Everton player ratings vs. Fleetwood Town: Richarlison breaks duck, Bernard exquisite

Everton's French Defender Niels Nkounkou (L) vies with Fleetwood Town's English midfielder Josh Morris during the English League Cup third round football match between Fleetwood Town and Everton at Highbury Stadium in Fleetwood, north west England, on September 23, 2020. (Photo by Dave Thompson / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DAVE THOMPSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton's French Defender Niels Nkounkou (L) vies with Fleetwood Town's English midfielder Josh Morris during the English League Cup third round football match between Fleetwood Town and Everton at Highbury Stadium in Fleetwood, north west England, on September 23, 2020. (Photo by Dave Thompson / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DAVE THOMPSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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Everton
Everton’s Brazilian striker Bernard scores his team’s fourth goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Fleetwood Town and Everton at Highbury Stadium in Fleetwood, north west England, on September 23, 2020. (Photo by Dave Thompson / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DAVE THOMPSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Bernard showed his creative masterclass throughout the game.

Fabian Delph (Defensive midfielder) 7

Played well in his first appearance since February. Great tackle in his box. He was mostly neat and tidy with his distribution until he was subbed off. He did get booked but settled down well after that. A solid return. He will provide needed depth as the season progresses.

Bernard (Central midfielder) 8

Bernard looks really at home in the middle of the park and is able to influence the game more in this role. His cross to set up the first Richarlison goal was exquisite. Bernard took his goal well with a powerful volley.

His goal put a stamp on the match when Fleetwood Town were looking to force their way back into it. Definitely would not be afraid to see him in the middle again. Surely, Bernard has moved ahead of Gylfi Sigurdsson in the central midfield tree.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (Central midfielder) 6

Once again didn’t do anything wrong, but didn’t do anything exciting. Almost seems if he was going through the motions. He has amazing talent, but doesn’t always seem bothered. I was expecting more from him after a good performance against Salford City.

He remains Everton’s most expensive buy and really hasn’t lived up to it. It’s almost depressing to see him fail to influence the match, especially with his ability.