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Everton struggled for much of their Europa League opener yesterday, but in the end proved too much for Slovakian minnows MFK Ruzomberok. Leighton Baines had the only goal, via a long range deflected strike. Sandro Ramirez, Davy Klaassen, and Michael Keane all made their competitive debuts for the club.
On to the highlights, courtesy of EvertonTV:
⚽️ | @WayneRooney's return, European football back at Goodison and Baines' winner.@EuropaLeague highlights from last night's win... pic.twitter.com/lbjH4sV8DA
— Everton (@Everton) July 28, 2017
All three new boys impressed for the Blues, but it was the evening’s captain who stood out the most. Leighton Baines continues to hardly show any age, and his class on the ball was outstanding. Much of Everton’s attack ran through the Englishman, and he created multiple chances with that cultured left boot.
Davy Klaassen looked a step ahead of his marker throughout, while Sandro Ramirez completely changed the look of Everton’s attack when he arrived midway through the second half. Michael Keane didn’t have much to do, but was generally assured, and looked much better than Ashley Williams.
The box score wasn’t pretty, but Everton got the job done. Now, they prepare for an away leg in Slovakia before a friendly against Sevilla prior to the Premier League opener.