Jarrad Branthwaite’s England recall and unusual injury treatment, Jordan Pickford’s impressive numbers and Christian Norgaard’s wait for his debut feature in Tuesday’s Everton news and talking points.
There was also more from David Moyes on Tyler Dibling, while Thierno Barry kept a promise to a young supporter and several former Blues prepared for a return to Goodison Park.
Branthwaite back with England after difficult injury spell
Branthwaite has revealed more about the work he did in Germany after repeated injury problems disrupted his previous season.
The defender spent three or four weeks working with specialists, with movement patterns and even the brain among the areas examined.
Branthwaite admitted the setbacks had left him doubting his body, but careful management during pre-season has been followed by five complete Premier League appearances.
He is now back in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad alongside Pickford and James Garner.
Earlier in the day, Branthwaite also spoke about Everton’s unbeaten start and the criticism the squad received during the summer.
“I think that gave us a boost as a team to go and prove everyone wrong,” he said.
Pickford numbers make impressive reading
Pickford has also made an excellent start to the campaign.
The England goalkeeper has faced 18 shots on target in Everton’s five Premier League matches, saving 15 of them for an 83.3 per cent save rate.
He has conceded only three league goals and kept three clean sheets, while his goals-prevented figure stands at 1.55.
Those Pickford numbers followed another important contribution against Ipswich, when he made four saves as Barry’s early goal secured a 1-0 win.
Norgaard believes Everton debut is getting closer
Christian Norgaard is still waiting to make his Everton debut after joining from Arsenal in August, but the Denmark midfielder believes his recovery is moving in the right direction.
Norgaard told the Liverpool Echo that he cannot put a date on his return but feels he is “getting very close”.
Moyes had hoped to have the 32-year-old available sooner and said before the Tottenham game that Everton were targeting a return after the international break.
Moyes sees progress from Dibling
Moyes believes Dibling is beginning to show more of the qualities Everton saw when they signed him from Southampton.
The 20-year-old set up Charly Alcaraz’s winner against Wolves in the Carabao Cup and was voted man of the match by the home supporters before returning to the bench against Ipswich.
Moyes has spoken about wanting more “devilment” from Dibling and believes that is now beginning to emerge.
Dibling is now away with England Under-21s during the international break.
Barry keeps his promise
Barry’s winner against Ipswich came with an extra story attached.
Before the game, a young Everton supporter showed the striker a celebration he wanted him to perform if he scored. Barry replied: “I’ll do it for you!”
He remembered. After diverting James Tarkowski’s effort beyond Christian Walton for his fifth goal of the season, Barry performed the celebration he had promised.
Cahill and former Blues heading back to Goodison
Football returns to Goodison Park on Saturday when Team Merseyside face a Rest of the World XI in the Game4Hope charity match.
Tim Cahill will captain a side containing several former Everton players, including Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Gareth Barry, Louis Saha, Joleon Lescott and Yakubu.
Rivaldo captains the opposition, with Cafu, Clarence Seedorf, Jaap Stam and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also due to be involved.
The game will raise money for Everton in the Community and Shelter’s work tackling homelessness, with kick-off at 4.45pm on Saturday.
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Alan Smith identifies ‘obvious shortage’ in Everton squad despite Thierno Barry start
Alan Smith identifies ‘obvious shortage’ in Everton squad despite Thierno Barry start
Branthwaite reveals unusual treatment behind Everton return and England recall
Branthwaite reveals unusual treatment behind Everton return and England recall