Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
David Moyes hasn’t quite found his strongest Everton starting line-up this season.
After bringing in seven signings during the summer transfer window and losing Iliman Ndiaye, there is a debate around the best XI again.
Last season, Moyes’ side picked itself, but the emergence of Harrison Armstrong and Tyrique George, among others, has put multiple positions up for discussion.
With that said, after assessing the first five Premier League games, we’ve selected what we think is the strongest Everton line-up.
Everton’s best starting XI looks good enough for Europe
Pickford retains his spot in goal, and then the back four ahead of him is probably the most settled aspect of the team.
At the start of the season, it looked as though Merlin Rohl would be the right-back, but Ainsley Maitland-Niles has made a really good impression since arriving from Lyon on deadline day.
James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite are a great partnership, and having Jake O’Brien as back-up is really strong depth.
Vitalii Mykolenko was a weak link last term, but he’s had a really productive campaign up to now and looks much improved.
Moving into midfield, Harrison Armstrong keeps his spot next to James Garner. Armstrong has covered the most distance of any player in the Premier League, so his running power is vital.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall features just ahead, and the front three is where it gets really tricky. Thierno Barry starts up top, of course, but there are so many brilliant wide options.
Jack Grealish, Tyrique George, Tyler Dibling and Brennan Johnson could start on any given day, but for now, George gets the nod on the right and Grealish on the left flank.
I think we could see Dibling force his way into the side at some stage, as he’s looked a different player this term.
If the former Southampton talisman continues to develop and grow into it, he may become undroppable on the right flank given he’s left-footed and can cut in side on his favoured foot.
Anyhow, here is Moyes’ best XI right now.