Dewsbury-Hall dazzles, Iliman Ndiaye invisible – Everton player ratings v AS Roma
David Moyes learned much more about his new squad as Everton prepared for the new season with a friendly against AS Roma.
Despite a host of chances for Thierno Barry, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iliman Ndiaye, the Toffees could not break the deadlock, and it was Roma’s Matias Soule who finally found the back of the net.
It was an interesting clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, 9 August, with The Friedkin Group‘s other club travelling to England before the 2025/26 campaign kicks off.
Moyes will be hoping for a much better display once the Premier League starts, with the Toffees travelling to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Monday, 18 August.
Everton defence unlocked by Roma
Jordan Pickford – 7
Continues to perform week in, week out for Everton, becoming one of the most consistent players in the squad in recent seasons.
Jake O’Brien – 6
While he continues to play out of position, he keeps proving Moyes right that he can deputise at full-back. Potentially not a long-term fix, but a good short-term one.
James Tarkowski – 7
Another astute defensive display from the veteran, who spent much of the last four months on the sideline with an injury.
Jarrad Branthwaite (Off for Keane 79′) – 7
Back alongside his favourite centre-back partner, the 23-year-old looked to be enjoying his football again, but could not keep the Serie A giants out.
Idrissa Gueye leads the way in Everton midfield
Vitaliy Mykolenko (Off for Aznou 12′) – N/A
Taken off injured after just 12 minutes at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Unfortunate, but not all that surprising.
Idrissa Gueye (Off for Iroegbunam 62′) – 8
Always a good example to follow for the Toffees. Rarely puts a foot wrong and deserves his new contract.
James Garner – 6
Always put a shift in when placed in the centre of midfield. Had a half-chance late on in the game, but could not keep his shot down.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Off for McNeil 61′) – 9 – Player of the Match
Exciting start. Made some bright runs into the final third, creating two big chances and another two normal chances. Could be key for the Toffees’ creativity next term.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who?
Carlos Alcaraz (Off for Chermiti 81′) – 4
Continued to get stuck into challenges, but he offered very little in the final third, which will be worrying for Moyes ahead of the new season.
Iliman Ndiaye – 3
A very quiet performance from the star winger, who racked up nine goals in the Premier League last season.
Thierno Barry (Off for Beto 61′) – 7
While he wasted a couple of good chances, it was a far more positive performance than that of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who could now sign for Newcastle United.
Substitutes
Adam Aznou (On for Mykolenko 12′, Off for Coleman 80′) – 6
Just trying to settle into the lineup. Never stupid from the new signing, but also nothing to set the game alight.
Beto (On for Barry 61′) – 4
Struggled to make any impact during his 30 minutes on the pitch. Threw his weight around but could not get involved enough.
Tim Iroegbunam (On for Gueye 61′) – 7
Looked very bright, making some intelligent runs against tired legs and creating some much-needed chances.
Dwight McNeil (On for Dewsbury-Hall 61′) – 8
Despite being on the pitch for just half an hour, he created more than most of his teammates, though that will not be a surprise. Hopefully, he can remain fit for the season.
Michael Keane (On for Branthwaite 79′) – 6
Very little to talk about. Accurate in his passing, but with Roma sitting back, there was not very much for the defender to do.
Youssef Chermiti (On for Alcaraz 81′) – 4
Failed to get involved. It is clear why supporters are frustrated with the youngster, who has barely made an impact since his arrival.
Seamus Coleman (On for Aznou 80′) – 5
Thrown into the game out of position, the 36-year-old struggled to get up to speed with play.