Jags welcomes defensive improvement

Phil Jagielka believes Everton are only going to get better defensively despite the summer departure of John Stones.

The Toffees were often lacklustre at the back last term, with Stones attracting plenty of criticism due to his preference for trying to play his way out of trouble rather than adopt a more no-nonsense approach.

After over a year of rumours about his future, the England defender has now moved on to Manchester City, with experienced Welshman Ashley Williams taking his role in the back-line.

Much like Jagielka, Williams is more of an old school defender and the pair seem to be gelling well in the heart of the back four.

Their budding partnership will get another test on Friday when Crystal Palace are the visitors to Goodison Park. Everton are currently the 1.70 favourites to win the game, with the draw 3.80 and the Eagles 5.00.

New boss Ronald Koeman has clearly made an attempt to try and stiffen the Toffees up this season, while Jagielka’s presence has also helped, having missed a chunk of the 2015-16 campaign through injury.

The 34-year-old believes his side are a better defensive unit this time around and is confident they will only improve once Williams is fully bedded in.

“Everyone was expecting John to leave with the size of the transfer fee, and it was important we got one more centre-back in,” said Jagielka.

“I think it’s just getting out to train, spending time together, and communication. It helps that Ash is a similar type of defender to myself. “The defence is tighter than last year but it will still take a little bit of time.”