Everton Player ratings for August: Demarai Gray sparkles, DCL unstoppable
Michael Keane has had a shaky start to his 2021-22 Everton season
Defenders:
Michael Keane
Appearances – 4
Starts – 4
Minutes played – 360
Clean Sheets – 1
Goals/Assists – 0/0
Rating – 6
Michael Keane started his season in one of the most underwhelming fashion, being responsible for Everton conceding their first goal against Southampton. The Englishman did regulate his performances later but is still far away from being sound.
Keane also misjudged a pass that led to Leeds United’s equalizer at Elland Road, pointing out at work that still needs to be done by Rafa Benitez on Keane. The former Burnley man was consistent and trustworthy last season but since the start of this season, he has looked shaky.
There have been better performances against Brighton and Huddersfield, indicating that he’s losing the shackles of rustiness and getting back the lost rhythm. He has played four 90 minute games in a span of 14 days which needs to be appreciated as he continues to be a key member of the Everton rearguard.
Yerry Mina
Appearances – 2
Starts – 1
Minutes played – 97
Clean Sheets – 0
Goals/Assists – 0/0
Rating – 6
Earlier in the summer, there were reports that Rafa Benitez didn’t trust Yerry Mina and was open to selling him in order to bring a new leader in the backline. None of that happened as Mina stayed at the club and has featured in two games so far.
His aerial prowess will help Everton and it looks likely that Benitez will use him in games where the opposition are known to launch crosses in the box. In his only start so far, Mina looked jaded and out of sync against Leeds United, failing to handle the press on many occasions. He conceded the possession to Patrick Bamford couple of times near Everton’s goal area, giving a scare to the team and fans.
Benitez is still working out on the best centre back pairing having tried Keane-Mina and Keane-Mason Holgate. With Ben Godfrey also available, the Spaniard could deploy another new centre back pairing.
Mason Holgate
Appearances – 3
Starts – 3
Minutes played – 270
Clean Sheets – 1
Goals/Assists – 0/0
Rating – 6
Mason Holgate captained the side against Huddersfield and but was struggling to make much defensive impact. He also started the season opener where he and Keane were caught out positionally in the first half. Against Brighton, Holgate was impressive, driving the ball forward and making crucial tackles and blocks to keep the Seagulls’ attackers in check.
Holgate had an underwhelming campaign last season and this is his chance to gain back the support of the Everton faithful with brave and composed performances.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Appearances – 1
Starts – 1
Minutes played – 57
Clean Sheets – 1
Goals/Assists – 0/0
Rating – 6.5
Jarrad Branthwaite played as a right sided centre back in a back three in the Carabao Cup and once again showed why he is one of the best prospects for the future. Composed on the ball with sharp passing skills and impressive reading of the game. There’s a reason why Benitez didn’t send him out on loan. This could be a breakthrough season for Branthwaite.