Despite another defeat, which left Everton winless in pre-season, David Moyes has discovered something from the Roma loss.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium didn’t really have the best opening, but it was certainly great to see the 53,000 capacity ground packed out with Evertonians.
There were promising signs to take from the encounter, as Everton fans were very impressed with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Moyes will be thrilled to have seen the 26-year-old shine in a number ten role, which brought a big positive.
But the midfielder might also be involved in a big issue solved, as the Everton boss will be delighted.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall looking on during Everton vs Roma.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fixes corner taking issue for Everton against Roma
It was a promising start from Everton’s £28m signing, who looks to be a real coup from Chelsea.
The midfielder deserved an assist from the encounter, and almost did through a shot from Thierno Barry after Dewsbury-Hall’s excellent ball-carrying skills.
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But there was another area where the former Leicester star shone as Dewsbury-Hall’s corner-taking was impressive.
His crosses were dangerous and caused a threat, and made a serious change from Moyes’ ferocity at Everton’s set-pieces.
It looks as though moving forward, the Toffees have this issue solved, as not only was Dewsbury-Hall a success on his debut, but he’s provided a resolution to a troubling problem from last season.
James Garner looks to be off set-pieces for Everton after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall success
With the midfielder’s deliveries being positive, the Toffees manager will certainly consider this going forward.
Moyes wanted Everton’s set-pieces to improve, and he finally has this with a new creative outlet in the 26-year-old.
But this spells trouble for James Garner, who despite being on the pitch at the same time, is clearly not favoured for being on Everton’s corners anymore.
This comes after Moyes was fuming with Garner’s corners last year, as it looks like Dewsbury-Hall has well and truly replaced him.
Minutes played 60
Pass accuracy % 96% (most accurate in-game)
Chances created 4
Crossing accuracy % 50%
Passes into final third 3
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s statistics for Everton vs Roma
It’s a positive to take out of an average performance, as the Toffees’ new man in midfield has revolutionised Moyes’ plans.