Everton ended the summer transfer window on an absolute high. They sealed late deals for Yerry Mina, Andre Gomes, Bernard and Kurt Zouma thus considerably strengthening their first XI. Earlier in the window, they had signed Brazilian winger Richarlison and Lucas Digne. Everton spent heavily in the previous summer as well but had a miserable season. In the past two seasons, the Merseyside club has spent over £265m to build the side which will work under the guidance of their new manager, Marco Silva. He has a good footballing brain and knows how to bring the best out of his players.
How can he field his best XI to get the maximum from the team?
STRONGEST XI
Defence
Pickford proved in the World Cup that his £30m price tag was actually a bargain. The England number one is just 24-years old and his best years are yet to come. He is acrobatic and his reflexes are top notch and considered amongst the best in the league.
Phil Jagielka, 35, is past his prime and Kurt Zouma is still learning the art of defending. Yerry Mina and Michael Keane will be the first choice centre-backs for Marco Silva. Standing at 6’4 and 6’1 respectively, both the defenders will pose a massive threat in the opposition box. Mina displayed how good he is in the air when he scored three goals for Colombia in the World Cup. Both the players are young and can form a stable partnership at the back.
Just like Jagielka, Leighton Baines is also in his final phase as an Everton player. Lucas Digne didn’t get his chance at Barcelona to show his quality but he could rejuvenate himself with the Toffees.
Midfield
Idrissa Gueye will be a key player for Everton in the midfield. He likes to make biting challenges and intercept the ball in the centre of the park. Similar to the rest, he had an underwhelming season last year but will look to start afresh in the new campaign.
Andre Gomes’ move to Everton can be beneficiary for both the sides. He will get much-needed game time whereas the Toffees will get a quality midfielder in their squad.
Attack
Marco Silva brought the best out of Richarlison during his stay at Watford. The Brazilian winger was pivotal for Watford in the previous campaign. He will wish to emulate his form for his new club and got off to the perfect start with a brace on his debut.
Another summer signing, Bernard will fill the void left by Wayne Rooney. The Brazilian is an attacking midfielder who can also be deployed on the wings. He is a speedster who prefers to dribble his way past the defenders. His flair and exuberance will be very important for the team. Gylfi Sigurðsson will be his mightiest competitor for a spot in the starting XI.
Theo Walcott will provide the pace and utilise his experience at right-wing. In his 20 appearances in the last campaign, he scored three goals and registered an equal number of assists.
(Stats Courtesy – Whoscored)