Everton have undoubtedly been the team to watch out for in the transfer season and everyone is waiting with bated breath to find out how they fare this season. Following a brilliant second half of last season, owner Farhad Moshiri has showered his brilliant manager with all the money he needs in the world. And the Dutch gaffer hasn’t shown any intention of slowing down since then.
Everton have brought in Wayne Rooney, Sandro Ramirez, Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen and Cuco Martina. While all the names sound very exciting and they remain tremendous talents on paper, Koeman is aware of the pressure that comes with such aggressive spending. And if their Europa League results are anything to go by, then he has already started feeling it.
Strength
Of course, midfield remains their biggest strength this season. Romelu Lukaku is yet to be properly replaced and Koeman would rely hugely on the like of Rooney, Klaassen, Ramirez, Tom Davies and more. The Toffees possess huge depth in their deep midfield and playmaking positions.
Everton are capable of scoring goals against the strongest of sides in the league. It goes without saying that the manager would rotate his squad between the Europa League games and League games to accommodate all the players.
Weakness
Despite getting in Pickford, Martina and Keane, Koeman knows that his side remains as fragile as ever at the back. Although Keane starting alongside Ashley Williams has brought more solidity to the side in their Europa League qualifying games, the top six sides are a totally different level.
Everton should have invested in more quality defensive reinforcements rather than overdoing in strengthening themselves up front.
Key Men
Despite all the fancy arrivals, the likes of Rooney, Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye are expected to be vital for their season this term. Koeman would need to give more time to the new arrivals while expecting positive results at the same time. Premier League contains various challenges from different sides that can make the manager want a small win, anyhow, at the end of the day rather than complete dominance in all aspects. And that would be provided by the trio.
Expectations
We expect a slow start by the Toffees given the fixtures they kick-off their season with. Koeman would be more than happy to scrape off nine points from their first five games before they start their rise. However, they are unlikely to finish in the top four by season end.
