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Ex-Everton ace slams 'terrible' Ainsley Maitland-Niles after what he saw vs Hull City
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- Ex-Everton ace slams 'terrible' Ainsley Maitland-Niles after what he saw vs Hull City
Everton defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles made an error of judgement against Hull City on Sunday.
The right-back has become a key player under David Moyes since signing from Olympique Lyon and got his third consecutive Premier League start at MKM Stadium on 11 October.
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After going a goal down, the Toffees took the lead in the second half.
Joe Gelhardt scored Hull's opener after Maitland-Niles made an error and the right-back was once again at fault in the build-up to Mohamed Belloumi's goal.
The English defender did contribute up front, delivering a brilliant ball into the box to assist Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but he left a lot to be desired at the back.
Moyes' team could've avoided conceding the second goal at MKM Stadium had the 29-year-old made a better decision.
What Ainsley Maitland-Niles got wrong in Everton draw vs Hull City
Wayne Rooney had nothing negative to say about Maitland-Niles , praising his assists for Everton's first goal.
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However, the right-back was well below par against the Yorkshire club.
Before Elliot Stroud fed the ball into the box to Belloumi, Maitland-Niles had the chance to take it off the Hull defender, but instead tried a cheeky backheel that backfired.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live , former Blues winger Pat Nevin said, "Another terrible defence mistake from Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
"He has to do better there; he was the favourite to win that tackle and he went for a back heel instead of the tackle.
"Belloumi only needed one touch; any defender would think you don't do that, your team has worked really hard to get in front."
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Moyes has 18 outfield players at his disposal at Everton, with multiple positions lacking adequate depth.
With Vitalii Mykolenko out injured, Jarrad Branthwaite had to play out of position because of a lack of cover for the Ukraine international.
The same can be said about the right-back position, although Jake O'Brien has played there extensively.
Moyes also has only one natural number nine to rely on in Thierno Barry.
The Friedkin Group have seemingly washed their hands of the Blues after publicising their intention to sell if the opportunity arises.
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Fans aren't expecting much from the Merseyside outfit in January after the American owners' decision, likely leaving the Scottish manager without adequate reinforcements again after the winter window.
