When you conjure up a list of goalscoring midfield options in the current Everton set-up, Jack Rodwell hardly springs to mind. Tim Cahill, Leon Osman, even on-loan Royston Drenthe has staked a claim for Fantasy consideration ahead of the precocious youngster. Goals have hardly been synonymous with his name- prior to this season, the twenty-year old had four campaigns under his belt for David Moyes’ side and found the net just twice in seventy-one league games.
The departure of Mikel Arteta on the final day of the August transfer window, however, while depriving the Toffees of a top-class playmaker, could well be the making of Rodwell. That’s according to Moyes himself, who feels the youngster has stepped up in responsibility in light of the Spaniard’s departure:
I think Jack’s feeling as if he might have to be one of the main men since Mikel left. Before, he was always just ‘the boy’. He has to take on that mantle and he’s just beginning to look as though he might be able to carry it. He’s got the ability to score with both feet and he’s a good striker of the ball. I think he’s beginning to believe a wee bit more. He’s beginning to understand a bit more about what is expected, as well. So, all round, there are good signs for Jack.
As the season unfolds, Rodwell is beginning to back up Moyes’ faith and his performances have hinted at attacking potential. Settling in alongside Marouane Fellaini in the heart of the Toffees midfield, he has been afforded a license to push on and has subsequently doubled his career goals for Everton in the past three gameweeks, with goals away to Fulham and Newcastle. Factor in an assist and 4 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bonus points and he’s returned 22 points, an average of 7.3 ppg between gameweeks 9 and 11.
We break down his performances over the past four gameweeks and using our own ICT Index and Opta stats available to members, analyse his overall improvement.
