Game used for reference: Leeds 6-0 Stoke City, 2024-2025 EFL Championship, Round 44
Hello Toffees! The season is finally here, and unlike previous campaigns, there’s excitement in the air, as it isn’t preposterous to say that Everton could make a run for an European spot, even if it’s unlikely. Their first test will come against Leeds United, who clinched direct promotion from the EFL Championship after finishing in first place.
Leeds in the Championship had a very clear idea when it came to their style of play. When building up from the back, they put two defenders next to the goalie and pushed their fullbacks up high. In the midfield, a double pivot would form, dropping deeper to receive passes.
Once they reach the middle part of the pitch, Leeds increase their intensity. Their midfield transitions into a more vertical role, pushing the ball forward and forcing opponents to mark them, leaving space open on the wings. The moment they lose the ball, they press instantly, forcing opponents into mistakes.
The Premier League is another level, however, and most people would say that Everton have a better squad, even though center back Jarrad Branthwaite will miss the match with a hamstring injury. Leeds won’t be as aggressive in the Premier League, since they themselves could be caught off balance in transition by superior sides.
Iliman Ndiaye, Beto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall should be able to press Leeds and pin them down, forcing them to launch balls forward, giving Everton a real opportunity to control possession. Fans should expect KDH and Jack Grealish (if he’s available) to be focal points in the middle of the pitch.
It’ll be interesting to see who will start as the striker for Everton. Both Beto and Thierno Barry saw a good amount of minutes in preseason. While Beto’s a bit more defined, Barry has a much higher ceiling. Whoever Moyes picks for this first match will have the ability to put on a show and prove that they deserve to be the starter.
Speaking of strikers, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has signed with Leeds, which could set up an interesting reunion between the Toffees and their long-time man up front.