Fewer touches than Pickford: Dyche must drop 5/10 Everton ace who’s becoming a problem – opinion

Everton’s performance in the current Premier League season has been notably dismal. Under the guidance of Sean Dyche, the team has suffered four consecutive defeats, conceding a troubling 13 goals while managing to score only four.

Their recent inability to secure a victory, even after a promising 2-0 lead, underscores a pattern of underperformance. In their latest fixture, despite taking the lead at Villa Park, Everton’s performance was marred by several individual shortcomings, most notably from veteran full-back Ashley Young, who has become a significant concern for the team.

To understand the broader context, it is essential to review Jordan Pickford’s performance. Pickford, despite being an established and reliable goalkeeper, faced a challenging game. He conceded three goals, which significantly impacts his individual rating. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that, while he made some vital saves, he was let down by his defense. In the recent 3-2 loss, the Liverpool Echo rated Pickford a 6/10, highlighting that although he made several key saves, he was not entirely responsible for the goals conceded. His statistics included four saves, a goals prevented figure of -0.64, two successful runs out, one punch, 42 touches, and a passing accuracy of 71%. Despite his efforts, these numbers reflect a goalkeeper who was not exceptional, though not entirely at fault for the scoreline.

In contrast, Ashley Young’s performance was considerably less favorable. The 39-year-old veteran, who has vast experience both defensively and offensively, has struggled throughout the season. His performance at Villa Park was notably underwhelming. Young’s statistics from the match reveal a player who was significantly outperformed. He made five clearances, three tackles, and won four of five ground duels, but his contribution was limited in other areas. With only 40 touches, he lost possession five times, had an expected assists figure of 0.01, and did not attempt a single cross or dribble. His passing accuracy was 83%, with only four of seven long balls completed.

Young’s performance was rated 5/10 by Chris Beesly of the Liverpool Echo, who noted that his return to Villa Park was marked by a difficult game where he was frequently targeted. Given his lackluster performance both defensively and offensively, it seems prudent for Dyche to consider dropping Young from the starting lineup.