Phil Neville picked out Andre Gomes and Tom Davies for praise after Everton's Merseyside derby draw with Liverpool.
The Toffees put in a good display in yesterday's goalless draw and, on another day, could well have won the contest at Goodison Park.
Speaking on Match of the Day Two, Neville said he was impressed with how Gomes and Davies forced Liverpool to change their game plan by making them go wide.
The former Toffees defender also praised Carlo Ancelotti for his tactics in the goalless draw.
He said: "I thought the focus, the way they worked for each other was really good.
"The way they played from the back was really brave, I’ve not seen too many play against Liverpool like this.
"The way they had the courage to keep passing the ball, we’ve seen how Liverpool press and harry to try and win the ball in that final third.
"That is one way to beat the press, the second is even better having the courage to play into midfield.
"Liverpool couldn’t get there and their defensive part of the game, Everton controlled.
"The two in midfield, Gomes and Davies, they worked so hard.
"Getting back into shape, forcing Liverpool to play square and wide.
"They protected the two centre-backs who maintained their shapes and it stopped Liverpool from turning or twisting to play balls through.
"They were deeper so there was no space in-behind. I thought it was really good tactically from Ancelotti."
Next up, Everton travel to rock-bottom Norwich City on Wednesday evening.
