Finney 7
Had a good loan spell at Ayr last season and showed an eagerness to get forward. Put two good crosses into the box, the first a brilliant whipped ball that Braiden Graham was inches from poking in.
Braiden Graham 6
Lively when he came on and agonisingly close to a goal the whole fanbase was desperate for when he was inches from Finney’s cross. The instinct that took him into such a dangerous area was a glimpse at why he is so prolific in the academy.
Eli Campbell 6
The last Finch Farm product to make it onto the honours board when he made his first-team debut against Sunderland in the FA Cup. Was composed at left back.
Malik Olayiwola 6
Fought well in the middle and showed good composure to help punish Sharp and help create the fourth for McNeil.
Harvey Foster 7
Produced a really smart finish to punish Sharp’s second mistake of the game. A big moment for the midfielder who was clearly a popular goalscorer.