Everton’s 2023/24 season has been tumultuous, awkward, exciting and frustrating all in one, but in the end, they are safe.
That is all that matters, and they achieved such a feat with remarkable ease given the points deductions the Toffees faced on two separate occasions.
There were certainly a few villains from within the squad, but also plenty of heroes forged. And with that in mind, we sought to put a number to every player who offered something to this mesmeric and unprecedented campaign.
Here are our player ratings for Everton’s 2023/24 Premier League season…
Everton’s goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford – 9/10
The 30-year-old’s quality speaks for itself, and having been at the heart of one of the best defences in the Premier League, he will likely go on to thrive with England this summer too at the European Championships. Irreplaceable for Everton.
Joao Virginia – 6/10
Surprisingly impressed when called upon in January. Kept two clean sheets from three appearances.
Everton’s defenders
Nathan Patterson – 5/10
Another season marred by injury for the Scotland international, who was in and out of the team under Sean Dyche.
Seamus Coleman – 5/10
Seamus Coleman also saw his season blighted with ailments, but he remains a solid stalwart when available. Coleman has been offered a new contract, deservedly so.
Michael Keane – 4/10
It’s hard to justifiably give Michael Keane a higher rating than a four, but he did do a very solid job in Everton’s mid-season win at Burnley in the league, scoring and keeping a clean sheet.
James Tarkowski – 8/10
Their true rock at the back, James Tarkowski embodies everything that Evertonians love about their club. A truly outstanding signing who has enjoyed another fine season, featuring in every Premier League game.
Jarrad Branthwaite 9/10
In his first full Premier League season, the 21-year-old centre-back has excelled against all the odds. His partnership with Tarkowski has been outstanding, and it is widely regarded that Jarrad Branthwaite will enjoy a sparkling future at the apex of the sport.
Ben Godfrey – 6/10
Stuck in a similar position to Keane, the former Norwich City man did offer more to the team in the end, and deputised well at full-back when needed. Somewhat shaky at times, but largely a useful asset to have in the squad.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 7/10
One of the most improved players under Dyche, the 24-year-old defender has become a rock-solid player for the Toffees, and even chipped in with a few vital goals too for a small period too.
Ashley Young – 3/10
Despite his recent good form, it is hard to overlook just how poor Ashley Young was this season. Through no fault of his own, the 38-year-old was shoehorned into the side by Dyche, causing mass frustration amongst the fanbase. Very unreliable in the back four, but a useful, versatile asset regardless.
Everton’s midfielders
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6/10
Despite a strong start to the season, his goalscoring waned and he mainly became useful for his energy alongside the striker. Could have offered more, but his importance to Dyche’s system cannot be forgotten.
Idrissa Gana Gueye – 7/10
Although a pick slightly skewed by recency bias, the 34-year-old stood up when needed with unlikely goals and characteristic energy in the midfield. His crucial strikes against Brentford and Nottingham Forest kept Everton in the league.
Amadou Onana – 5/10
Whilst a somewhat harsh pick, he flattered to deceive all campaign despite some fans professing his brilliance.
Amadou Onana is a technically wonderful footballer, but it was telling how much they improved when he was replaced by Idrissa Gana Gueye.
James Garner – 6/10
Similar to Onana, the former Manchester United man was energetic and useful throughout the season, but perhaps could have offered more. Needs to start adding goals and assists to his game.
Andre Gomes – 4/10
Barring a few classy cameos which threatened to reignite his Everton career, the Portuguese maestro leaves this summer having struggled to make his mark.
Everton’s attackers
Arnaut Danjuma- 4/10
Finally captured after months of trying, Arnaut Danjuma was unfavored by Dyche, and ultimately rarely used despite his obvious quality. Did not fit the system.
Dwight McNeil – 7/10
Another impressive campaign for the winger, Dwight McNeil finished with nine goal contributions and was ever-present for the former Burnley boss. Another key cog in his philosophy.
Jack Harrison – 6/10
Although he did not quite post the same offensive figures as the aforementioned winger, Jack Harrison offered another hard-working presence on the opposite flank, and marked a shrewd piece of business on loan from Leeds United.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 7/10
Despite enduring a truly woeful goal drought, it cannot be forgotten that his goals secured Everton’s top-flight status. An equaliser at Newcastle United. The winner at Burnley. A match-winning assist against Sheffield United. And that back-post header against Liverpool.
That alone should merit a 10/10.
Beto – 5/10
Despite arriving to much acclaim, the Portuguese forward failed to make his mark when given the chance, and looked clunky and awkward at times. Did score three Premier League goals, but needs to start showing more after his first full season in England.
Youssef Chermiti – 6/10
Although his season was limited to brief cameos, the fanbase has cause for excitement with this teenage forward.
Skilful but physical, he promises to be a fine successor to Calvert-Lewin, and should hopefully get more game time next season to build on a fine past few months.
Everton manager
Sean Dyche – 10/10
Dyche, despite everything that went on at Everton this season, has remained a remarkable figurehead for the institution.
He has battled takeover drama and two separate points deductions, yet kept his side focused on the task at hand. Were it not for those sanctions, his side would have finished on 48 points. A miraculous turnaround.