The Premier League is back, and it’s quite the fixture for Everton supporters to sink their teeth into.
Last month’s Merseyside derby still lies fresh in the memory, James Tarkowski having sent Goodison Park into ecstasy after firing a last-gasp equaliser past Alisson Becker. Moving to Bramley Moore this summer, it was a fitting finale for a historic fixture in English football.
Now, Anfield awaits David Moyes and his Toffees troops. The turnaround under the Scotsman’s wing has been startling, amazing, with Everton currently nine games unbeaten in the top flight.
But this is sure to be a tough one. The title-chasing Reds were knocked out of kilter before the international break, but will be looking to return to form and move closer toward the title.
Everton, of course, will do everything in their power to prevent that.
23/24
Premier League
2-0 loss
22/23
Premier League
2-0 loss
21/22
Premier League
2-0 loss
20/21
Premier League
2-0 win
19/20
FA Cup
1-0 loss
Everton team news
Merseyside’s red patch has not been a happy place for Everton in a long time; barring one euphoric result, Everton have been consigned to defeat with deflating regularity.
However, Moyes’ men outplayed their neighbours for sizeable chunks of February’s 2-2 draw and there’s every chance they capitalise on Liverpool’s injuries and recent loss of form.
The Blues do have issues of their own, though, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still sidelined.
Key attacking outlets Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil have reached the end of their rehabilitation, but this one may come a smidge too soon for them.
Thus, Abdoulaye Doucoure is bound to reprise his industrious role at the attacking point of midfield, while James Garner and Idrissa Gueye should continue their solid partnership in the basal area.
But what of the flanks? Everton need to prepare to absorb waves of artillery but equally must strike when they can. Well, with options slim out wide, Jack Harrison may return to the right, leaving a newly welcomed talent with room to leap forward and take his own starting berth.
Everton's answer to Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai is one of Liverpool’s most important parts, bringing his own brand of football to the number ten spot. With just seven goals and six assists across 40 matches this season, he’s not the most prolific, but his firebrand energy makes for a difficult foe.
He’s a real handful, but Everton could have their answer in Charly Alcaraz, who joined on loan from Flamengo in January and needs to complete five appearances from nine available to settle at Everton as a permanent feature.
Alcaraz, 22, has played six times and started thrice in the Premier League since joining, bagging a goal and an assist each on his first game from the opening, during a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.
Technically gifted, versatile and tenacious, the Argentina talent has the trappings of a high-level star in the future, with journalist Antonio Mango hailing him as a “special talent.”
Likely to feature off the left of Doucoure, should he start, Alcaraz has averaged 1.6 key passes and 3.6 successful duels per PL game this season, as per Sofascore, also completing 60% of his dribbles.
It’s a skill set that aligns somewhat with Szoboszlai’s, among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, as noted by FBref – more on that below.
Goals scored
0.17
0.18
Assists
0.17
0.18
Shots taken
3.40
2.41
Shot-creating actions
3.06
4.29
Pass completion
84.6%
83.4%
Progressive passes
5.43
5.07
Progressive carries
2.04
2.57
Successful take-ons
1.19
0.91
Ball recoveries
5.09
5.31
Tackles + interceptions
3.06
1.78
Clearances
1.19
0.54
One of Liverpool’s staple attributes is their ability to keep the energy levels up, overwhelming opponents when legs begin to tire. Szoboszlai is fundamental in that regard, his indefatigable running, his drive, his doggedness.
Everton could do with such a player to strike back at Anfield, showing Slot’s squad once again that they are capable of expansive dynamism.
No longer is this a desolate unit lacking the means and confidence to. Avoiding defeat against Liverpool would lead to a ten-match unbeaten streak, and Alcaraz’s performance will be crucial toward achieving this.
Everton will rely on their defensive strengths for sure, but they will also need to meet fire with fire in some phases and Alcaraz’s involvement from the outset could be the perfect way to combat the energy and dynamism Szoboszlai will bring to the table.
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