Drenthe v Hoilett

Head-to-Head: How Royston shapes up next to Rovers’ key man.

Have you seen our new Head-to-Head feature on evertonfc.com?

It allows fans to compare Everton players against any other in the Premier League with a whole host of statistics – and every week on evertonfc.com we will be picking out a key battle to help preview our upcoming fixture.
 
In our first offering, we have pitted our explosive Dutch loanee, Royston Drenthe, against Rovers’ dangerman, Junior Hoilett.
 
Drenthe has had a great impact in games for Everton this season and is credited with eight assists and two goals.
 
Having started just eight matches, his stats are even more impressive, although he has an additional eight substitute appearances.
 
And while Blackburn are sure to be fearful of Drenthe’s attacking prowess, the hosts will hope to keep Hoilett quiet.
 
The 21-year old is rumoured to be a target for several top clubs, with his form over the past couple of seasons only serving to enhance his reputation.
 
Hoilett has bagged three goals and five assists in his 18 starts and two appearances from the bench this term and signalled his return to fitness with a start in last week’s 3-1 win over Fulham.
 
Both men evidently like to get the ball in the box – Drenthe the provider of 22 crosses, Hoilett with 35.

One of Drenthe’s strengths is his set-piece delivery, highlighted by the 24-year old being elected to take 12 corners and 17 free kicks – significantly more than Hoilett’s four apiece.
 
Running at defenders, the two speedsters are shown to be frequently fouled. Our number 10 has won 29 free kicks, whereas Blackburn’s man has been the victim of 23 fouls.
 
To add some insight to the statistics on Hoilett’s performances in 2011/12, we spoke to Steve Birtwell of Blackburn Rovers Supporters’ site BRFCS.com.
 
He said: “On his day he is unplayable, but there’s still a worry that he hasn’t got much of an end product. I'm certain there will be a lot of interest in the summer, with many managers thinking they can harness that talent.”
 
See the stats for yourself here, and remember you can compare any Everton player to any other in the Premier League. Have a go and tell us what interesting comparisons you can find.
 
*Stats provided by the Press Association.