Ronald Koeman is affecting winds of change at Everton, who for long have been diffident, in the shadows of their Merseyside rivals. T40 takes a look at how the dreamboat Dutchman is going to go about his business.
Formation 4-2-3-1
Maarten Stekelenburg
Replacing the stature of Tim Howard is never going to be an easy job, but the Dutchman from the Ajax youth academy, may go a long way into filling that void between the post, with his 6’6″ frame. Dominant and authoritative in the box, Maarten will play a crucial part in commandeering the box along with Phil Jagielka and new recruit Ashley Williams.
Leighton Baines
One of the players who will look to find a resurgence in form under the guidance of Ronald Koeman. The former Barcelona man’s insistence on pushing his full-backs forward to join the attacking will see one of the most productive defenders in the league thrive.
Phil Jagielka
The England international will be the sheet anchor in defence and with another natural leader beside him, will grow in stature.
Ashley Williams
The Welsh International skipper, was colossus in defence in the 2016 European Championships, and put forward his long-standing credentials in one of the biggest stages of all. A leader of men, him and Jagielka could be one of the stand out partnerships in the English Premier League this season.
Seamus Coleman
Another one who will see an upturn in fortunes, the buccaneering full-back. Returned to training this week, he’d feel revitalised by Koeman’s method.
Idrissa Gana Gueye
With Mo Besic out for the better (worse) part of a year, Idrissa Gana Gueye, will be the one-half of the defensive midfield pivot that would look to draw a fine balance between attack and defence, in his unfussed, sing-song manner.
James McCarthy
The other half of the midfield duo that would be crucial in facilitating the attack-heavy lineup that Koeman will look to embellish at Goodison Park, James McCarthy’s fighting football will ensure Ashley Williams and skipper Phil Jagielka has very little to do.
Ross Barkley
Another one of those players whose talents could come to the very fore, in the Dutchman’s template of play. Could very well be one of the best attacking midfielders in the league if deployed properly.
Yannick Bolasie
The Crystal Palace man’s big-money move will bench Gerard Deulofeu, and provide Everton with power, pace and directness down the flanks, or through the middle when asked to. Worth the outlay.
Kevin Mirallas
The hit-and-miss Belgian must find his consistency under the stewardship of craft Koeman to be able to nail down a spot for the majority of the season.
Romelu Lukaku
The man-mountain will be at his physical and mental peak this season, with Koeman’s due diligence to conditioning and positional play. Get him on your Fantasy Premier League team, no questions asked.
