Everton manager David Moyes has heaped praise on right-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles following the club’s goalless Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
The Merseyside outfit continued their unbeaten start to the campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 result at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Everton could have won the game on another day, but the overall defensive display was one for the coaching staff to feel proud of.
Moyes specifically highlighted Maitland-Niles as a standout performer, alongside James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Vitaliy Mykolenko in defence.
Speaking to Sky Sports via BBC Sport, Moyes said: “Ainsley Maitland-Niles needs a mention as well. Really pleased with the fact that he has come in and done really well for us.”
The 29-year-old joined Everton on deadline day in a shock £3 million deal from Lyon and has wasted little time making an impression at Goodison Park.
Tottenham dominated large portions of the contest, controlling 62 per cent of the possession and registering 14 attempts, with only two finding the target.
Everton’s defensive resilience ensured goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was rarely tested in a serious way, making the clean sheet a thoroughly deserved one.
After conceding twice against Manchester United, securing a first clean sheet of the league season was a significant and welcome milestone for the squad.
Branthwaite is among several Everton players under consideration for an England call-up later this month, with James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also expected to attract attention from the national setup.
Everton’s focus now turns to a Carabao Cup third-round tie against Wolves in midweek, providing another opportunity for Maitland-Niles to build on his impressive start.
The Toffees will then return to league action when Ipswich Town visit Goodison Park at the weekend, with momentum and confidence growing steadily through the squad.