Everton: Player ratings from 2-2 draw with Apollon Limassol

We break down the individual performances of the Everton team, as they have victory snatched away from them by Apollon Limassol.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman recently described the pressure he and his colleagues are under, as “ridiculous”. He essentially referenced how just one result could affect the way they were perceived by the media and fans alike.

Thursday’s game against Apollon Limassol offered a prime example of this. If the Blues had won, it would have represented their third consecutive win in all competitions and everything would be fine. (As the saying goes, winning cures all ills.)

However, as a result of conceding a late equalizer, it opened Koeman and the team to more criticism. It doesn’t help that Everton became the first English team to pick up just one point from their opening two Europa League group stage games.

Further, Apollon are notorious for being extremely poor on their travels in Europe. The 2-2 draw represented just the fourth time they have avoided defeat in 23 away games.

And of course, the fact the late equalizer came so soon after the visitors went down to 10 men, only enhances the pressure Everton must now be feeling. In fairness, they probably deserved to win, but unfortunately for them, this was not reflected in the final score.

Perhaps the most interesting moment from the evening, came afterwards. During his post-match press conference, Koeman admitted the team is lacking confidence.

This is telling, given that the manager has a significant role to play in this aspect. As reported by BBC Sport‘s Shamoon Hafez, he said:

"“The feeling is a defeat today, not even a draw. It is really disappointing. We started poorly without any confidence and making a lot of mistakes, but we had a good reaction.“The second half was much better, we controlled the game and had big chances to score a third. It is football and sometimes when you are struggling maybe we are too afraid to play football. That is difficult when your body is not full of confidence.“I cannot say they are not running or fighting, but they are scared to play forward. A win today makes it different.”"

We now wait to see how the team responds on Sunday, when they face Burnley. For now though, let’s take a look at the players’ individual ratings:

Jordan Pickford (6.5/10)

The final score is somewhat of an unfair reflection on Pickford, who could do little about either goal, but was very close to keeping out the first with a wonder save. Regardless, he just didn’t display the same aura of calm and confidence we’ve become used to.

Leighton Baines (7)

Seriously, we have nothing new to add for Baines. A typical, consistent, high energy performance up and down the pitch from Everton’s Mr. Reliable.

Ashley Williams (5.5)

Not his best performance, obviously highlighted by his mistake for the opening goal of the game. Needs to prove more reliable and live up to his experience, especially while Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka are absent.

Mason Holgate (6.5)

Still had occasions which made you realise how young he is. Overall though, he improved on his previous performance on Saturday, against Bournemouth.

Jonjoe Kenny (6)

Deservedly got the start over Cuco Martina and had his moments, although at times he almost seemed in awe of the European stage. However, he still did enough to earn more opportunities moving forward.

Idrissa Gueye (7)

One of the Blues’ better performers on the night, and regardless of Koeman’s need to change things up at half time, Gueye didn’t deserve to be substituted. It is telling that he managed as many tackles in 45 minutes, as the majority of his teammates recorded in double the time.

Tom Davies (6)

After all his recent impressive displays, Davies was given a well-deserved opportunity to start. In that respect, there is a certain irony that his performance on Thursday night was not up to par, with him being replaced by the man he had replaced.

Morgan Schneiderlin (6.5)

Could be accused of being too conservative at times, perhaps best exemplifying Koeman’s point about a lack of confidence within the side. However, you can also at least partly blame this on the formation and tactics, with him becoming more “adventurous” after the break.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (6.5)

Seemed to be galvanized by our article asking when we would see him return to form. We’re joking of course, but Sigurdsson did take a step in the right direction, claiming his first assist of the season and looking a lot more positive and dangerous, especially after the break.

Sandro Ramirez (5.5)

Like some of the other recent arrivals, Ramirez is still struggling to get going and this was the case again against Apollon. Is putting a lot of effort in, but he needs to start actually scoring goals soon. (Again though, we appreciate the formation and tactics have played at least some part in his scoring drought.)

Wayne Rooney (6)

Will Koeman ever give this guy a break? Is he trying to make a point, after the recent speculation that Colleen wanted her husband to take some time off from playing? Was in the right place at the right time to score and he put in a typically energetic performance, but he wasn’t quite at his usual level and in reality, does need a break.

Substitutes:

Nikola Vlasic (8)

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(Came on for Gueye on 45 minutes.) As we said, we wouldn’t have brought Gueye off, but there’s no denying how well Vlasic did in the second half. Offered the pace which is so often missing in this team and highlighted an excellent performance with his first goal in an Everton shirt.

Davy Klaassen (7)

(Came on for Davies on 67 minutes.) After struggling to start his Everton career, beginning the game on the bench was probably wise for everyone concerned. It may have also provided him with a good kick up the backside, as he looked good when he replaced the man who had replaced him.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (6.5)

(Came on for Ramirez on 67 minutes.) We would have started Calvert-Lewin ahead of Ramirez, taking into account their respective performances of late. Did well when he eventually came on and was unlucky not to score a dramatic late winner.

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Game Stats:

62.2%-37.8% possession in favour of Everton
18-10 shots in favour of Everton
8-3 shots on target in favour of Everton
82.9%-71.7% pass completion in favour of Everton
5-2 corners in favour of Apollon
2-1 offsides in favour of Everton
15-15 fouls

Next: When will we see the real Gylfi Sigurdsson?

Over to you. What were your player ratings for the game on Thursday night? Who was your man of the match? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.