Everton’s pre-season continued on Saturday with the short trip across the M62 as they faced League Two side Salford City.
Having drawn their first game against Sligo Rovers last week, Sean Dyche‘s side were unable to get their first win on the board.
Salford came from behind in the second half to take the 2-1 win after James Garner had provided Everton with the opener.
And what a goal it was from the former Manchester United midfielder who curled his free kick around the goalkeeper at his near side.
It was not exactly a display which provided Dyche with a lot of positive performances but there was one player who may have excited the onwatching Everton fans.
Everton youngster impresses vs Salford City
It has been a bit of mixed afternoon for those at Goodison Park with the game against Salford not exactly panning out how they would have wanted.
Now two games into pre-season, Everton are still looking for their first win; although the results are not the most important thing at this stage.
However, away from the pitch, Everton struck an agreement with Lyon to sign defender Jake O’Brien on a five-year deal.
But it was one of the young Everton defenders from the club’s academy which particularly impressed in the game at the Salford Community Stadium.
In the wake of the game, journalist Connor O’Neill shared his thoughts on the performance of young right-back Roman Dixon.
“Offered plenty of energy down the right and is certainly a player Everton supporters should be keeping an eye on,” he said as he awarded Dixon with a 6/10 rating.
The 19-year-old right-back came on at half-time for Seamus Coleman and clearly showed his pace down the right side.
Everton did come undone in the final stages of the game, however, this was after Dyche had made considerable changes to the side which did not resemble an XI which will feature when the season starts.
Does Roman Dixon have a chance of playing for Everton this season?
Dixon is still yet to make his debut for the senior side in a competitive game with the 19-year-old a regular in the Everton U21 side.
The ‘rapid‘ right-back was able to make 17 appearances last season in Premier League 2 where he was able to return an assist.
However, journalist Patrick Boyland is not overly confident that Dixon will be able to earn himself a foot in the door, as things stand.
Unfortunately for Dixon, it looks like he would need some serious injuries in his position if he was to earn his debut this season.
Unless he is really able to impress Dyche over the coming weeks, perhaps the right-back should push for a loan move given he has impressed so much.
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