Dwight McNeil emerged as the standout player for Everton, securing their first Premier League victory of the season by turning the match around against Crystal Palace. McNeil netted both goals in the second half, further highlighting his impressive form in a redefined role.
Unlike his previous performances predominantly on the left wing, McNeil is now excelling as a No. 10. Everton manager Sean Dyche commented, “We discussed how to position him internally, and with Iliman Ndiaye performing well on the wing, it has allowed us to utilize Dwight’s talents more effectively.” Dyche emphasized the importance of enhancing the attacking game’s quality through better passing and positioning.
McNeil’s statistics have already matched or surpassed his goal tally from the previous season, including a strike in the Carabao Cup. Furthermore, his playmaking skills in this new position are remarkable, as he leads the Premier League in expected assists, outperforming notable players such as James Maddison and Bukayo Saka.
The approach to his creativity has shifted significantly. Previously seen mainly as a crosser, McNeil has now garnered the most through-balls in the league this season, demonstrating his versatility. His set-piece delivery remains a vital asset, and fans are eager to witness even greater contributions in favorable positions. Dyche believes, “He will continue to refine his role with more experience.”
Kulusevski’s Creativity Shines
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski showcased his creative prowess, succeeding even in the absence of Heung-Min Son during their impressive 3-0 victory over Manchester United. Kulusevski orchestrated several opportunities, highlighting his ability to adapt to various game situations.
His remarkable nine chances created set a record for a visiting player at Old Trafford, the highest in over two decades. With eight of those chances derived from open play, Kulusevski has overtaken Son in this season’s creative rankings.
When discussing Kulusevski’s synergy with James Maddison, Tottenham’s manager noted, “Their playstyle complements each other. Maddison excels in ball control, while Kulusevski’s movement creates opportunities.”
Gravenberch’s Remarkable Performance
Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch has transformed into a pivotal player, exhibiting exceptional ball-carrying skills and mobility in their recent 2-1 victory at Molineux. His dynamic play has consolidated Liverpool’s position at the top of the table.
Gravenberch has successfully bypassed 39 opponents with his dribbling this season, overshadowing all central midfielders apart from Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic. His mix of precise passing and aggressive defending has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
With a remarkable completion rate of 92% on 62 passes and leading Liverpool in interceptions, Gravenberch’s contributions have been vital. No other central midfielder in the Premier League has achieved over 30 interceptions, underscoring his importance to Liverpool’s title bid.
