Dwight McNeil Shines as Everton Star, Kulusevski's Playmaking & Gravenberch's Impact

Everton's Dwight McNeil Shines in Premier League Victory

Dwight McNeil emerged as the hero for Everton, leading his team to its first Premier League win of the season by scoring both goals in the second half against Crystal Palace. His outstanding performance highlighted his adaptation to a new role, transitioning from playing predominantly on the left flank to a central No 10 position. Manager Sean Dyche noted, "Me and the staff spoke about it and could we get him inside? Iliman [Ndiaye] has done well enough in the wide area to allow us more freedom to move Dwight."

McNeil's Impact in a Central Role

Dyche acknowledged the need for enhanced offensive quality and believed that placing McNeil in the center of the pitch would unleash his potential more effectively than when confined to the wing. The change is already beneficial, with McNeil matching his entire goal tally from last season and surpassing it if his Carabao Cup goal is counted. More impressive is his creativity; he leads in expected assists among Premier League players, outperforming talents like James Maddison and Bukayo Saka.

Transformative Playmaking Abilities

McNeil's passing style has evolved as well, with a notable increase in his through-balls, reflecting a strategic shift away from being merely a crosser. His exceptional set-piece delivery remains an asset for Everton, and his new position allows fans to witness more of his play-making skills. Dyche believes that as McNeil continues to gain experience in this role, his performance will only improve.

Tottenham Hotspur's Kulusevski Breaks Records

In other Premier League news, Dejan Kulusevski of Tottenham showcased extraordinary creativity during Spurs' 3-0 victory over Manchester United. Kulusevski created nine chances in the match—the highest number by a visiting player at Old Trafford since record-keeping began over 20 years ago. This included eight chances from open play, propelling him past Heung-Min Son in the league for chance creation.

Kulusevski's Unparalleled Performance

Such a prolific display of playmaking is rare; historically, only a small handful of players have managed to create that many opportunities in a match over the past decade. Kulusevski's significant influence was recognized by head coach Ange Postecoglou, who praised the synergy between Kulusevski and James Maddison, stating, "The way we play suits their characteristics. Madders does so much damage with the ball, and Deki does so much with his running and good balance."

Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch Continues to Impress

Meanwhile, Ryan Gravenberch is thriving at Liverpool. After an initially lackluster season, he was named player of the match once more in the 2-1 victory against Wolves, aiding a strong ascent to the top of the table. His standout attribute is his exceptional ball-carrying ability, enabling him to maneuver past defenders from deep positions—a rare skill among central midfielders.

Gravenberch's All-Round Game

Gravenberch's statistics reflect his impact: he has bypassed 39 opponents while carrying the ball this season, ranking second only to Mateo Kovacic of Manchester City. Arne Slot emphasized the importance of having players who are versatile and comfortable on the ball in key positions, and Gravenberch's performance continues to support Liverpool's possession-oriented style.

Conclusion: A New Era for Premier League Midfielders

The performances of McNeil, Kulusevski, and Gravenberch illustrate a transformative phase for modern midfielders in the Premier League. Their ability to create opportunities, drive play, and impact matches is reshaping expectations and strategies within their respective clubs. As the season progresses, fans can eagerly anticipate continued growth and thrilling performances from these emerging stars.

FAQs

• How has McNeil's role changed at Everton?
  McNeil has moved from the left flank to a central No 10 position, allowing him to utilize his creativity more effectively.
• What record did Kulusevski break against Manchester United?
  Kulusevski created nine chances, the most by a visiting player at Old Trafford in the Premier League era.
• What makes Gravenberch a standout player for Liverpool?
  His unique combination of ball-carrying ability, passing accuracy, and defensive contributions sets him apart as a valuable asset to the team's style of play.