Everton enter the World Cup break just a point above the Premier League relegation zone. Some players like Anthony Gordon falling in our Power Rankings has not helped their form.
But regularly impressive performances by Jordan Pickford have helped boss Frank Lampard keep the Toffees’ nose ahead. Now, the goalkeeper heads to Qatar hoping to help England secure only their second World Cup title. The 28-year-old is also Gareth Southgate’s No.1.
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Gordon topped our Power Rankings during the last international break in September after a strong start to the season for Everton. But the winger has struggled in recent weeks and fell out of Lampard’s starting line-up. The 21-year-old has also only scored once since August.
Everton have played eight Premier League games since the September internationals with Gordon playing in seven but only starting four. During that time, Lampard’s team have only taken two wins and one draw. Only Southampton (5) and Wolves (4) took fewer points (7).
Now, Everton rank 17th after 15 games with 14 points from three wins and five draws. The Goodison Park club are just one point better off than Nottingham Forest in 18th, two clear of Southampton and sit four points from Wolves at the bottom of the pack at mid-season.
Scoring goals has become a particular cause of concern for Lampard, having only struck the net 11 times so far. Only Wolves – who have sacked Bruno Lage and brought in Julen Lopetegui – have scored fewer goals than Everton and Nottingham Forest (11) with eight.
So, as the Premier League hits pause for the 2022 World Cup, HITC Football takes a look at the mid-season Power Rankings at Everton with Pickford now eclipsing Gordon at the top…
1. Jordan Pickford (+1): England’s No.1 goes top of our Everton Power Rankings
Pickford has moved to the top of our Everton Power Rankings at mid-season after proving pivotal to too many matches. Lampard has had to rely on his shot-stopper to stand firm far too often, with his great saves ensuring the Toffees do not reside inside the bottom three.
Only Brentford’s David Raya (64) has made more saves so far this season than the Toffees’ 28-year-old (60), per SofaScore. Pickford has also made the most saves in the top-flight for shots from inside the box (45). Even when rarely tested, he has often come to their rescue.
2. Alex Iwobi (+1): Everton’s engine now goes second in our Power Rankings
Alek Iwobi has been a shining light of what is becoming a gloomy season for Everton with his performances from midfield. His energy in centralised areas has powered the Toffees’ efforts in many of their matches. The Nigerian also leads his teammates with five assists.
No other Everton player has created more than one goal through the opening months of the Premier League season. Iwobi has also delivered defensively in multiple games when he is not inspiring Lampard’s squad. He also scored during their 2-1 loss to Manchester United.
3. Amadou Onana (+4): The Belgian has shot up our Everton Power Rankings
Amadou Onana ranked seventh in our Power Rankings during the September international break following a promising start to his career for Everton. The £33m summer signing from LOSC Lille has now shot into third after a host of important interceptions and silky touches.
But if Onana is to retain a high ranking following his efforts at the World Cup with Belgium, he will want Lampard to revert his role to a defensive area. The midfielder struggled in his last appearances before the latest international break while holding a more advanced role.
4. Conor Coady (+/-0): The on-loan Wolves star has shone brightly at Goodison
Conor Coady has stayed fourth in our Everton Power Rankings having shone brightly since moving from Wolves on loan. His vocal presence instantly added greater leadership at the back. He has also provided a sense of calmness amid calamity and some superb long balls.
5. James Tarkowski (+1): Lampard’s summer freebie has moved up one spot
Lampard’s summer freebie, James Tarkowski, has moved up a spot in our Everton Power Rankings. The centre-back barely put a foot wrong through his first appearances in royal blue and has continued to deliver commanding performances in some physical meetings.
6. Seamus Coleman (NEW): Everton’s captain breaks into our Power Rankings
Seamus Coleman did not rank in the top 10 of our Everton Power Rankings during the last international break having not played a game. But he now ranks sixth after stepping in for Nathan Patterson after the Scotland international sustained an ankle injury in September.
Lampard returned the captain’s armband to Coleman in line with his recall, as well. Since then, the 34-year-old has mostly played like he was never out of the side. Even when the Republic of Ireland ace has faced a tricky opponent, he has regularly led through example.
7. Anthony Gordon (-6): Lampard needs to get the winger back to his best
Lampard will know he needs to get Gordon back to his best after a difficult few weeks for the winger. Having topped our Power Rankings at the last international break, the 21-year-old has fallen to seventh after some frustrating, inauspicious performances in their attack.
8. Vitaly Mykolenko (+/-0): The Ukraine defender is unmoved after 15 games
Vitaly Mykolenko is unmoved in eighth place having offered consistent performances over his 15 appearances. The Ukraine defender has started each of the Toffees’ Premier League games this season. His defensive work has often been solid after a few shaky afternoons.
9. Nathan Patterson (-4): The Scot suffered an injury just as he found his feet
Patterson’s injury was a cruel blow for the Scot having just started to find his footing with Everton. The £16m signing from Rangers struggled after his switch in January. But his pace and commitment at both ends showed why the Toffees backed Rafa Benitez in the market.
10. Demarai Gray (+/-0): The winger is still lacking consistency in his output
Demarai Gray clings on to the final spot in our Everton Power Rankings. But while the 26-year-old still makes the list, the winger is still lacking the consistency in his output to climb up the order. If Gray can add the composure he had last term, his pace can be devastating.
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