Martin Keown praised the athleticism of Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate as the young defenders flanked Michael Keane in Everton's back three against Liverpool on Saturday evening.
Everton produced an excellent rearguard performance against the Reds, securing a clean sheet on their way to a 2-0 victory.
Richarlison grabbed an early lead before Gylfi Sigurdsson converted from the penalty spot in the second half. At the other end, Everton defended stoutly, offering little space to Liverpool's dangerous attacking triumvirate.
The defensive showing earned Everton their first Merseyside Derby win at Anfield since 1999. They had not beaten Liverpool in their last 24 meetings in all competitions, with Jurgen Klopp having never lost since his arrival in 2015.
And speaking on Match of the Day, former Arsenal defender Keown was full of praise for Godfrey, Holgate, and the rest of the Everton defence.
"They stuck to their task really well and I like Godfrey and Holgate because of how athletic they are, they’re so mobile and they’re aggressive as well," he explained.
"They’re not scared to go after forwards, to go and mix it with Mane. Keane in the middle, he’s the brains, he’s the player that reads the game really well, so good use of his players today from Ancelotti. Too much for Liverpool, Everton had everything and Liverpool didn’t."
Fellow pundit Danny Murphy also heralded Everton's defending, highlighting Keane and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who has endured controversial Merseyside Derbies in recent years.
"They were superb," he said. "They played three at the back, they changed, good decision from Ancelotti. He put Keane in the middle of Godfrey and Holgate, with Digne and Coleman as wing-backs and it worked well for them.
"Yes, they got an early goal, a lift, something to hang on to, but their positional play, the athleticism of them, the wisdom of Keane guiding them at times, being the one who was talking to them, communicating with them, matching runs which you have to do against Liverpool because Salah and Mane are always trying to get in behind.
"Pickford was immaculate today, he had a really good game. Really well organised."
Everton moved level on points with Liverpool and have a game in hand. They are within reach of a top-four finish and have shown excellent form ever since Carlo Ancelotti's arrival last year.
And Keown concluded that he believes this team is going somewhere after a strong performance and season.
"Everton are now going places as a team," he said, reflecting on the overall performance and the impact of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton face two winnable matches against Southampton and West Brom, before travelling to Chelsea in what could be a crucial top-four tilt.
