Everton 2-0 Dundee: Instant Reaction

Another pre-season fixture and another comfortable win for the Blues is exactly what you want to see at this period ahead of the season start.

This game though, was arguably one for the youngsters to shine in after the senior pros impressed and they all took their chances brilliantly. Conor McAleny once again showed his worth with a tidy finish to add to his fine display against Swindon earlier in pre-season.

He was not the star of the show though, that award must got to Kieran Dowell. Brought on to replace an injured Romelu Lukaku, the winger was impressive throughout with a number of fine touches and balls throughout the game.

Indeed, it was the same for the rest of the youngsters who featured, with Brendan Galloway, Tyias Browning, Matthew Pennington and Ryan Ledson all doing well. Loan spells are likely coming for most of them, but on this showing they have bright futures at the club.

Another positive was Tom Cleverley, again. The midfielder is looking like a smart acquisition this summer and slotted in well alongside James McCarthy for the Blues. If that is to be a midfield duo next season with Barkley in front, it looks like one that could have promise.

The only negative of the evening was Lukaku's injury, with the curse of the hamstring problems remaining strong in this preseason. Hopefully it's nothing too serious, but if the Blues were left without him for the opening of the Premier League season, things would be grim indeed. Fingers cross that isn't the case.

All in all, another solid pre-season win for Everton with this one looking a much better experience than what was on offer last year. Hopefully it will pay dividends come the opening game against Watford.