Everton got their Summer Series underway in New Jersey with a 3-0 defeat against AFC Bournemouth.
Valuable minutes were picked up by Everton’s players in the afternoon heat of the MetLife Stadium, but the result was not what they’d hoped for.
David Moyes publicly demanded more signings on Friday evening in a live podcast appearance in New York.
And his options were stretched in the opening game of the series, which saw second-half goals from Philip Billing and Dango Ouattara seal the win for Bournemouth.
Moyes was unable to make many changes throughout the game, but Everton News has picked out five things learnt from the game against the Cherries.
- READ MORE: Angus Kinnear tells Everton fans exactly what they want to hear after ‘encouraging conversations’
Tim Iroegbunam takes his opportunity with both hands
Heading into the new season, Tim Iroegbunam will be keen to impress this summer after a difficult 2024/25 campaign.
Iroegbunam started the game alongside James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye, and the 22-year-old certainly put himself about.
The midfielder was constantly breaking down Bournemouth attacks and turning defence into attack in the New Jersey heat.
Harrison Armstrong is impressing at Everton. So, it is crucial that Iroegbunam takes his opportunities when he gets them under Moyes.
- READ MORE: Angus Kinnear tells Everton fans exactly what they want to hear after ‘encouraging conversations’
David Moyes was dishing out orders to Carlos Alcaraz
The first official summer signing was Carlos Alcaraz after his loan deal from Flamengo was made permanent.
Alcaraz was the first goalscorer at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday during the friendly against Port Vale.
It was another bright display from the Argentine, but he was receiving regular instructions from Moyes who was constantly at him on that near sideline.
‘Push up, Charly. Higher,’ Moyes could be heard through the broadcast feed.
It has to be said, it was not just Alcaraz, with James Garner also on the receiving end of Moyes’ instructions.
Michael Keane’s absence is a huge worry
On Thursday, it was reported that Michael Keane pulled out of Everton training for the final drill of the day.
It looks as if that issue may have kept him out for the game against Bournemouth.
Jarrad Branthwaite has picked up an injury and has missed the trip to the United States as a result.
Clearly, Everton need to add another defender this summer, with their options already being stretched at the back.
Jake O’Brien was the only fit centre-back, and that has to be a major concern for Moyes.
Iliman Ndiaye is magic
If Everton fans did not already know this, Iliman Ndiaye has the potential to be an absolute superstar.
The risk of bringing him back to England after his struggles with Marseille has certainly paid off as Everton have themselves a gem.
Jamie Carragher was wowed by Ndiaye last season in an Everton shirt, and the Senegal international is already showing his worth in the early stages of pre-season.
As Thierno Barry works his way into the side, Ndiaye’s creativity is going to be key to getting the Frenchman off the mark in an Everton shirt.
New signings cannot come quickly enough for Moyes
The first 45 minutes from Everton offered a lot to like; the second half not so much.
With a makeshift bench, it was apparent the players were being tested physically in the heat.
The outing will have done wonders for the fitness levels, but Moyes would have loved some new signings to change things up during the game.
Adam Aznou is close to joining Everton, and Vitaliy Mykolenko will certainly welcome some support at left-back.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
