Having rewatched the game I think Cherki and especially Gvardiol deserve lower ratings, 6.5 each. O'Reilly deserves an even higher rating than Nunes, so I switched their ratings. Think Bernardo and Donnarumma deserved slightly higher ratings too.
Donnarumma 7.5
Nunes 9
Dias 8.5
Gvardiol 6.5...
We were brilliant to a man today but Doku was special. Shout out to Nunes and O’Reilly too who were absolutely brilliant.
Donnarumma 7
Nunes 9.5
Dias 8.5
Gvardiol 8
O’Reilly 9
Nico 8.5
Bernardo 7.5
Foden 8
Cherki 7
Doku 10
Haaland 8
Only just turned 16 a week or so ago, youngest player in the US squad. That said, I can’t speak on his fitness but I would expect him to be starting most of the remaining games the US have.
So far:
2 games (1 start)
2 goals
1 assist
He's always been good, he was easily the best championship player IMO when he was at Sheffield United, and was Everton's best of a bad bunch last season. This season he has gone up a level but I think he's a top player - not a flash in the pan.
If he continues scoring at the rate he has so far this season, and plays 50 games, he'll end the season on 189 goals - comfortably 2nd in our all time charts.
This would be what I'd be looking at
A world class right winger
A top quality midfielder for strength in depth
A reliable rotation option at right back
Possibly a centre back, but only if both Aké and Stones leave this summer
Nico Gonzalez for me. Turning into an absolute star in the Rodri role.
Haaland, Cherki, Nunes and O'Reilly all excellent too. Could easily have given it to any of them. Foden and Gvardiol solid performances as well.
Donnarumma 4 (maybe a little harsh but had very little to do and made a...
List of iconic retired strikers that Haaland has already overtaken in terms of career goals. Just the 12 Ballon d'Ors between them.
347 - Erling Haaland
343 - Alessandro Del Piero
335 - Hristo Stoichkov
333 - Denis Law
333 - Ian Wright
331 - Gary Lineker
329 - Miroslav Klose
329 - Dimitar...
I don't hate the idea of Cherki on the right as long as Nunes is playing RB and providing width so Cherki can drift inside.
If we play Khusanov there, then I 100% don't want Cherki wasting hugging the touchline - nor do I want Khusanov finding himself in right winger territory.
Honestly no...
He gets back and wins the ball. He gets around the pitch. Okay he is not physical but his ball recoveries are the highest of our midfield options bar Nico and Rodri. He covers more ground than anyone else in the league. Swapping Foden for Cherki will be more defensively damaging than swapping...