Tyler Dibling Shows Encouraging Signs
This is a big summer for Tyler Dibling. After a difficult first season, he now has an opportunity to start fresh and, with Jack Grealish having returned to Manchester City and Iliman Ndiaye receiving an extended break after his World Cup exploits, he should get the chance to make an impression. If he gets it, it is on him to take it, and he showed promising glimpses at Dundee. For the first 30 minutes he played within himself, protecting the ball well but showing little ambition to drive forward. That changed when he sent Beto behind the Dundee defence with a clever ball just before the opening goal. The moment of quality seemed to spark some confidence and he started driving at defenders from that point, repeatedly breaking into the box at the start of the second half as he began to play with more positivity.
Full-Back Issues Persist
Jake O'Brien did not play at right-back but, in Merlin Rohl, it was another square peg in a round hole in a position that the Blues must address this summer. While Rohl was competent, the work of Adam Aznou at left-back and George Finney, the academy defender and specialist right-back who replaced Rohl in the second half, highlighted the value of having a natural at full-back. Aznou supported Tyrique George on the left and showed a willingness to get forward, delivering a great cross to the back post in the first half. Finney was also adventurous and whipped in several dangerous balls during his cameo, one of which was almost prodded in by Braiden Graham. Everton looked far more coherent with specialist full-backs who were comfortable pushing forward, something they need to work towards having for the start of the season.
Jake O'Brien Imperious in Natural Position
O'Brien is ready to play at centre-back. He was excellent when called upon to play in his preferred position last season and this was another game in which he displayed his quality in the middle of the defence. This was not the most taxing game for the Republic of Ireland international, but there should be little doubt that he is a genuine contender for the starting XI in the position he excels in.
Two Midfielders Under Pressure
The arrival of Hayden Hackney threatens to limit the opportunities Tim Iroegbunam and Harrison Armstrong will get at Everton. Both are playing under pressure if they want to assert themselves in David Moyes' plans. Given the chance to start against Dundee in the absence of James Garner, who has a groin issue, they both fought hard in the middle. Armstrong, who helped change the momentum of the game as the Blues lost to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season, wanted the ball throughout. He was composed and slipped Beto through on goal with a moment of genuine intelligence. Iroegbunam was busy, often left to mop up by himself, but his energy levels have not diminished over the summer. Both will be content with their displays.
Braiden Graham's Goalscoring Instincts
Young forward Braiden Graham came so close to the headline-grabbing goal that would have delighted the supporters who have been desperate for him to get an opportunity with David Moyes. He ended up just inches from finishing a devilish cross from George Finney but the manner of his run from the left wing, attacking the space in front of him and reading where the ball would land, showcased the natural instincts that have made him so prolific for the Under-18s and the U21s.
