Draw at Leeds perfectly shows Everton strengths and weaknesses

Yesterday Everton played out a pulsating 2-2 draw at Leeds United in a game that showed the current team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Confidence was high after a good opening day result by Everton against Southmpton but this was always likely to be a difficult match away against a fired up and determined Leeds side.

Going into the game at Elland Road the Blues had a few questions over the continuing absence of several players and a selection decision at centre-back.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin had missed some training after his toe injury and there was uncertainty there, however in the end he played and scored again.

The only player apparently under consideration who hadn’t featured on the opening day was want-away striker Moise Kean although in the end we didn’t see him against Leeds until right at the end of the match.

James Rodriguez was still sitting at home isolating and apparently unaware of who his team-mates were playing on Saturday while Ben Godfrey also continues to be unavailable.

Given the lack of quality and strength in depth of his squad, these are absences that Benitez and Everton cannot really afford.

Despite his costly mistake against Southampton Rafa Benitez decided to continue with Micheal Keane at centre-back but this time alongside Yerry Mina. It was a decision that would come back to haunt the Toffees again.