Three players who boosted their Everton prospects in EFL Cup thumping

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Everton’s flying start to the season continued with a 5-2 thrashing of Fleetwood last night.

It’s not often a side wins back-to-back games 5-2 but that’s a mark of how well the Toffees are attacking right now.

That’s the case even when Carlo Ancelotti makes changes like he did last night.

Perhaps the two mistakes by Jordan Pickford will concern Ancelotti, but we’ve also picked out three players who proved their quality to the Italian last night.

Niels Nkounkou

When Nkounkou was brought in this summer from Marseille, he could easily have been one for the future.

But with Leighton Baines retiring, there is a spot free for a backup left back in Ancelotti’s squad, and the youngster seems intent on filling it.

He backed up a classy display against Salford with another performance of attacking intent here.

Combined with Jonjoe Kenny on the other side, it seems as if Everton have two promising full backs capable of deputising on either flank right now.

Alex Iwobi

Iwobi wasn’t involved against Salford, sparking discussion about his Everton prospects.

He was handed a start last night and swapped wings expertly with Richarlison, causing constant menace.

Iwobi got his goal just after half time, which was deserved reward for a bright performance.

With James Rodriguez shining, it’s important for backup wingers like Iwobi to shine when they get the chance. He did exactly that last night.

Bernard

James Rodriguez was given the night off and it was Brazilian Bernard who took over the mantle of creator-in-chief.

He also got himself on the scoresheet with a rasping shot from range, after an evening spent floating between the lines, causing confusion in the home ranks.

There doesn’t look to be space for Bernard and Rodriguez in the same side, so Bernard will likely need to be content with making the most of opportunities like this.

He offered a reminder of his quality last night.