A number of Everton players were in action on Thursday night in the first round of international games to kick off the break.
David Moyes will be sat back on Merseyside with everything crossed that none of his players pick up any injuries ahead of a busy April.
It has been a solid start to the international break for the Everton players, with Jesper Lindstrom praised by the Danish media for his showing against Portugal.
Although the Blues are unbeaten in nine Premier League games, Everton have struggled slightly of late to convert draws into victories.
Perhaps the break from domestic action will provide the players with a refresh going into what is set to be a hectic April.
Jake O’Brien was also hailed for his performance for Ireland on Thursday evening, with Vitalii Mykolenko also in action.
Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Everton fans have criticised Mykolenko at times this season, but the left-back does not have any competition to push him in that position.
However, it seems the media in his home country were fairly pleased with the 25-year-old’s display against a renowned Belgium outfit.
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Ukrainian outlet Football.UA shared their thoughts on the Everton defender’s performance as he came up against Atalanta midfielder Charles De Ketelaere.
‘Our left flank in this game was generally inactive in terms of attack, but when everyone ran forward to score goals in the second half, Mykolenko was not slow to connect,’ the said.
‘In addition, the Everton representative was more focused on defensive actions, although he ultimately scored about the same number of successful episodes of struggle as both partners on the opposite side of the field.’
Ukraine came out as comfortable victors in their Nations League quarter-final, which saw Mykolenko play the full 90 minutes.
Leighton Baines has been tasked with improving Mykolenko and it seems the left-back has certainly nailed down his defensive duties.
Vitalii Mykolenko’s stats in Ukraine vs Belgium
Arriving in January, Moyes admitted he wanted to sign a new full-back, with no competition or cover at left-back.
An injury to Mykolenko could prove a big loss for the Toffees considering they have no natural alternative.
The defender’s solid showing on Thursday night may well have earned him another start in the reverse fixture on Sunday.
90 minutes played
2 clearances
1 interception
1 tackle
55 touches
83% pass accuracy
Everton are keen to hand Mykolenko a new deal on Merseyside following what has certainly been a busy campaign for the defender.