A great show against Hajduk Split got Everton into the Europa League campaign and their first test from the group stages would be a resurgent Atlanta of Italy. Koeman named a very competitive squad but Everton were absolutely given a thrashing. Stekelenburg and the woeful defence conceded three by half time and were lucky not to concede further. Here’s how the Evertonians have been rated after an embarassing defeat:-
GK: Maarten Stekelenburg – 3/10
Had a nightmare in front of goal today and he made a few saves to keep the loss at three.
RB: Mason Holgate – 2.5/10
Started the game sweetly with notable well-timed challenges but grew dismal as the game went on. Neither did he get near his winger or contribute anything to the attack.
CB: Phil Jagielka – 2/10
Looked extremely rusty and left spaces in between with Keane for Atlanta to attack as well. Should have organised the defence way better as a senior player. Unacceptable!
CB: Michael Keane – 3.5/10
Getting the blocks on to shots bravely and his control on the ball were the only positives otherwise the whole defence was in shambles.
LB: Leighton Baines – 3/10
Hateboer gave him a tough ride all evening and the only thing he contributed in was some simple passing.
CDM: Mohamed Basic – 3/10
He did well with the ball and ran well with it at times but defensively he was largely ineffective as well. Failed to track runs and make accurate challenges.
CDM: Morgan Schneiderlin – 3.5/10
Morgan looked decent when he had to make one on one challenges or get the ball back but there is nothing a man do when an entire system is failing at the back. There’s a lot to be expected from him and one would only hope he steps up.
RM: Nikola Vlasic – 3/10
Got the ball on a few occasions but Everton were completely wasteful overall in possession. Vlasic needs to show more as Everton desperately need good wing play.
CAM: Wayne Rooney – 5/10
Thought he looked the only decent player on the pitch trying to do something. His passes were neat and he tracked back several times for his side as well.
LM: Gylfi Sigurdsson – 3/10
Hasn’t shown even a glimpse as to why Everton spent lavishly on him. Really wasted in the left region first of all by Koeman and secondly, he was atrocious. Couldn’t make incisive passes or generate interplay. Only his deliveries looked sweet.
FW: Dominic Calvert Lewin – 4/10
Good on the counter but disappointing with the end product.
Substitutions:-
CM: Davy Klassen – 3.5/10
Showed a bit of energy but it was too little too late.
FW: Sandro Ramirez – 3/10
Ran around a bit but again nothing really useful.
FW: Kevin Mirallas – 3/10
Came on with a quarter of the game left but failed to make an impact.
