It may have been only Middlesbrough, but the comprehensive 3-1 win at Goodison is more than just that, and let no one tell you differently. Here’s T4O JD explaining why you, as an Everton supporter, should be buzzing.
#1 Ronald Making Goodison Great Again
This season, in many ways, has been a breath of air. By procuring the services of Ronald Koeman, Everton Football Club and its hierarchy has done themselves the biggest of favours. The Dutchman’s elite European methods to training, player management, development, and conditioning has shaken the erstwhile giants of the English game from their sleepy stupor. This is Everton’s best ever start in the Premier League, and not since 1978, have they managed such a feat. The carnival atmosphere at Goodison Park is palpable, and why not? This could be a sign of great things to come.
#2 Working Class Hero Is Something To Be
Gareth Barry has always been an unfashionable player in the glitz and the glamour of the most razzmatazz league in the world, yet, his unerring dedication to the cause has afforded him the honour of chalking up 600 Premier League appearances – a feat, not even some the best in the league can even begin to accomplish. It was fitting that, in his own unassuming fashion, scored the decisive equaliser to bring EVrton level and maintain their momentum. He may not be one of the most fancied midfielders in the league, but the blue-collared Everton faithful know a working class hero when they see one.
#3 Put Seamus Back In Your Fantasy Premier League Team, Lads!
I’ll admit, I wasn’t fully aware of the severity of Seamus Coleman’s injury when I put him in my Fantasy Premier League team. But knowing his quality, I there was no doubt in my mind, that one of the best right-backs in the league would find his place again. His superb run and finish certainly will have a whole bunch of FPL aficionados make full use of their free transfer allotment at the end of this game week to put him back in the fold.
#4 Ross Barkley – The Perfect Koeman Project
PSV, Feyenoord, and Barcelona. Three clubs blessed with some of the best academies world football has seen. Everton’s gaffer, Ronald Koeman, at one point or the other, in his career has been in charge of furthering the talents of their best prospects. In Ross Barkley, Ronald Koeman has the perfect pet project. The boy with such effervescent quality on the ball will now be honed into his qualities off of it, along with better spatial perfectivity and add to his tactical and positional understanding of what his role demands in the topmost levels of European football.
#5 Gana Is Like A Good Tune You Keep Humming
Gana’s metronomic ability to turn with the ball is integral for Everton’s quick transition from defence to attack. His mobility and urgency to always be available for the pass will make him a firm fan favourite at Goodison Park, which, by the look of things, may not take too long to muster. Tidy, tidy player.
