Everton were enjoying a fresh start in 2016-17 Premier League campaign under newly appointed manager Ronald Koeman with a five-game unbeaten streak ( 1D, 4W) following a disastrous previous season that resulted in a sack of former boss Roberto Martinez. But since then, the Toffees have been pretty ordinary and managed only one victory in last ten league outings including a shambolic 5-0 thrashing against Chelsea.
Koeman has brought in several new faces like Enner Valencia, Idrisa Gana Gueye, Ashley Williams, Maarten Stekelenburg and Yannick Bolasie. However, except Gueye, none has done anything spectacular to remind of. Everton are currently ninth in the league table following their Saturday afternoon defeat against Watford and although early days, they might struggle to register a place within top six yet again in order to ensure a European qualification.
The Toffees might have an exciting attack and experienced back-line, they are lacking quality in midfield and failing to resist threats from counter attacks. Neither Gareth Barry nor Tom Cleverly has provided enough reliability in a three-man midfield alongside Gana who has been the only bright spot in their murky midfield. Cleverly, a Manchester United reject, never fulfilled his potential whereas 35-year-old skipper Gareth Barry lacks pace and discipline. Muhamed Bešić, the Bosnian international, has been unfortunate and repeatedly missed out to earn a run of games with major injury concerns.
However, Koeman have one more option whom he has been reluctant to explore so far despite being the most consistent midfielder for Everton since past three campaigns. Irish international James McCarthy has only made five league appearances this term and started in an unusual right wing-back role during the first couple of fixtures. McCarthy has reportedly held talks with club official asking for a transfer for regular game-time elsewhere which was turned down due to Everton’s failure to land Moussa Sissoko on transfer deadline day.
Since then the former FA Cup winner with Wigan Athletic was injured for a few weeks and overlooked lately by the manager, thus made only three league appearances furthermore. Former Ireland and Manchester United legend Roy Keane has hailed McCarthy by comparing the 26-year-old central midfielder with his style of play:
He probably plays a little like me. maybe not as aggressive and is possibly looking to mature in terms of his personality on the teams over the next few years but that will all come.
McCarthy first drew attention while playing for Wigan Athletic under Roberto Martinez. Despite winning the prestigious FA Cup, Wigan got relegated and McCarthy rejoined Martinez on 2nd September 2013 who was already appointed as new Everton manager three months back. Soon he became a first team regular and impressed in a box-to-box midfield role. The Irishman is applauded for his hard work, good vision and passing skills. A bit clumsy at times, McCarthy is never afraid of tackling hard with a vow to win fifty-fifty challenges. He, alongside Gana, can upturn Everton’s derailed campaign before it becomes too late.
Koeman, however, seems to have restored trust in his decorated midfield option and handed him a rare start against Watford on Saturday. It takes time to turn things around and Everton sacrificed a lead over the Hornets in order to suffer another heartbreaking 3-2 defeat. But McCarthy did fair on his return and needs a good run of games before making things stable in Everton midfield. The manager now needs to keep faith in him and the fans have to be patient till then.
