The Toffees have stalled badly in recent weeks as their engine room continues to splutter.
Ronald Koeman’s public criticism of Ross Barkley may not have had the desired effect thus far but it has certainly taken some of the attention away from the struggles of his midfield partner. Not so long ago, James McCarthy looked like the Republic of Ireland’s next great enforcer, with his tenacity in and out of possession and underrated passing ability cementing his place as one of the Premier League’s most impressive middle men.
However, with the New Year approaching, many Everton fans have lost patience with both player and club, while rumours linking McCarthy with a January switch to Celtic (Herald Scotland) epitomise the declining importance of a player essential to both David Moyes and Roberto Martinez.
The 26-year-old was again ineffective in The Toffees 3-2 defeat to Watford and the stats betray a player who has regressed in almost every aspect of his game.
Formerly a reliable distributor in the centre of the park, McCarthy’s pass accuracy of 76 per cent is by far and away the worst of any of his four seasons at Goodison Park, dropping from 87 per cent in 2015/16.
Furthermore, his tally of tackles (2) and interceptions (1.4) per game have reached new lows with even his unheralded ability to drive forwards from deep disappearing in recent months. This season, McCarthy does not even average a single dribble per 90 minutes.
And that’s without mentioning the fact that his average passes per game have almost halved from last season while he is yet to provide a single defence splitting ball across the entirety of the campaign.
Yes, fitness issues may have blighted his start to the season but, nonetheless, his substandard form is indicative of a wider concern. Maybe Celtic, who the Herald Scotland claim are looking to make a loan move in January, should think twice before they attempt to slot him seamlessly into an in-form midfield.
All statistics gathered through WhoScored
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