Everton fans have experienced nothing more than failure in the last few seasons. They used to be a more than decent top half side when Moyes was in charge at Goodison Park but in the three years of Roberto Martinez at the club, the blue half of Merseyside took a few significant steps behind.
With billionaire owner Farhad Moshiri taking over the club and an experienced manager like Ronald Koeman in charge, Everton’s dreadful days can realistically be over and the Dutch gaffer has started the season in a decent manner. The side have made a good start but can perhaps do better if Koeman has his strongest XI. Here’s what it could look like.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
The squad Everton have right now is ideal for playing 4-2-3-1 and Koeman has used that in most games this season. So, we also stick to it.
Defence
Maarten Stekelenburg will easily get the nod for the place under the bar ahead of Joel Robles thanks to his immense experience at the big stage. Seamus Coleman is one of the best right-backs in the Premier League and is an obvious choice in the right-back position.
At the heart of the defence, we would go for skipper Phil Jagielka and experienced Ashley Williams. Even though Leighton Baines is past his peak now, the English international still has the quality to claim a starting spot in the left-back position.
Midfield
In the middle of the park, summer signing Idrissa Gueye is a natural choice. The 27-year-old Senegalese international has been brilliant this season in the middle of the park with his tenacity and industry.
Alongside Gueye, we would go for Barry instead of McCarthy. The latter is a quality midfielder but has not yet played much under Koeman due to his struggles with injuries while Barry has been brilliant sitting deep and protecting the back four. So, we have to opt for Barry. Gueye can play the box to box role at times with Barry staying back.
Ross Barkley is an obvious choice in the number ten role courtesy to the creativity he offers.
Attack
On the two flanks, we would go for Bolasie and Mirallas. Bolasie’s combination of pace and power is something Koeman highly rates and that is why he broke the bank on the Congo international. So, Bolasie’s place is pretty much certain. On the other hand, Mirallas has done better than both Deulofeu and Lennon and knows better where the goal is. So, the Belgian also gets a place.
There is no prize for guessing who will the number nine! It’s pretty obvious, Romelu Lukaku.
