(Centre) back to basics for EFC

THE FORMER EVERTON DEFENDER TACKLES THE BIG GOODISON ISSUES

- michaelBALL

THE big talking point when the match with Brighton kicked off was David Moyes' selection of four centre backs across the defence.

I have to admit, it made me smile when I saw the team sheet - even as a former fullback.

My first thought was back to the days of Walter Smith - I played in a win at Blackburn Rovers when we started with seven defenders on the pitch! It brought back memories of having the biggest right-back I had ever seen in Richard Dunne.

I had wondered whether this might be a tactic Moyes would deploy at some point now that Jarrad Branthwaite is back and I could see some sense in it that is a big and strong backline and, with Jordan Pickford behind them, it is a solid base that, in theory, allows the players in front of them to go and have the freedom to express themselves.

It is a gamble though and the problem on Saturday was that Everton started poorly and I do think some of that was down to the selection at the back.