Everton’s attention has turned firmly towards Ipswich Town after David Moyes delivered his final update before Saturday’s Premier League meeting at the Hill Dickinson.
There was England recognition for Jarrad Branthwaite, more encouragement for Tyler Dibling and a challenge for Jack Grealish, while Merlin Rohl has found a rather different way of documenting his first year with the Blues.
Here are Friday’s Everton news and talking points.
Moyes delighted for Branthwaite
Moyes welcomed Jarrad Branthwaite’s England recognition after the defender’s excellent start to the season.
“I’m really pleased for anybody who gets selected for their country,” said Moyes. “Jarrad even more so because of the injuries that he’s had.”
The Everton boss joked that he hoped Branthwaite did not play four games during the international period and also praised the club’s recruitment of the defender from Carlisle United.
Real Madrid linked with Branthwaite
Branthwaite’s performances continue to attract attention elsewhere too.
Reports this week claimed Real Madrid are weighing up a move for the Everton defender, who is valued at around £80m by the Blues.
Manchester United have also been linked again, although Branthwaite remains under contract at Everton until 2030.
Dibling starting to show his teeth
Tyler Dibling’s performance in Wednesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Wolves also earned praise from Moyes.
“He’s much more ready now than he was,” said the Everton manager. “Now showing us his teeth a little.”
Dibling set up Charly Alcaraz’s winner and Moyes is pleased to see the winger beginning to take opponents on more regularly.
Moyes wants more wins
Everton remain unbeaten this season, but Moyes would happily swap some of those draws for victories.
“Pleased, but would have liked to have turned draws into wins,” he said in our latest piece from his pre-Ipswich press conference.
The Blues have six points from four Premier League games, with three draws accompanying their victory over Crystal Palace.
Grealish given a target
Moyes also made clear what he wants from Jack Grealish.
“I want him to be at the level of the start of last season,” he said. “I need assists and goals from him.”
Charly Alcaraz received praise too after his midweek winner, with Moyes describing the Argentine as a hard worker who “always has a goal in him”.
Rohl remains sidelined – but goes behind the camera
Merlin Rohl remains unavailable through injury, with Moyes hoping the midfielder can return after the international break.
Away from the pitch, Rohl has written, photographed and curated his own book, Life with Everton, documenting his first year with the club through his camera.
Our piece on Rohl’s photography book has more.
Ipswich arrive with attacking intent
Gary O’Neil’s newly promoted side have six points from their opening four league matches, the same total as Everton, although they have reached it via two wins and two defeats.
They have already scored seven Premier League goals but conceded nine, and their last five matches in all competitions have produced 25 goals.
Our Meet Our Opponents guide takes a closer look at what Everton can expect.
And finally… the Everton-Ipswich XI
Richard Wright in goal. David Unsworth at the back. Marcus Bent and Francis Jeffers up front.
We’ve put together a combined Everton-Ipswich XI made entirely from players who represented both clubs, with Ashley Young, Andros Townsend and Nathan Broadhead among the other crossovers.
Tomorrow, though, it is the current Everton side who have the chance to give Moyes one of those victories he wants.
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Mykolenko earning recognition after impressive Everton start
Mykolenko earning recognition after impressive Everton start
Moyes wants Everton to turn draws into wins as Ipswich test awaits
Moyes wants Everton to turn draws into wins as Ipswich test awaits