Young Boys 1-4 Everton FC: Greg O’Keeffe’s player ratings plus your chance to … – Liverpool Echo

TIM HOWARD: His slow reaction led to the early setback of Hoarau’s goal, but the American redeemed himself with fine saves to deny the towering striker and several of his team-mates. 7

BRYAN OVIEDO: Superb throughout, particularly with the canny back heel during the build-up to Everton’s third goal. Has proved a more than capable deputy for Leighton Baines. 8

PHIL JAGIELKA: Defended strongly and coped with the unpredictable bounce on the plastic pitch. A captain very much in form. 7

JOHN STONES: Must be careful not to believed the deserved hype his classy performances continue to generate. Will hopefully learn a valuable lesson from his silly red card and previous over-confidence on the ball. 5

SEAMUS COLEMAN: Contributed with his second goal of this Europa League campaign and barely put a foot wrong defensively. 8

GARETH BARRY: Has come in for plenty of stick from fans and pundits alike lately, some of it deserved, but can hold his head high with two smart assists to help change the game. 7

JAMES McCARTHY: His block on the line with the score 3-1 and Young Boys still pouring forward was a pivotal moment. Never stopped until he was replaced with Sunday’s Premier League game in mind. Great to see him back on form. 7

KEVIN MIRALLAS: A threat with some typically sharp forward bursts but a player of his undoubted ability should have done more on a surface which was perfectly suited to attacking players. 6

ROSS BARKLEY: Hugely encouraging evening from a young man who carries the weight of expectations on his shoulders, but on a cold Swiss night looked less burdened by that than he has in a long time. An assist to cap a confident display. 8

STEVEN NAISMITH: Played his part in a fluid first half attacking performance with usual endeavour and edge. Took the fight to a home side used to having things their way. 7

ROMELU LUKAKU: His first hat-trick and even though he should have had six – the £28m man put himself back in the good books with aplomb. A big performance fitting a gifted young striker who is already at a big club. 9

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Luke Garbutt: Confident forward forays, some pin-point passes and another cameo to convince Roberto Martinez to make his new contract a priority. 7

Antolin Alcaraz: Helped shore things up with his experience and got some much-needed minutes under his belt. 6

Christian Atsu: Looked brighter than in previous appearances from the bench. Hopefully his confidence-boosting sojourn at the African Cup of Nations will help salvage his Everton loan. 6

What do you think? Rate the players after Everton’s big win?

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