James Rodriguez has become the talisman of Everton in not time.
Forwards:
James Rodriguez: 9
I am running out of words and phrases to describe the magnetic impact James Rodriguez ahs had on Everton. He has completely changed the face of this side and quite literally guided them to the top. All the doubters who said that the English Premier League is too physical for James Rodriguez to survive have been left speechless.
On a cold, wet afternoon (not in Stoke), James Rodriguez bent destiny to his own will, dictating the play and showing his tidy passing and playmaking. James Rodriguez scored two exemplary goals and continued his springboard to stardom in England.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 7.5
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the best striker in the Premier League right now. Period. DCL opened the goal-scoring via a header, rising above the Seagulls defence and converting a Sigurdsson corner. The No.9 now has 9 goals in 5 games and seems to be unstoppable at the moment.
There’s more to his game than just goalscoring. His work off the ball has enhanced compared to last season along with his ability to combine and mix it up with the attackers up front. It was a silent game for him afterwards and couldn’t really test Ryan but always made those runs and created space for others, keeping the Brighton and Hove Albion defence on their toes.
Richarlison: 6
It was a race against the clock to get him ready and he did pass a late fitness test to feature in the starting lineup. Richarlison once again was lively on the left flank until the Brazilian express was halted by Tariq Lamptey which may have further aggravated his ankle injury. Ancelotti took him off immediately and with Merseyside Derby looming over our heads, it was best not to risk him.