Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray)
The Nigerian was shifted to a more central role for his side’s 3-0 away win over Kayserispor, and it proved a clever move from the manager, who watched his Everton loanee score twice. Despite making just six passes in the game, Henry was clinical with his two shots on target and showed his quality in front of goal. Food for thought, Marco Silva?
Nikola Vlasic (CSKA Moscow)
Vlasic put in another impressive performance in a central midfield role in his team’s 2-0 win over Zenit St. Petersburg, often trying to play further forward than where he started the game, as this is where he makes things happen. He did just that, creating chances and trying a few shots himself, too.
Kevin Mirallas (Fiorentina)
Mirallas dropped to the bench for Fiorentina after some questionable recent performances, and replaced goalscorer Marco Benassi (no known relation to Benny) for the final fifteen minutes. He was more effective off the bench, and got a couple of shots and crosses away as he looked to make an impact. The game was held at ex-Arsenal man Joel Campbell’s Frosinone, and finished 1-1 after the hosts scored an 89th minute equaliser which ‘Super Kev’ couldn’t do anything to prevent.
Sandro Ramirez (Real Sociedad)
Sandro was kept on the bench for his side’s 3-1 away win over Levante, following last week’s absolute heroics.
Matthew Pennington (Ipswich Town)
Despite making seven clearances and appearing very comfortable on the ball, Pennington was caught out for both of Reading’s goals in his team’s 2-2 draw with The Royals. He was beaten at the near post for the first, and couldn’t do much about a ball over the top for the second after being left exposed by his defensive partners. He didn’t let his head go down though, and stayed strong in the game to recover which is promising from the youngster.
Luke Garbutt (Oxford United)
Garbutt finally got his place in Karl Robinson’s place back for last weekend’s FA Cup First Round 0-0 draw with Forest Green Rovers. However, it didn’t go too well. He showed signs of rust in the first half, and was brought off at half-time. Hopefully he will recover his form as soon as possible.
Antonee Robinson and Callum Connolly (Wigan Athletic)
We had more of our loan boys facing off against each other last weekend, as the lads at Wigan came up against Mo Besic, who faced Ashley Williams and Cuco Martina last week. Besic has been on the pitch with more Everton players these last couple of weeks than he has been for a while, unfortunately.
Anyway, Antonee Robinson bombed it up and down the left again, but struggled defensively as Boro came away 2-0 winners. Callum Connolly didn’t bomb it anywhere, unfortunately, as he was left out of the squad again.
Ashley Williams and Cuco Martina (Stoke City)
Williams is finding some form for Stoke, as his partnership with Bruno Martins Indi was third-wheeled by Ryan Shawcross for last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest. Cuco Martina, however, continues to be kept out of the team as Gary Rowett prefers Tom Edwards. Martina stayed on the bench all game.
Muhamed Besic (Middlesbrough)
Back to Besic, the Bosnian put in another ballsy performance in midfield for most of the game, popping up all over the pitch with passes and tackles, before tiring late on and being replaced by George Saville.
Yannick Bolasie (Aston Villa)
Bolasie has established his role as a super-sub for Aston Villa, and increased his reputation there in last week’s 3-0 away win at Derby. The winger replaced Jonathan Kodjia on the left for the last 20 minutes, and was extremely bright, even bagging himself an assist.
Joe Williams (Bolton Wanderers)
Another impressive performance from Joe Williams, as he starts to find some fine form. He sprayed out some lovely long balls to set the forwards on the front foot, and had a 90% accuracy of his 45 passes. He was the shining light of a Bolton side that lost 1-0 at home to Swansea City.
– Tom
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