Everton is Switzerland : Sion and Monaco review

Everton spent last week training in Switzerland, playing games against F.C. Sion and Monaco which has allowed Marco Silva to gain a further understanding about his squad and what is needed for Everton to be competitive in this upcoming season.

Personally, I am no scouting guru but it is unequivocally obviously that the scarcity of goal scoring chances will force the hand of the hierarchy to bolster the attacking areas. Similarly, the lack of cover in the defensive areas may prompt action and despite our clambering for the return of Kurt Zouma, Brands might have to look elsewhere
should Chelsea prove stubborn in any case. Overall, Switzerland has been a success and we should all look forward to Wigan Wednesday night, a few weeks before the Premier League is back.

Let’s look at each player who played for the most part, individually.

Marteen Stekelenburg

Opportunities to play for Stekelenburg this season will be very limited for Stekelenburg but did his case to stay around the squad no harm against Monaco.

Jonas Lossl
Had little to nothing to do versus Sion. Hard to judge his progress this week.

Jordan Pickford

Good to see him back in the squad. Will play a part against Wigan presumably but a return to training earlier than last year is more than ideal.

Seamus Coleman

Scored the only goal in the week and did very well against Monaco. Was quieter against Sion but all valuable fitness gained. Would be nice to see come consistency from Seamus this season. When paired with Richarlison fared excellently and has improved month on month since his return from injury. Everton might go into the market for a right back but Seamus should still remain first choice.

Michael Keane

Considering he was largely lacking in fitness Keane looked excellent in both games. Undoubtedly first choice centre back this season and the only question is who partners him.

Lewis Gibson

Usurped Mason Holgate this week for me. Apart from a slight error against Monaco, performed impeccably and is ostensibly ahead of Holgate in the manager’s plans on the basis of minutes allocated.

Mason Holgate

Has seemingly drifted further out of favour during the course of the week. Started it with everything to gain and lose and has ended with very few minutes being allocated to him during the two games. That could be due to fitness or it could be the manager having made a decision on his future. Regardless, it is difficult to imagine a scenario where Holgate plays often this season for Everton.

Lucas Digne

Commendable performance against Sion which was followed by an improved display against Monaco. Digne might be the only unassailable figure within the squad ahead of the start of the season.

Andre Gomes

Improved exponentially from the jaded display against Kariobangi. As seen previously with Gomes, an increasingly fit Andre Gomes means an increasingly better Andre Gomes. Pivotal he continues on the same trajectory as pre season continues.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Schneiderlin has probably ended the week in the same place he started it within the context of Marco Silva’s plans. He will probably stay due to the likelihood of Idrissa Gueye leaving having increased during the week, however do not rule out him leaving even still.

Tom Davies

Performed well throughout the week. On a personal note, Davies performed better than
Schneiderlin. What that does for Marco Silva, it remains to be seen.

Joe Williams

Williams did not play a great deal after being taken off early during the Sion game. Silva might take it to the deadline to make a decision.

James McCarthy

Looks like he could be going to Crystal Palace. Right decision for all involved.

Dennis Adeniran

Looks incredibly similar stylistically to Beni Baningime. A loan for Dennis is probably the best for this season.

Bernard

Looked sharp in both games. Performances should only get better and better with added
competition.

Nathan Broadhead

Out of the whole pre season, Broadhead has arguably given the manager the most food for thought in terms of being involved with the first team squad this season. Personally, I would love to give him some minutes and then make a decision in January.

Theo Walcott

Theo did nothing that he usually does. With Broadhead impressing and potentially a new signing arriving, it is hard to understand Walcott remaining at the club this season.

Gylfi Sigurdsson

It is essential that Gylfi is at his peak for the start of the season. Performances in these games are irrelevant but the fitness gained is paramount.

Oumar Niasse

Oumar is beyond parody. Sell as soon as possible.

Fraser Hornby

Gave a battling performance against Sion but was not seen versus Monaco. A loan probably beckons.

Owen Parkes