Everton have made a disastrous start to the season, losing four of their first seven matches so far. They spent a serious amount in the summer transfer window to bring nine new players into the side, all of them performing brilliantly for their former sides in the last season.
However, none of them have been able to play as expected for the Toffees so far, pushing them down the league table, right to the brink of the relegation zone.
Gaffer Ronald Koeman is looking to shake things up a bit and might make a few changes in his lineup to get results in the future. The defence has been an area of concern for the Dutchman, with his defenders not being able to keep their opposition strikers under check and conceding goals all too often.
However, it is going to bring some relief for the wily tactician to learn that one of the most dependable figures in his backline, is on the verge of returning to action. English centre-back Phil Jagielka is all set to be back in action, returning from an injury.
The veteran defender has loads of experience to go with his rock solid presence at the heart of the defence and he might be an automatic selection in the starting eleven for the Toffees when they take the field against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The player was absent from the team for a few matches owing to an injury and has now returned to the squad after gaining full fitness. With Koeman looking to change things in the backline, he, along with Michael Keane and Ashley Williams can form a partnership at the backline for the Toffees in the next match, which could see the Dutchman opting for a three-man defence.
Having Jagielka in his side might prove to be a very good sign for the ex-Southampton boss, as the English defender, with all his experience and ability, might help the Toffees reduce the leakage of goals and get some useful points. This will give them the much-needed boost for better displays in the Premier League in their upcoming fixtures.
Koeman is well aware of the fact that he might have to deploy newer tactics in order to outfox the opposition and there is a chance that all the three centre-backs might be used in a three-man defence to help their side strengthen the backline and help them deliver positive results in the future. Can Jagielka’s return change Everton’s fortunes?
