AliousAs another turbulent campaign at Goodison Park draws to a close, members of the ECHO sportsdesk offer their thoughts and review Everton’s 2023/24 season.
In this two-part special, Joe Thomas, Chris Beesley, and Matt Jones share their conclusions on the Toffees’ performances throughout the season. Here’s the second installment…
While several players deserve honorable mentions, Joe Thomas highlights James Tarkowski as his standout performer for Everton this season. Commending Tarkowski’s unwavering commitment and accountability, both on and off the pitch, Thomas praises the defender’s fighting spirit and desire, which epitomize the qualities required to represent the royal blue jersey. Jordan Pickford, hailed as Everton’s finest goalkeeper since Neville Southall, once again receives plaudits for his magnificent displays, which have played a pivotal role in keeping the Toffees in the Premier League in recent seasons.
Vitalii Mykolenko earns recognition as the most improved player from the previous campaign, with Dyche and his staff credited for unlocking the Ukrainian’s potential, a stark contrast to the underwhelming tenure under the Lampard regime, which is particularly damning considering Ashley Cole, the greatest left-back in Premier League history, served as the first-team coach at the time. Additionally, Calvert-Lewin’s return to full fitness after two years of injury troubles is another feather in the cap for the current setup.
However, the standout performer of the campaign is undoubtedly the breakthrough star, Jarrad Branthwaite. Despite not being in the team at the start of the season and doubts surrounding his readiness for the Everton first team, despite an impressive loan spell at PSV, Branthwaite has silenced his critics with his stellar performances.
Possessing a unique blend of physical prowess, composure on the ball, and an astute reading of the game, the “Carlisle Kaiser” has swatted aside the Premier League’s most formidable strikers and demonstrated all the attributes of a world-class prospect. Thomas hopes that Branthwaite will remain at Everton for the club’s final season at Goodison Park and the inaugural campaign at the new stadium on the banks of the Mersey, as he believes the young defender has the potential to become one of the all-time greats.
While acknowledging Branthwaite’s standout performances, Chris Beesley also reserves special praise for James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford. However, he highlights Vitalii Mykolenko’s impressive campaign, which has gone somewhat under the radar. Beesley notes the Ukrainian’s transformation from initially being behind Ashley Young in the pecking order to becoming a reliable and consistent performer, dispelling any doubts about his suitability as Everton’s long-term first-choice left-back.
Beesley commends Mykolenko’s defensive solidity, which compensates for his lack of offensive adventure, and his ability to nullify the threats posed by Premier League wingers like Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Salah. Additionally, Beesley acknowledges glimpses of Mykolenko’s offensive contributions, citing his goals against Brighton and Crystal Palace as enjoyable moments.
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