'Rude Awakening' - Chris Beesley shares selection issue that's up for debate at Everton

Chris Beasley believes Everton’s best midfield partnership is still up for debate after a “rude awakening” against Fulham.

Idrissa Gana Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure were the partnership for Everton’s 1-1 draw with Fulham on Saturday (26 October) in a decision that didn’t always pay off for Sean Dyche, who saw his team split open on far too many occasions.

Beasley admitted that much of Everton’s starting lineup picks itself at the moment but the midfield is something that could be up for debate.

In his analysis of the game for the Liverpool Echo (27 October), Beasley said: “Talking of swift changes, having looked perfectly balanced in the engine room against Ipswich Town, the Idrissa Gueye-Abdoulaye Doucoure partnership that had dovetailed so effectively at Portman Road, received a rude awakening here against Fulham’s pass masters.

“The visitors’ goal was a case in point as a purposeful runner with a dash of quality like Emile Smith Rowe was able to cut his way through the Blues’ midfield like a knife through butter.

“For all that large elements of this team still pick themselves, striking the right balance in the centre of the park remains one of those areas which remains up for debate.”

James Garner is a huge miss for Everton

James Garner was absent from Everton’s previous two fixtures with injury and his presence has been missed for multiple reasons.

While he offers crucial depth in multiple positions, he is arguably the best midfielder at Everton and will be crucial to any success Dyche’s side can achieve.

With the injuries to Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman as of late, Garner found himself occupying the right-back position although his best attributes are showcased in the centre of the pitch where he can get on the ball and dictate play.

Garner was a crucial component of Dyche’s squad last season, featuring in all but one of their 38 Premier League fixtures and there is no doubt he holds a similar importance this year.

For Everton’s sake, hopes will be that his injury isn’t too serious and he can return to action sooner rather than later and cement his place in the starting 11.

In his absence, Orel Mangala could be next in line to start in Everton’s midfield as they look to address the issue that occurred against Fulham.

In other Everton news, Beto has one eye on taking Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s space in the Everton team after he “hyped up” the fans off the bench against Fulham on Saturday, according to Theo Walcott.

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