Stay in control of the latest Blues news with our Everton newsletter Sign up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Amid the flurry of statistics generated by Everton ’s impressive start to life under Ronald Koeman , one is particularly indicative.

As well as astonishing.

When referee Lee Mason somehow allowed Alvaro Negredo’s assault on Maarten Stekelenburg to result in a goal, it didn’t just send Goodison into a fury.

It was also the first goal the Blues had conceded with summer signing Ashley Williams on the pitch.

And, as celebrated Everton statistician Gavin Buckland pointed out, with the Welshman having gone five hours of playing time before the strike, it represented the longest stretch a Blues centre-back has managed before conceding his first goal.

The previous best had been Bob Clifford back in 1908-09. And, let’s face it, the Boro goal shouldn’t have even stood.

Everton’s improved defensive solidity hasn’t been solely down to the arrival of Williams from Swansea City for a fee reported between £9.5million and £12m.

But it’s no coincidence his experience has been made a hugely positive difference to a backline that shipped 55 goals in the Premier League last season under Roberto Martinez.

Whatever the final fee, the pundits have no doubt who has the better of the deal.

“Ashley Williams is 32,” said Steve McManaman, talking on BT Sport. “But football is all about today, isn’t it? So he’s an absolute steal of a buy.

“He’ll play for a number of years, no problem.”

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Fellow BT Sport talking head Robbie Savage was in agreement when assessing Everton’s dismissal of Middlesbrough.

“That was virtually the same back four as under Martinez, although they couldn’t defend,” he said.

“There’s one difference. Ashley Williams has come into the side, and they’ve only conceded three goals (this season).”

Koeman had barely got his feet under the table at Finch Farm when he identified at least one new centre-back as a matter of urgency.

That it was accepted John Stones was on his way made the issue more pressing. But even if Stones had stayed put, the Dutchman knew the squad was short of defenders whose priority was, well, to defend.

Williams is the epitome of that approach, a reputation forged at Swansea City and, on the international stage, by skippering Wales to the semi-finals of this summer’s Euro 2016.

Ramiro Funes Mori and youngster Mason Holgate have both had their chances, most notably when Koeman has utilised a three-man defence.

They’ll come again. But in a flat back four, the partnership of Williams and fellow old-timer Phil Jagielka has already become first choice, given the appearance of having been together for years rather than barely a month.

And Williams’ statistics, even at this early stage of the season, are impressive.

He’s won 75% of his tackles – a key asset for any defender – and conceded only three fouls in his four Premier League appearances for the Blues.

The Welshman has won 19 of his 30 duels, eight of his 14 aerial duels and, in terms of distribution, an 89% passing accuracy suggests he’s not too shabby with the ball at his feet.

That he made a nuisance of himself in the box for Everton’s equaliser on Saturday also highlights he’ll prove an asset at set-pieces.

But it’s in helping shore up a previously leaky backline that Williams will truly make his name at Goodison. So far, so very good.