Two youngsters under 21 showed David Moyes what his Everton team has been missing, as Adam Aznou and George Finney impressed in the first pre-season friendly against Dundee. The issue of lacking attacking full-backs came into sharp focus.
Aznou's impact on the left
Adam Aznou did not play a single minute in the Premier League last season, a baffling omission according to Everton correspondent Joe Thomas. Against Dundee, Aznou flew forward whenever possible, providing Tyrique George with an option to play off and creating space by distracting defenders. He delivered a gorgeous back post cross that was begging to be turned in.
Finney's cameo on the right
When Aznou was withdrawn, George Finney replaced him on the right. Within minutes, he pushed forward and whipped a devilish cross across the face of goal, almost prodded in by Braiden Graham. Finney delivered several good crosses during his positive cameo.
Clear contrast with last season
The contrast with last season was striking. Moyes relied on the conservative Vitalii Mykolenko on the left and centre back Jake O’Brien on the right. The Blues lacked a threat from full-backs comfortable pushing deep and delivering crosses. The youngsters made clear how much more coherent Everton look as an attacking force with such players.
Joe Thomas notes that while Aznou and Finney are inexperienced and not yet ready for the Premier League opener, their impact shows that even average signings at full-back could bring huge improvement. Everton have not addressed this issue in recent windows, and Thomas says he will not sleep easily until action is taken.
