Everton never really got going in the Premier League opener against Leeds United on Monday night.
David Moyes’ side went into the game undercooked, with the squad clearly in need of further additions in the transfer market.
Everton didn’t provide much of an attacking threat as they’re still so short in the wide areas following key departures.
Tyler Dibling is being heavily linked to Finch Farm, but there is a gap in valuations between the two clubs at the moment.
Anyhow, there’s certainly a lot to improve on after the Leeds game and former player Michael Ball has just come out and said that one player looked like he didn’t want to be there.
Everton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Michael Ball thinks Carlos Alcaraz looked totally lost in Everton vs Leeds United
In his Liverpool Echo column, Ball wrote that Carlos Alcaraz looked like he didn’t want to be out there against Leeds as he struggled in an unfamiliar role on the right wing.
“Charly Alcaraz came in and did well last season but when he’s out wide, especially on that right hand side, he often doesn’t have the best of games,” the 45-year-old explained.
“He didn’t get involved much at Leeds, was loose in possession and didn’t look composed when receiving the ball.
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“As a player you get asked to play in different positions and you grab the shirt and put it on and do your best, but you can see his doesn’t like being out there. He doesn’t know where he needs to be and his standing position is all wrong.”
Carlos Alcaraz stats vs Leeds United
Alcaraz’s SofaScore statistics evince exactly what Ball was saying, as he gave the ball away far too often and didn’t manage to create a single chance.
86 minutes played
41 touches
11 possession lost
3 dribbled past
1 error leading to shot
0 key passes
Indeed, it’s not the 22-year-old’s fault, though, as he’s just filling in whilst numbers are low, so it’s important not to be too critical.
It’s just a stark reminder that Everton desperately need a right-winger before the window slams shut in less than two weeks.
If they can’t get Dibling, Moyes could turn his attention to Malick Fofana, who has left the door open for a late move away from Lyon.