With only five weeks to go until all eyes turn back to club football, I thought this would be the perfect time to crack my knuckles, dust off the typewriter and once again delve into the weird and wonderful world of Everton news and speculation.
So where to start?
Ronald Koeman became the manager, much to the overwhelming jubilation of Evertonian’s and the disabling disgruntlement of the Southampton faithful. An adept manager with valuable Premier League experience under his belt, his appointment should certainly be seen as an extended stride in the right direction; especially seeing as his acquisition demonstrated great financial strength and ‘big club’ mentality from Farhad Moshiri – magnificent scenes on Merseyside!
Squad strengthening has begun early, a strange phenomenon for the Toffees, as Koeman has become reunited once more with Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. Although Maarten doesn’t cut the most inspiring figure between the sticks, his wealth of experience that includes a number of titles back in his homeland and a World Cup runner-up medal will surely make him a valuable asset as a member of the squad.
As always, the club continues to look for promising young players to add to an Under-21’s set-up that is already brimming with exceptional talent. 18-year-olds Chris Renshaw and Bassala Sambou have been brought in from Oldham and Coventry respectively, to add more quality to a team that will take part in the newly named EFL Trophy.
Now I’ve caught up, I thought I’d have a quick look over the squad and talk about what I’m expecting/hoping for this season, with the occasional bit of speculation sprinkled in.
In the goalkeeping department, it seems the club is already in the strongest position it has been in for quite some time. With it looking likely that Koeman has yet to add his number one, the competition for places has never been more fierce. Forget Jan Mucha and Iain Turner, the club now have very suitable replacements!
Amongst the number of players linked with a move to Goodison Park; Kasper Schmeichel, Jack Butland and Asmir Begovic are the stand out candidates. As the youngest, Butland looks like the smartest long-term acquisition, however, his high price tag puts Begovic as my number one choice; especially as the Bosnian has stated that he is looking for more playing time. However, what bringing in two ‘keepers means for Joel Robles is anyone’s guess.
Defensively, you’d expect the team to operate much better under Koeman, considering his playing credentials. With Luke Garbutt and Tyias Browning returning from loan and injury respectively, and Ramiro Funes Mori being omitted from the Argentina Olympic squad, Koeman should have a full defensive unit to work with from the get-go. Regardless of what career decision John Stones decides to make, Koeman’s determination to promote youth players should hopefully see Browning fit into his place in the first-team setup nicely.
Regardless of what career decision John Stones decides to make, Koeman’s determination to promote youth players should hopefully see Browning fit into his place in the first-team setup nicely.
With midfield, Koeman and co. have plenty to work with; with Besic, McCarthy, Cleverley, Gibson and Barry available, and that’s without considering Barkley and the flurry of linked names such as Juan Mata, Axel Witsel and Morgan Schneiderlin. Seeing as creativity was often lacking during large spells of last season, added creative sparks will only boost Everton’s hopes of returning to European competition, and Mata and other players of his ilk will certainly provide that spark.
As is always the case with newly rich clubs seeking marquee signing’s, however, the first is always the most difficult to get through the door. Hopefully, youngsters such as Kieran Dowell, Ryan Ledson and Tom Davies will also get more chances to show off their undoubted talent.
Wide players will prove to be crucially important this season if Everton are to succeed as many hope they will. Gerard Deulofeu and Aaron Lennon are the go-to pairing, but if Koeman can succeed where Martinez failed and get the best out of Kevin Mirallas, Everton could be a real threat. Aiden McGeady’s time at the club must surely be up, and I find it difficult to envisage him playing in front of the Gwladys Street End this season.
Up front, Koeman needs more recruits. Romelu Lukaku’s future is never certain at this football club, in part due to his inability to keep his mouth shut and also due to his ever-persistent super agent, Mino Raiola. Whether he stays or goes, more firepower is essential.
Arouna Koné, despite showing brief flashes of what he can do, has done enough to show he isn’t what the club need, and Oumar Niasse has yet to do anything to suggest his £13.5 million transfer fee was warranted. Sebastien Haller is the name most attributed with a move as of yet, but with many having little to no knowledge of Haller’s pedigree, his signing would be a stab in the dark.
As is bound to happen, annoyance and frustration due to transfer inactivity often supersedes exciting expectations amongst Evertonians. With plenty of time to gom though, we’re sure to see Koeman’s plan fall into place fairly soon.
As I saw someone say on twitter, let’s all just sit back, relax, and let Moshiri work his magic.
