Dwight McNeil stunned at what £40k-a-week Everton player did in training yesterday, it was a ‘disgrace’

The main issue that has prevented them from exhibiting this excellence has been a lack of confidence, bred by consistently poor performances and unrelenting punishments from the Premier League.

As such, not all within the Goodison Park dressing room are revered by the fanbase, with some in particular having become lightning rods for criticism.

Michael Keane is one such example at centre-back, and now another, arguably the biggest victim of them all, has at last seen his talents defended by his teammates.

Dwight McNeil shocked by Everton teammate

Speaking to Everton’s official YouTube channel just yesterday, Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison were enlisted to try and pin down their ultimate teammate.

Selecting one player for each trait including right foot, left foot, tackling, heading, finishing, pace and football IQ, it was the former area which sparked particular debate.

However, one player who the Burnley academy graduate would offer as a surprise option was Ashley Young, recalling: ‘Young’s technique is a disgrace. Today did you see his goal go in the shooting? Oh my God! It was disgusting.’

The 39-year-old has come under some scrutiny from the fanbase ever since signing really, but for his age, few can fault the former Aston Villa and Manchester United man for plugging gaps and always staying fit and available.

Ashley Young deserves more respect at Everton

Despite having been prone to a few really high-profile errors across his time with Everton, it feels disingenuous to continue lambasting Young even today.

After all, there were times last season when the Everton manager would routinely throw him under the bus by starting him over Nathan Patterson or another younger alternative.

This left supporters frustrated at Sean Dyche’s desperation to find a place for a player who really should have only ever been a squad player.

However, this season has been completely different, with Vitaliy Mykolenko, Seamus Coleman and Patterson all suffering from ailments.

So, Young has instead plugged gaps at left and right-back this campaign to good effect, put into the side out of frustrating necessity rather than choice.

And, he has been relatively solid too, despite Everton fans booing Young’s substitution last month.

His outlandish errors have been dramatically reduced, and the £40k-a-week Premier League veteran even has two assists to his name as well.

Last campaign was not a good one for Young, but this one has already proven why he deserves more respect at Everton.