Charles Taudin 11/02/2025 6comments  |  Jump to last

Carlos Alcaraz has made an immediate impact since joining Everton, and his debut performance has sparked discussions about his role moving forward.

After featuring in Everton’s recent 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth in FA Cup, the Argentine midfielder’s ability to settle into the squad has impressed manager David Moyes. However, the question remains: will he start in Everton’s next fixture?

Speaking about Alcaraz’s performance and his chances of making the starting XI, Moyes offered insight into his thought process:

“He’s done enough by his performance to start the game. Whether I do, is another thing. I think sometimes when you bring someone in, you don’t know how long it’ll take for someone to settle.

“I have to say, he settled very well in the game. He’s got Premier League experience, so he’s not completely new to this.

“The decision will be made tomorrow on whether we start him or not.”

Moyes’ dilemma: instant impact vs. squad stability

Alcaraz’s Premier League experience, gained during his spell with Southampton, has helped him transition smoothly into Everton’s setup. Against Bournemouth, he showed glimpses of the composure and creativity that made him a sought-after player. His ability to link midfield and attack, combined with his tenacity off the ball, is something that Everton desperately needs.

However, Moyes remains cautious. While he acknowledges Alcaraz’s strong debut, the manager is mindful of disrupting the squad’s rhythm. Integrating a new player mid-season can sometimes take time, especially in a team battling for consistency.

Moyes may opt to introduce him gradually rather than thrusting him into the starting XI immediately.

What Alcaraz should bring to Everton

If Moyes decides to start Alcaraz, he will add an extra layer of dynamism to Everton’s midfield. His strengths include:

• Ball Progression: Alcaraz is adept at carrying the ball forward and making incisive passes, which could help Everton break defensive lines.

• Defensive Work Rate: He is not just an attacking midfielder but also someone who contributes defensively, making him valuable in Moyes’ system.

• Pressing Ability: Everton needs high-energy players to apply pressure in midfield, and Alcaraz fits the mold.

A Tactical Decision for Moyes

With Everton set to face stronger opposition in the coming weeks, Moyes’ decision on Alcaraz will be crucial. Will he risk changing the midfield setup and give Alcaraz a starting role, or will he stick with a more familiar lineup and gradually integrate him?

Either way, the early signs suggest that Alcaraz could become a key figure in Everton’s season. The upcoming match will provide a clearer picture of how Moyes envisions his role within the team.

 

Reader Comments (6)

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Liam Mogan
1 Posted 11/02/2025 at 17:08:07
I'm really sorry but these articles are very strange and off kilter, especially their tone and the in way they are written. (US sports?)

It's like Delia Smith has been parachuted in from penning cookbooks to ghost write Shoot! The Annual.

Dennis Stevens
2 Posted 11/02/2025 at 17:30:42
I know what you mean, Liam. At first I thought it was AI, but maybe it's just not written with the same blue-tinted perspective we're used to. It must be difficult to take on a site like this if you're not actually an Evertonian.
Jack Convery
3 Posted 12/02/2025 at 00:29:33
There will be nobody here next week if this writing style continues. Will this be printed ? I await the outcome.
Ernie Baywood
4 Posted 12/02/2025 at 01:53:44
I give 10 out of 10 for effort. These guys seem to have taken on board the feedback and are making an effort.

Unfortunately, as I said on the Personal Note thread, you can't feign authenticity when it comes to Everton.

I can pick even a semi casual fan at 50 yards. Of course I can. Being an Evertonian has been at my core for all but the first three or four years of my life. I'm an Evertonian at least as much as I'm anything else.

As such, a view from afar doesn't register at all with me. I can read the BBC or the newspapers for dispassionate reports if I want to see what the external, somewhat objective, view of Everton is.

I'm not sure where a third party takes this site. They can't possibly be TW as we know it. Maybe the best advice would be that they need to decide what they want to create and write and build the readership around that.

Derek Taylor
5 Posted 12/02/2025 at 18:51:56
Amazing how many master judges of sports writing we have on here. Just because our new team were not born with blue ribbon round their necks doesn't mean they can't provide us with a site to discuss Everton matters !

If you don't like their style, then do one- there are plenty of forums elsewhere !

Andrew James
6 Posted 19/02/2025 at 01:33:51
I'm an English Literature graduate and have written for several online sites. I don't see the problem with these articles.

Regarding Alcaraz, I think he could be a real winner on the flanks next season, perhaps switching sides with Lindstrom or N'diaye at points.

He has quick feet, is pacey and wants to beat players directly. I look forward to seeing more of him in the coming months.

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