Micah Richards has revealed which Everton players he has been impressed with so far this season, insisting there are a few individuals who could be at the heart of the club going forward.
The former Manchester City full-back has named midfield duo Abdoulaye Doucoure and Amadou Onana amongst those who have caught his eye, alongside Dwight McNeil and the versatile James Garner.
Indeed, Richards states that the Toffees are ‘building something’ and it is an exciting prospect that three of the four players named are only in their early twenties.
Speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast following last weekend’s Merseyside derby defeat, Richards insists that the club are moving in the right direction recruitment wise.
The pundit said: “I like the way Everton are shaping up…McNeil’s back into some sort of form. I like what Garner is doing in midfield with Onana and Doucoure…They’re building something.”
Everton trio have impressed more than just Richards
Doucoure has been in superb form so far this season, with three goals in the opening nine Premier League games and is arguably playing his best football at the club since his 2020 arrival from Watford.
Interestingly, the other three players mentioned by Richards all joined the Blues in the summer of 2022 and have all gradually began to influence games in increasing regularity.
James Garner’s Everton career was initially impeded by injury following his £15m move from Manchester United but his versatility and range of passing has seen him flourish in recent weeks, particularly when played inside.
Similarly, Dwight McNeil struggled to hit the ground running after his £20m move from Burnley but was excellent during the second half of last season, his form no doubt one of the reasons the club remained in the Premier League.
Onana meanwhile has continued to grow into his midfield role and hopefully this season will allow the Belgian to develop into the player he clearly has the potential to become.