Friendly: Brisbane Roar 1 Everton 2 (Rodwell, Gueye)

MagicMike wrote:Reasonable run out by the lads.

I thought Saha looked sharp. His was neat and he turned the defenders well. Played a little deep though so didn't get too many clear chances on goal. Struck a couple from tight angles and fashioned one himself by driving across the box, before rolling a weak shot to the keeper. He did all his best work linking up and getting Everton moving forward. Played some clever little lay offs and reverse passes in the process.

Beckford looked lively and energetic (be basically ran around a lot) with some good movement. He looks keen to play on the shoulder of the last defender. His hold up and link play was pretty poor. Constantly playing under-hit or inaccurate passes, or making the wrong decision. It's early days, and I'm prepared to give him time to settle/find his feet, but he looks like a one dimensional player to me. If he can be played in on goal, I think he'll be a threat, particularly from through balls or clever passes played over the top. He could prove useful in stretched games or allow us to peg defences back (similar to Andy Johnson maybe), but I don't think he'll contribute much to Everton's general play. Still it's early days.

I thought Rodwell played well. He's got everything in his locker really. Covered the ground well and read the play. He always seemed to be there to intercept or pick up the loose ball. Knock it about nicely too with a real crispness in his play. It was a lovely finish for the first too.

Coleman looked lively. Made some good surging runs from right fullback and always offered an outlet on the right for Osman. He linked up well with Anichebe too when he came on.

Victor was also impressive. His game has come on leaps and bounds. Ok, this was an A-League side not a PL one, but constantly ran at them forcing them back. He looks as though he's starting to apply himself a bit more too.

Gueye looks a smart buy. He seems to be a very positive player, looking for a forward pass all the time, or to go beyond the defender. He seems to have good technique too.

Honourable mentions for Jagielka and Distin who despite a lapse in concentration by Jags near the end looked like a solid pairing. They weren't overly troubled but them seem to have developed a good understanding.