Everton 2023-24 Season Review: Central Midfielders Report Cards

With the 2023-24 season coming to a close, we are into our season review series with a look at the central midfielders and how they did this season.

In another season of (somewhat) despair for the Blues, a few gems in the midfield stood out. Aside from their relatively stellar defense in several low-scoring games, Everton’s midfield also came to the call when needed. While goalscoring from the center of the pitch has been lacking in Everton’s team for the last few years now, this season’s crew did a formidable job at just about everything else.

Amadou Onana

Appearances - 37, Goals - 3, Assists - 1, Yellow Cards - 5, Red Cards - 0

It was a somewhat forgettable season for Amadou Onana. After starting off the season on Dyche’s good side, Onana primarily made appearances off the bench towards the end of the season. Frankly, it was for the best. The midfield and team as a whole simply seemed to play better when Onana wasn’t on the pitch.

There’s certainly a player there, but most times Onana’s outward passion and revelry just don’t seem to connect on the field. Riddled with rumours of his departure seemingly since the day he walked into Finch Farm, I wouldn’t be shocked or necessarily too upset if Onana were to depart this summer. Expect him to be in the running for the Ballon d’Or wherever he goes next.

Grade: C+

James Garner

Appearances - 44, Goals - 2, Assists - 2, Yellow Cards - 7

James Garner has taken a slight step up, though his true position has been tough to determine. Fans were originally intrigued by his arrival due to his dead ball abilities. However, it’s tough to really show those abilities with Everton’s goalscoring woes as of late. It wasn’t a bad season for Garner, but not necessarily a great one either. I think Dyche and Garner are still both figuring out his best position in the team. Still only 23, expect the Englishman to take on a bigger role next season.

Grade: B-

Abdoulaye Doucoure

Appearances - 35, Goals - 7, Assists - 2, Yellow Cards - 7

Abdoulaye Doucoure continued to put on another season of crucial goals for the Toffees. Originally a defensive midfielder, Doucoure has taken on the role of a number 10 in Dyche’s setup. As hardworking of a player Doucoure is, his technical skills aren’t quite there. Still though, the 31-year-old always seems to find the back of the net when needed. His scoring did drop off in the second half of the season, but we’ll give him a pass. Hopefully the Blues can bring in more midfield strength to lighten the load off Doucoure next season.

Grade: B

Idrissa Gana Gueye

Appearances - 29, Goals - 4, Assists - 0, Yellow Cards - 8

Idrissa Gana Gueye continues to be a focal point in the Blues midfield. While some shady back passes can cause a few Evertonian hearts to skip a beat or two, the 34-year-old still has the class. As underrated and under-appreciated as a midfielder can get, expect Gueye to continue to play a large role in the team next season.

Grade: B+

Andre Gomes

Appearances - 16, Goals - 2, Assists - 0, Yellow Cards - 5

Andre Gomes was a surprising burst of energy following a long season on the sidelines. It’s sad to see his story come to a close following a refreshing first few seasons with the club, but some unfortunate injuries got in the way of seeing his finest form. All the best to Andre on his next journey.

Grade: N/A

Click here for the full 2023-24 Everton Season Review series where we recap every aspect of the campaign that just ended.