Goalless pre-season friendly shows immense improvement needed all over
-sm.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Everton played to a goalless draw against Bolton Wanderers in a pre-season friendly. The match highlighted squad limitations and the need for further recruitment under manager David Moyes.
Why it matters
Pre-season performance is a key indicator of team readiness and tactical development ahead of the competitive season.
Everton continue their pre-season runouts with a short trip into the heart of Lancashire and the home of Bolton Wanderers.
David Moyes continues to be hampered by circumstances and squad limitations while his recruitment team have come up with very little so far to boost his numbers.
Jarrad Branthwaite (wearing Number 4) makes a massive return to fitness and is named in the starting lineup, but solitary new signing Hayden Hackney is still not involved. Also missing is Tyler Dibling, with a minor knock. Both young players are expected to feature against Stoke City on Tuesday.
James Garner has had surgery on his groin problem and is now in recovery, but Mykolenko rejoins the squad after taking off last week for the birth of his second child. George Pickford (no relation) from the U21s is the third goalkeeper named after Travers and King.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in