da bet nacional： It’s all change at Everton this summer.
da dobrowin： A pretty dismal season last year culminated in the sacking of Roberto Martinez a few weeks ago, with the side bringing in Ronald Koeman in what many are describing as a coup.
The Dutchman has worked wonders over the last few years, transforming Southampton to a top side and cementing their place in the Premier League.
He is now tasked with perhaps an even greater job with Everton however, as he looks to bring the club back from the disappointment of last season.
After they showed so much promise in Roberto Martinez’s opening season, the last few years have been largely forgettable for the Everton faithful.
Things are looking up however; and despite Koeman only having had the job for a few weeks, he is already getting to work on bringing in new recruits.
A mixture of new and old talent could really transform the Everton team, and push them back into European contention next season.
Is this the starting XI that will take them back to the top?
Goalkeeper – Martin Stekelenburg
After the departure of Tim Howard this summer, one of Koeman’s highest priorities was the purchase of a new goalkeeper in Martin Stekelenburg.
He will of course have to compete with Joel Robles, but given the experience that Stekelenburg has; he seems destined to win the race and start when the season begins.
The experienced Dutchman offers reliability and fantastic shot stopping, picking up seamlessly from where Tim Howard left off last season.
Defence – Baines, Stones, Jagielka, Coleman
The Everton defence, as it stands, will likely remain very familiar come the start of next season.
Leighton Baines on his day is one of the best full back’s in England, but suffered last season with injuries and inconsistency. He will no doubt be back to his best next season and that will only be a good thing for his new manager. He will no doubt get straight back into the side whenever he is available.
Another player that had a rocky season last season, John Stones is another player that will look to improve heading into the 2016/17 season.
His partnership with Jagielka has the potential to become a great one; and the mix between youth and experience really caught the eye of punters during the 2014/15 season. They will no doubt look to regain that form next year.
There have been rumours that Koeman is looking to improve his central defence, especially with Jagielka getting on and John Stones seemingly always at the centre of transfer speculation. Thus far however nothing seems concrete, and Everton will be planning to begin the season with this pair.
Seamus Coleman is of course always reliable, and will continue to excel on the right hand side of the Everton defence.
Midfield – Barry, Witsel, Barkley
Gareth Barry is another player that is getting on in the years, but last year was an excellent one for the Englishman, finishing the season as a key player under Martinez. Whilst he remains fit and continues to perform; there seems very little reason to drop the experienced midfielder.
James McCarthy is a player that is at risk of losing his place in the side, having failed to cement himself in the centre of that Everton midfield.
Rumours over the last few weeks have linked the club to the signing of Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel; and what a coup that would be.
The outstanding ball winning midfielder is a perfect fit for the Premier League, and is a target of a host of top clubs. If Koeman can capture him he would fit perfectly in a new look Everton midfield.
Ross Barkley will of course lead the midfield triangle, playing further forward than both Barry and Witsel.
Offering excellent transitional play between midfield and attack, Barkley will no doubt look to kick on next season and reach the level that was touted for him several years ago. The 2016/17 season will be the year for Barkley to shine.
Attack – Lukaku, Mata, Deolofeu
Gerard Deulofeu has performed admirably over the last few years since joining Everton, and much like Ross Barkley he will now be looking to kick up another gear.
His transition to England is at an end at this point, and he will be looking to capitalise on all the natural talent that he possesses. We definitely saw glimpses of it last year, and that will no doubt continue next year. He will make that left wing position his own.
A hugely surprising rumour that has emerged over the last few days is Everton’s reported interest in Juan Mata; with the bookies slashing the odds on his signing. Much like Witsel, Mata is a player of immense quality that has been linked with a whole host of top European clubs.
Whilst naturally a number 10, he has proved as Manchester United that he can play on the wing and he would certainly excel there for Everton. His signing would really transform this Everton side.
The Everton forward line will of course, ideally, be lead by Romelu Lukaku. Rumours have persisted over his future, but with the club seeking such a huge fee he seems destined to stay for at least another year.
His style of play is not always pretty but he is a natural goal scorer; and he will continue to score for the club as he has done over the last few years.