After what happened against Newcastle United, Sean Dyche has a big Ashley Young decision to make at Everton.
Ashley Young, 38, was one of Everton’s standout performers in a 3-0 win over Newcastle United on Thursday night.
With Seamus Coleman returning from injury, Young’s usual right-back spot was occupied, forcing the defender to play further forward, a position he used to play.
Young and Coleman formed an excellent right-side partnership against Anthony Gordon and the occasional Valentino Livramento burst of speed. Sean Dyche had a stroke of genius.
While former Toffees winger Gordon poses one challenge, the prospect of facing Raheem Sterling or Mykhaylo Mudryk when Everton face Chelsea on Saturday presents a completely different challenge.
Young’s energy was contagious against the Magpies, inspiring his teammates to give it their all until the final whistle. Even though he was nearly 40 years old, the player was all over the pitch and was crucial to Everton’s victory.
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Although he was fortunate not to receive a yellow card for four fouls committed during the 90-minute period, the makeshift winger won 100% of his tackles (5/5) – the most of anyone on the field – and six ground duels.
He was also a threat on the attacking end of the field, with two shots and two chances created. It would be easy to get carried away with the praise for Dwight McNeil and Abdoulaye Doucoure, especially given their respective goals, but Young still managed to shine through.
Despite a potential injury to captain Coleman, Nathan Patterson is ready to step in and allow Young to continue playing in his advanced position against Chelsea.
Of course, it would be foolish to overuse a tactic simply because it worked in the previous match. However, against Chelsea, it could tip the scales in Everton’s favor.
