The one Everton star who made himself a new hero vs Fulham

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Everton were forced to settle for a draw in the capital against Fulham last night, despite spurning some golden late chances.

Misses from Beto and Ben Godfrey resigned the Toffees to yet another league game without a win, but fans can be heartened that this threadbare outfit that only fielded one central midfielder battled so relentlessly away from home.

There were numerous standouts and many performances that Sean Dyche will have been proud of.

But the latter of those aforementioned two arguable a cut above everyone else.

How did Ben Godfrey play for Everton?

Although only handed a 6.7 rating by Sofascore, this perhaps underplays just how important the 26-year-old was on his return to the side.

After all, this was only his second start of the season in the Premier League.

But he showed no signs of rustiness against a fresh Willian, who sought to take him on with every opportunity. Therefore, to come away having made four tackles and seven clearances, it can be argued that he enjoyed a largely successful night.

Not to mention his imperative intervention in the second half, sliding in at the back post to deny the Brazilian a tap-in.

With versatility and speed in abundance, despite rumours linking him with an exit, Godfrey is certainly still worth a place in Dyche’s squad.

And yet, I would argue that Ashley Young perhaps shone alongside him down that right side.

Did Ashley Young perform well?

Having come under some harsh criticism this campaign for his defensive frailties and tendency to misplace possession, the 38-year-old looked at home on the right wing.

Given it is a role he occupied for the bulk of his career, that should come as no surprise.

The veteran had been made so culpable due to Dyche’s insistence that he remain at full-back, but with the defensive duties he and Godfrey shared on that flank, they nullified Fulham’s biggest threat well.

In fact, Young would manage to succeed with six of the seven total duels he competed in, at an 86% success rate.

Then, he would blend that defensive work rate with a rare creativity, despite only mustering a pass accuracy of 38%. This was largely due to a lack of options, but his desperation to swing a ball into the box was outlined by his four attempted crosses.

In doing so, the former Manchester United man forged two key passes as well, earning praise from the Liverpool ECHO’s Chris Beesley: ‘Back in the side for the first time in six weeks and playing on the right wing, his free-kick fashioned Tarkowski’s chance as the 38-year-old produced an energetic display.’

As someone who has at times been a villain this campaign, Young seemed to turn it around last night.

He proved that perhaps his best role is further up the pitch, and in enjoying such a heroic display, he might just have won back Dyche’s favour during their hour of need.