Here are the Everton evening headlines for Friday, September 25.
Carlo Ancelotti reiterates faith in Jordan Pickford
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has brushed off criticism of first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford following questions over his role in both of Fleetwood’s goals in the midweek 5-2 Carabao Cup win.
The England international has faced some questions on his form over the past 18 months, but the Toffees manager has no concerns with his performances.
"There is a lot of focus on him but, I have to be honest, he started really well and did a fantastic match against Tottenham,” Ancelotti said.
“I am not really focused on him, like you.”
Here’s what he said in full .
The three players that prove James Rodriguez’s instant impact
The performances of Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lucas Digne have shown the impact James Rodriguez has already made at Everton, writes Josh Williams .
The Toffees’ strike partnership have found themselves with a number of shooting opportunities, in part thanks to the Colombian playmaker finding them in space. Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin have registered a combined total of 19 shots so far - the same number as Tottenham, Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Digne is also proving a creative presence and has played five key passes (the final pass before a team-mate shoots at goal) in two outings so far this season.
The Frenchman is already demonstrating a good understanding with Rodriguez and has often found himself getting forward and on the end of his long switches of play from the opposite flank.
Here’s the full statistical analysis .
Everton ‘make offer’ for Barcelona starlet
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Everton have re-opened talks with Barcelona over their highly-rated 20-year-old centre-half Jean-Claire Todibo.
The France Under-20 international has struggled for regular opportunities at the Camp Nou and spent the latter half of last season on loan at Bundesliga side Schalke.
Everton are hoping to bring the defender in on a loan-to-buy deal but Barcelona are looking to offload him on a permanent basis, according to the latest report.
