As these statistics show, Donovan’s presence has clearly been felt, as he has augmented several facets of the Toffees’ game, pretty much consistently stretching the team average. A leading passer, he is one of only eight players who currently pass at over 80% in an Everton jersey....
Donovan is also Everton’s most accurate pass finder in the final third of the field, an area where he actually raises his overall passing accuracy to 83% and crushes the team average of 65%....
With Leighton Baines – the Premier League’s most persistent crosser, peppering the box from the left – since Donovan’s arrival, the American has provided a fresh crossing alternative from the right. His 36% accuracy is 5% better than any other player who has sent in at least 10 deliveries, and the Toffees should be benefiting now that more persistent production is arriving from both wings....
With the ball he has so far maintained possession far better than all offensive players. Dispossessed only twice in four league games so far, when compared to others in his position – Leon Osman (38), Seamus Coleman (26) Royston Drenthe (21), all approaching, if not over twice a game – his return so far is exemplary....
The fact he has fashioned a chance every 33 minutes trumps all other Everton ratios and the Toffees’ goal-shy strikers would do well to feed off his greater production while it is in supply....