Everton played their second pre-season friendly on Saturday, drawing 0-0 with Bolton Wanderers – and a tactical change by David Moyes could be huge for Adam Aznou.
The Toffees continued their preparations for the new season, but there were no goals at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Thierno Barry saw a goal ruled out for offside, as Everton struggled to breach the League One side.
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But there were still some positives to take.
The return to action for Jarrad Branthwaite was most welcome, and fans were also left impressed by Harrison Armstrong’s performance in the Everton midfield.
Adam Aznou also got more minutes under his belt – and this was a potentially significant moment for him.
Adam Aznou looks at home as a wing-back as Everton youngster seeks chance
Aznou’s first season at Everton was frustrating to say the least.
After arriving from Bayern Munich last summer, there was excitement about him potentially replacing Vitalii Mykolenko at left-back.
But the Moroccan youngster barely played, coming off the bench just once against Sunderland in the FA Cup.
Many fans were aghast at how little game time David Moyes gave him.
But Saturday’s game with Bolton, in which Moyes set up with wing-backs to begin with, could well be the turning point for him.
Aznou, who had impressed in the first friendly against Dundee, was lively again against Bolton.
The Liverpool Echo awarded him a 7/10 rating, saying of his display: “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.”
That mark was perhaps a little high, as he did get caught out a couple of times defensively.
But this is a position that should suit him more, and he will be buoyed by Moyes setting up like this.
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Shortly after joining the club, Aznou stated that his one-vs-one dribbling was one of his stronger traits, and playing as a wing-back would allow him to showcase this more.
Operating as a wing-back would permit him more freedom, as Branthwaite would be there to cover the space he would vacate.
Certainly, after such a frustrating first season, there is reason for optimism over Aznou, and perhaps this latest move by Moyes will be what he needs to encourage the Scot to show a bit more faith in him
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