Everton have been one of the surprise packages this summer with a rare active stance in the transfer window. Ronald Koeman has ordered heavy reinforcements after qualifying for the Europa League last season and the Merseyside club has already signed two players.
The much-needed requirement of shot-stopper was fulfilled by the arrival of Sunderland’s star last season, Jordan Pickford. The English international has arrived at the back of a whopping £30 million, which makes it the highest British goalkeeper transfer ever. Apart from him, the apprehension of Ross Barkley’s departure was met with the buying of former AFC Ajax captain, Davy Klaassen.
Although the English attacking midfielder is yet to make a move away from Goodison Park, Klassen’s transfer more than anything confirms it. While Everton are yet to make a move for a centre-half and a forward, given Funes Mori’s long-term injury and Romelu Lukaku’s almost assured big money departure, we look at the possible line-up Koeman could field wth the currently available players.
Predicted Everton XI with Confirmed Signings
Defence
Pickford should start under the bar for sure. Maarten Stekelenburg is expected to leave after an unimpressive season last term, while Joel Robles is expected to start as the second-choice yet again. Although the Spaniard had a much better season than Pickford, with the 27-year-old conceding only 20 goals in 20 games as compared to the new recruit’s 50 goals in 29 games, Koeman is expected to start with the star signing.
The 23-year-old’s outlandish reflexes and impressive ball distribution will be thrilling to watch, this time with a better attacking third ahead of him.
The back line is expected to change, but we stick with the available options. Funes Mori underwent a surgery to his torn meniscus injury on April and is unlikely to start the season right from the start. Hence, we expect the pair of Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams to start.
Seamus Coleman would expectantly return in the second half of the season after breaking his leg on international duty, which keeps Mason Holgate as his deputy for the time being. Leighton Baines will start on the other flank.
Midfield
Everton are expected to have one of the best midfield in the Premier League with their available options. The two central midfielders should ideally be Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin. After a decent first season, Gueye is expected to get better this time.
The playmaker’s role should be taken by Klassen. The Dutch midfielder is one of the best young talents around and has scored 20 goals and assisted 12 times last season. Everton would expect a similar performance this time.
Attack
Kevin Mirallas is expected to start on the left flank. The Belgian would be expected to be more determined this time with World Cup next year. Ross Barkley would expect to take the other flank, with both Aaron Lennon and Yannick Bolasie expected to return late.
Lukaku is surely going with many names like Sandro Ramirez and Moussa Dembele doing the rounds. We stick with the Belgian for now.
