Everton Football Club is enjoying positive fortunes as they stretch their unbeaten run to nine games, and just at the right time, some players are making their returns from injury. The threat of relegation has faded, and with new prospects on the horizon, the team looks set for future success.
Among the returning players are Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti, who made their first appearances for the Toffees on Saturday after long stints on the sidelines due to serious injuries. Both players are eager to take advantage of their comeback to showcase their skills to manager David Moyes. During their absence, the squad struggled with injuries, leaving Moyes unable to rotate squad members effectively.
Tim Iroegbunam also made his mark, contributing positively from the bench during the match against West Ham. Jake O'Brien scored the pivotal equaliser late on during the game, which concluded with a 1-1 draw, meaning Everton could extend their unbeaten streak.
The return of players like Broja and Chermiti boosts morale and adds much-needed depth to the squad. With senior players available on the bench, competition for starting positions increases, motivating all players to maintain high performance levels. Moyes acknowledges the importance of squad competition, stating, “How often have players on their last legs turned to the dugout after 70 minutes and watched the opposition refresh their side with capable top-flight players?”
Broja and Chermiti not only bring fresh enthusiasm to the team but also have personal stakes to prove themselves to Moyes. Injuries can be very demoralising for players, and they want to return to the pitch to help their teammates, especially now when the team is enjoying such good form.
Reflecting on his own experience with injuries, one player said, “When the team is doing well, you want to be part of it,” noting the challenges of being sidelined during tough stretches. Fortunately for Everton, the current dynamic allows for players to return without the intense pressure of relegation looming overhead.
With future matches on the horizon and less immediate pressure, Broja, Chermiti, and potentially Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who are also expected back after international duty, have the perfect platform to demonstrate their capabilities. It’s about seizing opportunities and affirming their worth to the club.
On the subject of performances, one standout from the match, Jake O’Brien, has been garnering attention. O’Brien scored the equaliser against West Ham after previously saving points for his team with goals, demonstrating his developing influence on the squad. Working under Moyes, the 23-year-old defender is transitioning to what Moyes describes as “false right-back,” combining his defensive skills with greater offensive contributions.
Sporting the height of 6ft 6in (198cm), O’Brien offers Everton something unique on the right flank. Despite his unusual position for someone of his stature, he’s establishing himself as more of a natural full-back each match.
Under Moyes’ direction, O'Brien is flourishing, working closely with coaching staff like Leighton Baines to sharpen both his defending and crossing skills during training. Describing these sessions, O’Brien stated, “We’re doing bits individually after training with the coaches... It’s shown glimpses here.”
Notably, O’Brien's skills have earned him attention beyond the Premier League, landing him a spot on the Republic of Ireland squad for upcoming Nations League play-offs. His goal against West Ham marks his second equaliser this month, following another pivotal goal at Brentford, which showcases his growing importance to the squad.
Moyes has voiced his expectation for defenders to contribute more offensively, indicating his requests for James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite to follow O’Brien's lead and score more. O’Brien remarked, “He’s coming on, improving. A young centre-back making his way as sort of false right-back.”
His abilities have not gone unnoticed. John O'Shea, assistant manager for Ireland, praised O'Brien after scouting him earlier this month, indicating his rising prospects within international football.
The Everton faithful are hopeful this influx of returning talent will help solidify their claim on mid-table order, especially with key fixtures looming on the horizon, aiding Moyes’ squad-building efforts.
Even with conventional right-backs like Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson returning to fitness, O’Brien has secured his place within this competitive squad. His performances since Moyes took over have been commendable, showing his potential as he navigates the blend of defensive duties with attacking ambitions.
Overall, the future looks bright for Evertonians as they look to build on their current form and incorporate returning players who are eager to contribute, setting the stage for exciting matches this spring.
