Everton new boy Nikola Vlasic was part of the XI which went down to Atalanta.
Everton’s Europa League group stages campaign got off to the worst possible start last night.
The Toffees were beaten 3-0 away to Italian Serie A side Atalanta, a horror show of a performance from Ronald Koeman’s men.
One player who could leave the pitch with his head held high was new signing Nikola Vlasic.
Vlasic signed for Everton off the back of impressive performances against them in the qualifying stages for Hadjuk Split.
The Croatian under-21 international was not expected to make an immediate impression, and could not do so last night.
His lack of impact however was not down to a lack of effort, and he was one of the Everton players who really appeared to give it his all even down to the final whistle.
Vlasic played all 90 minutes, and managed to create two chances, a figure bettered by no other Toffees player.
He managed six more touches than record signing Gylfi Sigurdsson, and made more successful dribble (3) than any of his teammates.
Vlasic also did his bit defensively, making two interceptions and winning one tackle.
He has a lot more to do prove himself a big success, but his role in this uncomfortable defeat should not be allowed to scar his early Everton experience.
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