Mykolenko's quiet resurgence boosts Everton ahead of Ipswich test

Vitalii Mykolenko's early-season improvement has gone largely unheralded, but David Moyes needs experienced players to step up given the constraints of a small squad — and the Everton left-back has delivered.

Having signed a new three-year contract in the summer and seemingly bulked up, the Ukraine international has silenced his critics with several impressive displays for a defence that has kept four clean sheets in six matches. There remains a problematic lack of cover at left-back after Adam Aznou was loaned to Málaga for the season, but Mykolenko has eased pre-season concerns.

Everton host Ipswich on Saturday (3pm BST), where the visitors' new forward recruits Emersonn and Zian Flemming will test the home side's solidity. A win before the international break would cap an encouraging start for Moyes's men.