Talking Points Ahead of Leeds United vs. Everton Trastitulares
David Moyes’ Everton will kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Leeds United at Elland Road, a match fraught with potential talking points as the Toffees navigate a significant summer overhaul. The squad has been dramatically reshaped, with nearly a dozen players departing, while seven new additions have joined the ranks, including a loan deal for Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.
Despite Moyes’ expressed delight with the players secured, the club still faces key uncertainties heading into the season opener.
Right Winger Remains a Priority
A significant concern for Everton ahead of the game is the lack of a dedicated right winger. Despite heightened interest in several promising young talents – including Takefusa Kubo, Francisco Conceicao, Johan Bakayoko, Ben Doak, Abdul Fatawu, and notably Tyler Dibling – the Blues have failed to secure any of these deals. Moyes has experimented with Charly Alcaraz, Dwight McNeil, and Iliman Ndiaye in that role, but none have proven consistent solutions.
Players Still Battling Pre-Season Rust
Everton’s pre-season campaign was characterized by underwhelming results, with only a 2-1 victory over Port Vale behind closed doors during seven matches. Players struggled to shake off the effects of the summer break, exhibiting mistakes and lapses in concentration. Jake O’Brien, Mark Travers, and Nathan Patterson were all involved in costly errors during the Premier League Summer Series, while Iliman Ndiaye and Thierno Barry failed to replicate their scoring form in recent friendlies against AS Roma. The team must eliminate these errors before the competitive season begins.
Squad Update: Branthwaite Ruled Out, Mykolenko’s Availability Questionable
Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is set to miss the game due to an injury sustained in training. Moyes acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances, noting that such incidents “happen.” Branthwaite’s absence is compounded by prior absences during pre-season, including a niggle against Blackburn Rovers and a groin injury towards the end of last season.
Regarding the availability of other players who missed the friendly against Roma – Mykolenko, Armstrong, and Patterson – Moyes offered a cautious hope: “We may have.” Vitalii Mykolenko suffered a brief injury interruption during the Roma friendly, while Nathan Patterson has been battling hernia-like symptoms.
Jack Grealish: First Look at the New Star
The arrival of Manchester City’s Jack Grealish – one of six new signings – has generated considerable buzz around the club. When questioned about Grealish’s potential starting role, Moyes quipped, “He looks the same, big calves.” The manager acknowledged the need to assess the player’s readiness, stating, “You need to turn up and find out [whether he starts].” Whether Grealish can reignite his career following a period of inconsistency at City remains the central question for Everton fans.
A realistic assessment would be to target a draw at Elland Road. Facing a determined newly-promoted side, pressuring the Blues, the opening match presents a challenging test, one anticipated to begin Everton’s 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a 3-1 victory.
Fuente: https://onefootball.com/en/news/talking-points-ahead-of-leeds-united-vs-everton-41520205
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