Strongest Everton XI From The Season So Far: Surprise Inclusions At The Back

Everton have had a rather disappointing start to the campaign considering early season expectations. With just 12 points on the board, the Toffees are 12th in the league table, a point behind eighth-placed Manchester United.

Here is the strongest Everton lineup based on the performances of each of their individuals this season.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Defence

In the right-back position, it has been a tough choice between Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny with players featuring in 360 minutes of league action thus far. However, we have to give Kenny the advantage here, as the u21 international has averaged more key passes (0.5 to 0.3) and interceptions (2.3 to 1.8).

Lucas Digne, on the other hand, is an automatic choice as the left-back, mainly due to Baines’ deteriorating form. As for the central defensive partnership, Michael Keane will partner Mason Holgate, who will start ahead of Kurt Zouma while new signing Yerry Mina remains on the sidelines. Holgate has also averaged more clearances than any other defender in the team.

Jordan Pickford is the undisputed choice in between the sticks for Everton.

Midfield

While Idrissa Gueye is an assured starter at the base of Everton’s 4-2-3-1, Tom Davies sneaks ahead of Morgan Schneiderlin because he adds more variety in midfield.

Davies has also averaged 0.5 key passes per 90 minutes along with 3.5 attempted tackles while Gueye averages the second most number of interceptions as per 90 minutes (2.4) metrics with Lucas Digne staying on top at 2.5.

Attack

Things get a little interesting in the final third with Theo Walcott and Richarlison being deployed on either side of the flanks. Both the wingers have been quite effective, at times, with a combined total of 5.1 dribbles per game along with six goals and two assists overall. In short, the two have been involved in about half of the goals Everton have scored this season.

Gylfi Sigurdsson will be operating as the lone attacking midfielder. The Icelandic international has shown shades of his brilliance this season, which has given the Evertonians something to rejoice about, especially after an awful debut campaign at the Goodison last season. Sigurdsson has produced more key passes (23) than the combined total (19) of Walcott (8), Richarlison (4), and Bernard (7).

And finally, the Everton attack will be led by Cenk Tosun, who, despite scoring, just one goal this campaign, has impressed with his excellent work ethic in the final third.

Stat courtesy: Whoscored