Goalkeeper – Nigel Martyn
David Moyes once described the former Leeds man as his “greatest ever signing.” Joining from Leeds in 2003, Martyn went on to make 86 league appearances for the Blues until 2006, when an ankle injury forced his retirement. Despite being well into his late 30’s during his time at Goodison, Martyn produced some stunning displays between the sticks, to first prevent Everton from being relegated in 2004, and then provide a platform for gate-crashing the top 4 in 2005, where the Toffees often relied on a series of defensively sound 1-0 wins, where a sturdy rear-guard was fundamental.
Neville Southall is Everton’s greatest keeper of all time, but his best days were behind him following the establishment of the Premier League. Tim Howard also deserves a mention and has been, overall, a terrific servant for Everton. Martyn though edges it for me, arriving in difficult circumstances and reinvigorating himself in the closing stages of his career to produce some outstanding displays.
Right-back – Seamus Coleman
An absolute steal at £60,000 from Sligo Rovers, Coleman was originally played as a right-midfielder by David Moyes in his early appearances for Everton. In recent seasons though, the Irishman has made the right-back spot his own, having honed his defensive game to complement his obvious attacking prowess. He has even become relatively prolific in front of goal, finding the back of the net 12 times in the past two seasons.
Centre-back – Phil Jagielka
An acquisition from Sheffield United in 2007, ‘Jags’ has been Everton’s best defender for several seasons. Now Captain, though perhaps not the most vocal, he has led by example when we’ve needed him. Over the past 8 years, he has played a fundamental role in teams that have consistently finished in the top 7. His contribution was rightly reflected this season with his Player of the Year award.
Centre-back – Joleon Lescott
Perhaps a surprising inclusion, considering it means leaving the likes of Stubbs, Weir and Dave Watson out, as well as the nature in which the former-Wolves man left the club. But during his time at Everton, Lescott, when played in his proper position of centre-back, was outstanding and formed a terrific partnership with Jagielka. Moyes once hailed the duo as second only to Manchester United’s Vidic and Ferdinand. Lescott also provided his fair share of goals from centre-back, even managing to reach double-figures in 2007/08.
Left-back – Leighton Baines
Quite simply one of the best full-backs the Premier League has seen. Signed from Wigan Athletic in 2007, Baines had to wait for his chance at first, but once it came he never looked back. Baines’ marauding runs forward have been a permanent fixture in Everton’s play. The quality of his delivery into the box from open play and dead-balls has made him the most prolific defender in terms of assists in Premier League history. His telepathic understanding with Steven Pienaar has also been a joy to behold.
Right-Midfield – Kevin Mirallas
A difficult one, as Everton have not been blessed with too many outstanding wide players in the Premier League era. I’ve decided to plump for Kevin Mirallas who, despite some widely inconsistent displays, is ultimately a very talented footballer and has provided plenty of attacking nous to Everton’s play since his arrival in 2012. 28 goals and 23 assists in 106 appearances isn’t a bad return by any means, effectively meaning he’s involved in a goal every other game. I’d probably argue he’s more effective from the left, but for the purposes of this, he fits in on the right for me.
Centre-midfield – Mikel Arteta
The ‘best little Spaniard we know.’ Initially arriving on loan from Real Sociedad in 2005, Arteta quickly became a fans favourite with some outstanding displays. He provided some class and quality into what was very much a workman-like team and helped take the club up a level or two. Originally played out wide, it quickly became clear that Arteta was best centrally and he soon made the position his own.
Centre-midfield – Marouane Fellaini
I was tempted to argue the case for Thomas Gravesen, but it’s impossible to ignore Fellaini. The big Belgian arrived from Standard Liege for a record £15m in 2008, and although he plays in the middle in this team, his best performances arguably came when played behind the striker. His height meant that he was able to bully defenders and was always a threat from set-pieces. He had a temper, and was always a regular in the referees notebook, but provided some dominant, match-winning displays that means he merits a place in this team.
Left-midfield – Steven Pienaar
Technically, he has enjoyed 4 spells at Everton; two on loan, and two permanent. Signed in 2007, many branded the diminutive South-African as too lightweight for the Premier League. He soon proved the doubters wrong though. An extremely intelligent footballer, he formed a formidable partnership with Leighton Baines, creating on the most potent left sides around. He upset many fans by leaving for Spurs in 2011, but as is the case with so many, he soon found the grass isn’t always greener and was back at Goodison within 12 months, and in doing so rediscovered his form quickly enough.
Attacking-midfield – Tim Cahill
Surely one of the best pound-for-pound signings in Everton’s history, Cahill signed from Millwall in 2004 for just £1.5m, and went on to score 68 goals from midfield, many of them important and many of them with his head. Certainly for a generation of younger Evertonian’s who perhaps just missed out on Duncan Ferguson, he’s probably the player most idolised. He ‘wore his heart on his sleeve’ and was one of the few players in blue who managed to perform in Derby games, scoring 5 goals against Liverpool.
Striker – Wayne Rooney
Another difficult one. The striking department is probably the position Everton have struggled with most in the Premier League era. Many have shown promise but faded away fairly quickly. ‘Big Dunc’ is obviously a legend, but on pure ability I’ve decided to go for Rooney. “Remember the name, Wayne Rooney” were the famous words uttered by Clive Tyldesley, as Rooney burst onto the scene with that winning goal against Arsenal. A player with bags ability, he scored some memorable goals. Everyone remembers the goal against Arsenal, but the goal at Elland Road against Leeds summed up what he was about at that age. A quick change of direction and a lethal finish. It was a shame we only got two seasons from him, and the way he left and his destination was far from ideal, but the truth was the club was in no position to turn down that kind of money. The most talented Everton player in the Premier League era.
