Everton: Player ratings from 3-0 loss versus Atalanta

We rate every Everton player’s performance on a disastrous evening in Italy, where they lost their first Europa League group stage game.

After losing 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur with a lethargic, uninspired effort, the last thing you would have expected was a repeat performance against Atalanta. Unfortunately for Everton fans, that’s essentially what they got from their team.

Okay, things didn’t start out too badly, with Wayne Rooney almost giving the visitors the lead courtesy of a delightful chip. However, things started to go wrong, when Atalanta took the lead just before the half hour mark.

In the space of 17 minutes, the game was effectively over, as the hosts struck twice more and took a 3-0 lead into the break. The second half was pretty much a case of both sides going through the motions, as Atalanta beat Everton 3-0.

With a third consecutive loss, panic is now starting to settle in among Evertonians. A season which started with genuine optimism, is fast turning sour, even at this early stage.

As such, fans are already beginning to turn on Ronald Koeman. In fairness, as reported by BBC Sport‘s Kal Sajad, the Everton manager acknowledged his part in the defeat:

"“I asked myself questions on what I was doing wrong against Tottenham, because it’s not how I like to see my team,” said Koeman. “…This is not the time or place to criticise players, I need to criticise myself because the team was not prepared for this tonight.”"

Suddenly, Sunday’s clash against Manchester United looks ominous, although we’ll talk more about that in the coming days. For now, let’s give our player evaluations and ratings from a nightmare evening in the Europa League.

Maarten Stekelenburg (6/10)

Given a surprise start, Stekelenburg got little support from the defence. Made some decent saves and could do nothing about any of the three goals the Blues conceded.

Leighton Baines (6)

Was arguably the best of a bad bunch in defence. Was forced to exert himself against Hans Hateboer, but did well for the most part.

Michael Keane (5)

Actually wasn’t too bad, as evidenced by some timely blocks. Regardless, he’s played better and must accept the part he played in the team allowing three goals.

Phil Jagielka (3)

Tough — verging on guilt — to criticise the captain, but it’s more than deserved. Despite being brought in to provide fresh legs, he had a nightmare in one of his worst ever outings wearing an Everton shirt.

Mason Holgate (4)

A tough evening for Holgate, who started ahead of Cuco Martina. Could well have played himself out of the starting XI at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Nikola Vlasic (5)

A tough first start for Vlasic. Did little to impact the game, although we’re not going to hold this against him.

Morgan Schneiderlin (3)

Along with Jagielka, this was the most shocking performance of the night from a player who we’re used to seeing so much better from. Epitomised everything which went wrong for the Blues, with his sloppy play and general lack of concentration.

Mo Besic (4)

This was an ideal opportunity for Besic to convince Koeman he is worthy of more playing time. He failed.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (4)

This is the type of game where Sigurdsson needed to step up and show why Everton paid big money for him. Little impact and had his evening summed up by being booked.

Wayne Rooney (6)

As always, gave his all and was one of the better Everton players on the night, not that this is saying much. Had the visitors’ best chance, tracked back well and was only brought off, due to a certain game taking place this weekend.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (5)

Nothing wrong with the energy and enthusiasm displayed by the youngster. Unfortunately he just had one of those nights, where nothing he tried came off.

Substitutes:

Davy Klaassen (5)