ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JULY 25: An Everton FC flag flies prior to the game between the Everton FC and the Millonarios FC during the Florida Cup at Camping World Stadium on July 25, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Douglas DeFelice - Everton/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Billy Crellin sends perfect message to Sean Dyche as new Everton mystery emerges
Everton’s swift return to Doncaster Rovers was a rather more low-key affair but this time the visiting goalkeeper found himself even busier with Billy Crellin’s heroics in between the sticks a source of encouragement for a young Blues side in a 2-0 defeat.
Less than three weeks ago, the home faithful delighted in giving England number one Jordan Pickford a rough ride as he felt the heat from the Eco-Power Stadium crowd. Just seconds into the Carabao Cup tie on August 30 – when Sean Dyche’s side recovered from a 1-0 half-time deficit to eventually triumph 2-1 – opposition fans were on Pickford’s back as he survived an early let-off after being dispossessed.
The barracking continued for well over an hour until Everton finally turned things around but the cat calls and jeers ringing in the ears of a player who has performed wonders for his country at the European Championship and World Cup finals, including taunts such as “Aaron Ramsdale, he’s better than you,” in some kind of bizarre solidarity with a player who used to turn out for South Yorkshire neighbours Sheffield United. Former Blues midfielder Mikel Arteta denied us the chance to see the pair go head-to-head at Goodison Park on Sunday when he dropped Ramsdale in the Arsenal goal for David Raya but there was another custodian in the spotlight here.
Crellin pulled off a series of impressive stops to keep Everton in the game. Although he was eventually beaten by Louie Marsh, both before and after that moment, he twice denied the on-loan Sheffield United man, first with his feet and then with a finger-tip save on what was an impressive personal display.
Blackpool-born Crellin’s path so far has been somewhat unorthodox. He came to Everton in January 2022 from Fleetwood Town after 13 appearances for ‘The Cods’, just five of which were in the league and after loan spells at non-League FC United of Manchester plus Chorley as well as then League Two Bolton Wanderers.
Capped by England at Under-17, 18, 19 and 20 level, it will be interesting to see where he goes from here.
