Premier League 2024/25: McNeil and Ndiaye Lead the Way for Everton by Gary McCarty 28 November, 2024 A paltry return of just two wins in the first 12 games of the season has left Everton looking nervously over their shoulders towards the foot of the Premier League. Some new additions to the squad are desperately needed in the upcoming January transfer window to help the Toffees retain their place in the top flight. However, it is not all doom and gloom at the Merseyside club, with several players demonstrating they have the stomach for a fight during the current campaign. Their collective efforts will be crucial as the season progresses, particularly with the club’s new owners unlikely to splash the cash when the transfer window opens. With that in mind, we look at four current players who are expected to play a key role in keeping Everton out of the bottom three in the Premier League this season. Dwight McNeil If Everton are to defy most sports betting predictions by avoiding relegation to the Championship, they will need Dwight McNeil to continue the form he has shown this term. Manager Sean Dyche’s decision to move him into a more central role has paid dividends, with McNeil bagging three goals and three assists in 11 league appearances. McNeil’s efforts have earned him solid ratings throughout the season and drawn comparisons with Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer. While that may be taking things a little too far, it is impossible to ignore the fact that McNeil has become vitally important to Everton’s survival hopes. Iliman Ndiaye Everton’s decision to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille for £15 million during the summer transfer window looks to be an excellent piece of business. While two goals and no assists in 12 appearances do not paint a pretty picture, several other key metrics highlights the vital role he plays for the team. He ranks highly for tackles, interceptions and aggression, and those workmanlike traits have instantly endeared him to the Everton faithful. Given that Everton will spend plenty of time defending during the rest of the season, Ndiaye’s willingness to work for the team should not be underestimated. Jordan Pickford Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford undoubtedly divides opinion. Some fans love his ability to wind up opponents, while others think it detracts from his performances. However, Pickford is a valuable asset to Everton when he is on his game. He has kept four clean sheets in 12 league appearances this season, which is not too shabby. That has taken his tally to 79 shut-outs in 298 Premier League appearances, placing him in a similar statistical bracket to former Blackburn Rovers star Tim Flowers (80 in 286). Everton’s new owners may eventually decide they need an upgrade on Pickford, but he is a key cog in their bid to stay in the top flight at the moment. James Tarkowski While Jarrad Branthwaite has garnered many of the headlines at Everton over the past 18 months, defensive partner James Tarkowski is arguably the more important defender. The 32-year-old is one of those ‘no-nonsense’ players which every team needs and the value of his vocal presence at the back cannot be understated. Tarkowski and Branthwaite have complementary skill sets, with the former surprisingly more dominant in the air despite not being as a tall as his highly-rated teammate. The former Burnley star rarely misses games through injury, which is another factor that gives him an edge over Branthwaite this season.