THOMAS GRAVESEN - PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Wednesday 3 March 2004, 09:49

February saw Everton win their first Premiership match of 2004 and involved in four games that produced 18 goals. The Everton strike force rediscovered their scoring touch with only Birmingham City managing to keep them at bay. Instrumental to Everton's improvement in front of goal was Opta's player of the month, Thomas Gravesen.

The Danish international played every minute during February and capped it with a goal against Aston Villa, his first of the season. Gravesen's contribution to the Everton cause was immense last month as the midfielder led Everton in passes (178), crosses (35), tackles (16) and fouls won (14).

In particular, Gravesen's crossing ability has become one of Everton's biggest threats going forward with the ex-Hamburg player successfully finding a teammate with 12 of his 35 crosses. Two of these crosses led directly to goals - Kevin Kilbane against Manchester United and Duncan Ferguson at Southampton. Surprisingly, these were Gravesen's first two assists of the season.

Despite netting eight goals in February, only Wayne Rooney scored more than once. The youngster's double at Southampton took his Premiership tally for the season to six, equalling last season's total. The England striker attempted 12 shots during February - one more than strike partner Duncan Ferguson - and supplied the cross for Tomas Radzinski's opener against Villa.

Despite having five experienced strikers at the club, Rooney has missed just two league games all season. Everton's teenage prodigy saw plenty of the ball last month, as he attempted more dribbles (41) than any of his team mates. The only black mark against the striker was the yellow card that he received against Villa. This broke a run of eight Premiership appearances without a caution, which is the longest in his short career.

Completing the trio is Irish midfielder, Kevin Kilbane. Like Gravesen, Kilbane played every minute for Everton during February in the Premiership and has now appeared in Everton's last 23 league games since arriving from Sunderland. The 27-year-old attempted six shots during last month, but the euphoria that surrounded his solitary goal against Manchester United was sadly short lived.

Thomas Gravesen OPTA Premier League Stats 03-04
Minutes played	360
Goal Attempts
Goals	1
Shots On Target	1
Shots Off Target	1
Blocked Shots	4
Passing
Goal Assists	2
Total Passes	178
Pass completion %	80%
Defending
Tackles Made	16
Tackles Won %	69%
Crosses	35
Clearances	12
Interceptions	9
Discipline
Fouls	9
Offsides	1
Yellow cards	2
Red cards	0