As the 2024–25 Premier League season draws to a close, Everton stand out as one of the more compelling stories in English football. With a new manager at the helm, a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, and the club’s final campaign at Goodison Park, fans and pundits have closely scrutinised each player’s contribution on the pitch. Analysing Everton’s player ratings provides insight into who impressed, who struggled, and where the Toffees must improve heading into the new era.
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford Everton’s ever-reliable number one, Jordan Pickford, enjoyed another strong season. The England international started all 40 matches across competitions, conceding fewer goals than expected given the team’s defensive woes. He chipped in with a crucial assist, showing his sharp distribution skills. Pickford’s concentration and leadership were invaluable, particularly in high-pressure clashes. Most analysts placed Pickford among the club’s top performers, as reflected by his 83 rating in leading game analyses.
Defenders
James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite Central defence remained a source of relative strength, thanks largely to James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite. Tarkowski played 34 matches and was a leader at the back, combining aerial dominance with excellent reading of the game. Branthwaite contributed reliable performances in 32 appearances, reinforcing his reputation as one of the best young defenders in England.
Vitalii Mykolenko
Vitalii Mykolenko was a consistent presence at left-back, recording 37 appearances and chipping in with a goal and several assists. His defensive work and growing confidence going forward stood out, helping Everton remain competitive even when under pressure from top sides.
Ashley Young, Nathan Patterson, Michael Keane
Ashley Young brought veteran experience, appearing 36 times, and played both in defence and midfield when required. Patterson’s limited outings showed glimpses of promise, while Michael Keane played a useful supporting role but struggled for regular minutes. Across all full-backs, contributions fluctuated, with expert reviews highlighting the need for further depth and reliability in these wide positions.
Midfielders
Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucouré, James Garner Idrissa Gueye was a driving force, making 40 appearances and contributing in both defence and attack. He recorded three assists and maintained a high pass completion rate, helping Everton transition from end to end. Doucouré chipped in four goals from midfield, using his energy and physicality to great effect, and won two Player of the Match awards. James Garner, meanwhile, started 19 games and offered versatility, stepping in at full-back and central midfield as required.
Orel Mangala, Tim Iroegbunam, Carlos Alcaraz
New arrival Orel Mangala adapted well after joining, displaying solid work rate and providing balance in midfield throughout his 21 appearances. Tim Iroegbunam grew into the squad, while Carlos Alcaraz added depth and creative spark off the bench. Pundits viewed the midfield group as industrious but occasionally lacking incisive creativity in the final third.
Forwards
Iliman Ndiaye No player captured the imagination quite like Iliman Ndiaye. The versatile attacker scored 11 goals in 37 appearances, cementing himself as Everton’s main creative and finishing threat. With four assists and a series of match-winning displays, Ndiaye became a key figure under David Moyes, drawing praise for his movement and calmness under pressure. Analysts often placed him among the top-rated Toffees for the season.
Beto and Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Beto enjoyed a breakout campaign under Moyes, scoring ten goals in 34 matches. His improvement was particularly notable compared to the prior season, with experts crediting his renewed confidence and crucial goals in matches where Everton desperately needed a result. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, however, delivered only three goals across 26 matches. While still capable of big-game moments, his overall output fell short of expectations, and this was reflected in lower season ratings.
Dwight McNeil, Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindström
Dwight McNeil remained a consistent attacking presence, contributing five goals and six assists in 23 Premier League appearances. His work rate and crossing ability offered valuable width to Everton’s attacks. Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindström added depth, combining for critical assists and direct runs that unsettled opponents, although both lacked the consistency to secure regular starting roles.
Squad Depth and New Arrivals
The likes of Jake O’Brien, Nathan Patterson, Seamus Coleman, and Armando Broja featured sporadically, providing important squad depth but rarely featuring in end-of-season best XI discussions. After Everton’s mid-season struggles, manager David Moyes rotated his squad to maintain freshness, and the approach paid dividends by the campaign’s final third.
Tactical Shift and Managerial Impact
The managerial change proved decisive, as Sean Dyche’s struggles gave way to David Moyes’ more robust and structured approach. Moyes guided the team to 31 points from his 19 matches in charge—a performance level that had Everton looking more like a European contender than relegation battlers. This turnaround was crucial in securing Premier League safety, restoring hope among a loyal fanbase, and positively affecting player morale and ratings across the board.
Expert and Fan Verdict
British pundits commended Everton’s resilience amid ownership changes and off-field instability. Moyes’ pragmatic style suited the players and maximised their strengths. According to season reviews, the club’s improvements under Moyes provided “fresh hope” and set the stage for an exciting new era. Fans had a similarly optimistic outlook for next year, expressing confidence in the squad’s capacity to rise further with targeted additions in critical areas. The home crowd’s appreciation for veterans and young stars alike has reinforced the sense of community at Goodison Park, even as its doors prepare to close.
Conclusion
Everton’s 2024–25 season showcased individual brilliance, collective grit, and managerial acumen. Key players like Pickford, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Ndiaye, and Beto earned top marks for their performances and crucial moments throughout the campaign. Defensive organisation, attacking intent from wide areas, and renewed belief under David Moyes all contributed to a season that steadied the ship and inspired optimism for the club’s next chapter. With most experts and supporters backing this upward trend, Everton’s player ratings reflect a proud and promising foundation for the seasons ahead.
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