Everton player ratings from Bolton clash as 8/10 star shows encouraging display

Joe Thomas was in attendance and here's how he rated the players.

Mark Travers (off at HT) 6

Rarely tested but held his concentration to tip over from a well-hit long range effort midway through the first half.

Merlin Rohl (off on 70) 7

Pushed forward well from right wing back and was content to carry the ball and use his pace to exploit the space ahead of him. His end product was not always the best but he did slide a lovely cross that was finished by Barry only for the goal to be ruled offside. Was combative when he moved to central midfield in the second half and forced Jack Bonham into a good save.

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Jake O’Brien (off 80) 6

His pace was a useful asset to help cover the space left behind Merlin Rohl when he pushed forward. Started the second half at full back and pushed forward when possible but will hope his days in that position will soon be over. A good header denied Charlie Warren at the back post in the second half.

James Tarkowski (off 80) 6

Change of formation played into his hands before the reversion to a back four at half-time, giving him the pace of Jarrad Branthwaite and Jake O’Brien as protection to push up the pitch without jeopardy and the space to play a quarterback role on the ball.

Jarrad Branthwaite (off at HT) 6

Made a big tackle on Xavier Simons when Bolton tried to exploit space left by Adam Aznou as he pushed forward. His pace helped to cover the gaps left by Aznou well and his composure on the ball and willingness to step into midfield were both reminders of what he brings to a team that sorely missed him for most of last season.

Adam Aznou (off at HT) 7

A good contribution at left wing back. Happy to receive the ball and eager to drive at opposition players. Played a good ball in for Thierno Barry’s feet 12 yards out. The forward went down under pressure from a defender but the intent was positive.

Linked up well with Barry on several occasions, including to deliver another dangerous cross that also went unconverted.

Harrison Armstrong (off at HT) 7

Should have had an assist from the final act of the first half when he kept his cool to hold onto the ball until he could find the run of Thierno Barry, who had played him beyond the last man. Barry fired too close to the keeper but it was a lovely passage of play involving the teenager, who was composed in both halves.

Tim Iroegbunam (off on 70) 6

A useful firefighter as Everton pushed on but his distribution was not always the best.

Carlos Alcaraz (off at HT) 5

Struggled to get into the game in an unfamiliar position.

Dwight McNeil (off 80) 7

The value of his left foot was made clear with a number of teasing crosses into the box, the best of which was met well by Barry, who headed narrowly wide. Rohl’s overlapping runs allowed him the freedom to cut inside from the right onto his favoured left foot, which he did use as a weapon in this match. Ended the match in central midfield with Harvey Foster.

Thierno Barry 8 (off after 50)

A willing runner who tried hard to be a focal point up top. Chased balls into the channels and rose well to head just wide from a sumptuous Dwight McNeil cross that ended a move Barry had helped to create. Had the ball in the net minutes later after sliding in to meet Merlin Rohl’s low cross only for the goal to be ruled offside. Had done well to get in front of his man though and, while he should have converted from Harrison Armstrong’s assist, this was a performance that offered promise.

Tom King (on at HT) 7

Called into action early to react well and push over a Sam Daulby header that was dropping under the bar. Patrolled his area well and had to push a deflected effort wide in a half that was busier than he would have expected.

Vitalii Mykolenko (on at HT) 7

Pushed forward when he could and won a corner after overlapping Tyrique George. Also played a nice ball over the top to send Beto through, only for the forward to lose control before firing his effort high and wide. Made an important sliding challenge when John McAtee looked set to get behind the Everton defence.

Michael Keane (on at HT) 6

Lost Sam Daulby in the box for his early second half chance but recovered well to then beat Simons in the air, produce an important intervention on the edge of the box and then muscle an attacker off the ball when he looked set to drift through on goal.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (on at HT) 6

Sought possession at every opportunity but not helped by the constant change around him in the second half.

Tyrique George (on at HT) 6

Sought the ball and wanted to drive at players from both wings. Tested Jack Bonham with a tame shot but played a clever ball to send Beto into space down the right flank .

Beto (on after 50) 6

Got into some good positions but, like at Dundee, seemed to lack the confidence to run through on goal when the space opened up for him.

Braiden Graham (on 70) 6

Fought hard to make himself relevant in both halves and tried to show he was happy to get stuck in at this level.

Harvey Foster (on 70) 6

Happy to battle for the ball but not helped by senior players coming off around him and others playing out of position.

Eli Campbell (on 80) N/A

Had little to do on the left side of the defence but competent and should be sought after by clubs looking for an experienced youth player

George Finney (on 80) N/A

Has not looked out of place in either friendly and looks like he could be a handy loan signing for an EFL club as the next stage in his development. Did well to hold up Max Conway as he threatened late on

Malik Olayiwola (on 80) N/A

Had the confidence to test Jack Bonham from distance late on, forcing him into an uncomfortable save he almost spilled into the path of Beto

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