Everton enjoyed a productive campaign under new manager Ronald Koeman who joined them last year from Southampton. The Toffees secured a seventh-placed finish in the league table (an improvement over their 11th placed finish during the 2015-16 campaign) and registered a place in the Europa League third qualification round.
However, the Merseysiders have struggled to keep hold of their star players as the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley have rejected a contract extension and are considering to move elsewhere in order to achieve greater glory.
Everton Players Who Impressed This Season
Everton performed tremendously well last season and a few youngsters stepped up for the senior side following significant absentees due to injury concerns. Tom Davies and Mason Holgate deputised masterly in their respective roles and these academy prodigies hold a bright future ahead for the senior side.
Romelu Lukaku, the big Belgian, netted 25 times and became the second top scorer of Premier League next to Harry Kane. Idrissa Gueye has been a revolution in Everton midfield and earned loads of applauds for his hard work, physical presence, defensive contribution and intercepting skills.
Players Who Disappointed The Most
A few of their stars, however, failed to live up to the expectations. Contract rebel Ross Barkley is one who struggled due to lack of consistency and needs improvement regarding his finishing attributes to match the hype he receives from British media. Goalkeeping has been a major concern for Koeman as both Maarten Stekelenburg and Joel Robles lacked regularity as well as stability.
Season Status
Everton boss Ronald Koeman successfully guided them to Europe with an injury-riddled squad and their U23 side deserve loads of praise as they clinched the Premier League 2 title. But their cup run, once again, has been miserable as they were knocked out from the third round of both domestic cup competitions.
Areas Of Improvement
Everton needs reinforcements prior to the upcoming campaign as a few of their crucial resources are set to depart in summer. Also, performances of a few first team regulars have not been up to the mark and a number of stars have struggled due to major injury blows.
Koeman is keen to add Malaga forward Sandro Ramirez in order to replace departing marksman Romelu Lukaku. Also, Ajax skipper Davy Klaassen has been linked with a move to Merseyside who will fit in the attacking midfield role that has been occupied by contract rebel Ross Barkley.
Jordan Pickford, despite being relegated with Sunderland, has high demands from a number Premier League outfits, but Everton are reportedly front-runners to acquire his services. Burnley defender Michael Keane, who has been monitored by a host of heavyweights, might end up being an Evertonian prior to the start of the next season.
Expectations From 2017-18 Season
Koeman will continue the rebuilding process to close the gap with Premier League’s ‘Top Six’ and strengthen their place in Europe. The Toffees won their last major back in 1995 ( FA Cup) and must improve their cup record as well as try to win a silverware in order to come out of the shadows of their Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
