Everton are back in Premier League action again today, as they host Aston Villa hoping to stop the rut of four games without a win.
However, there are admittedly few tests as tough as this one, with Unai Emery’s men enjoying a fine vein of form. After all, they currently sit third in the division, having enjoyed an unprecedented run which has seen them topple both Arsenal and Manchester City among others.
So, they will be hoping to add the Toffees to their ever-growing list of casualties, whilst Sean Dyche will be desperate to maintain a solid base and frustrate the Villans.
The visitors’ style of play is interesting, and whilst it can be unpredictable, there are a few constants that can always be guaranteed.
Ollie Watkins will operate as a willing runner set to trigger the high press, whilst the centre-backs are certain to maintain their impossibly high line which has fooled most forwards this season.
However, another is the unrelenting desperation that Matty Cash has to bomb forward, and keeping him quiet could prove pivotal in claiming a result today.
Therefore, Jack Harrison’s performance might actually be as, if not more important, than Abdoulaye Doucoure’s for Everton.
How good has Jack Harrison been for Everton?
Although the attacking midfielder has undoubtedly been one of Dyche’s top performers this season, as the spearhead of their attack, Harrison’s performances out wide cannot be dismissed.
After all, his integration into Everton’s system has been seamless, as an archetypal workhorse seemingly moulded for this manager. It is no surprise that a permanent move from Leeds United has already been touted, although his £30m price tag could prove a stumbling block.
He is industrious and relentless, yet has a touch of quality to punish those who afford him space. Beren Cross’ suggestion that he was a ‘beast‘ is one few would argue with.
Therefore, his work in marshalling his flank will be so important in neutralising one of Villa’s key threats, forcing Cash to be equally as wary of him as Harrison will be of the full-back.
Harrison’s ability to stick to the task is best emphasised through his statistics in the Premier League this season, of which he already has two goals and three assists to his name.
Well, whilst those are admirable attacking figures, it is the 1.1 key passes per game he boasts that is most impressive, combined with 1.2 tackles and a stunning 4.9 ball recoveries per game to make him perfect for this task, via Sofascore.
Although Doucoure remains the club’s top scorer this season, and offers a fine physical foundation with which many of their attacks are built, this is unlikely to be a fixture focused on their quality in possession.
Villa are expected to dominate, and as such the off-the-ball work of Harrison will go a long way towards silencing Cash and earning a result today.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
