Playing squad needing more than a freshen up?

Matt Lavery 12/05/2016 54comments  |  Jump to last

A new dawn is about to begin...

It wasn't until the coming of Spring that I turned from a Martinez supporter to a Martinez "out" kind of guy. I'd like to add to the sentiment and shouts of Martinez being a "nice guy", but it was clear that the first season of positivity under his stewardship were well and truly over and those initial feelings of excitement were simply gone. As someone has said on one of the fan threads, we don't need a nice guy, we need a winner.

I think that Baines's comments were key to signalling Roberto's end as it was clear people within and without the club were no longer "buying" what he was selling. As an aside, I do believe Baines' comments were unprofessional to an extent (his somewhat apologetic tone in my opinion prove this) but nonetheless his actions highlighted the need to go a different route.

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So, what of that route? It remains to be seen who will be entrusted with a truly monumental task at Everton to get us fans (what Roberto had us believe was possible once more) - success. Not the "success" that Sky et al suggest is what "plucky" Everton should be happy with, but instead the success that Leicester and Atletico Madrid have had recently. And then some! Nil Satis Nisi Optimum.

So, it got me wondering what any potential manager had in store come the summer in order to take Everton back to where they once belonged. The "Special One" has suggested today that any manager taking over the reigns during a summer period are at a disadvantage as the transfer targets, pre-season trips, business ventures etc have already been put in place to a certain extent by the previous incumbents.

However, surely the players who will start the 2016-17 season are largely a mystery until the transfer window countdown clock rears its ugly head? Last minute opportunities come up when least expected, injuries happen, chairmen panic etc. Added to this is the fact that this is a Euros summer; and as usual, most managers will be observing it for talent and therefore won't have finalised their plans regarding players until much later in the summer. The possibilities are endless. Aimar anyone?!

So, finally (sorry!) to the point of this article: what do Everton FC need regarding their playing staff and how much "tinkering" is required from the new manager and new major shareholder?

By position:

Goalkeepers:

Joel Robles
Janick Staneck
Russell Griffiths
(Howard already leaving)

I don't personally feel 100% or even remotely close to the idea that Robles is the man to take the sticks for the foreseeable future, never mind for the years to come. I can't help but think that Robles will never be quite the same leader or all-round keeper that Howard was in his prime, but even then, Nil Satis Nisi Optimum and all, neither come close to the great Neville Southall. If we are serious about being masters of Europe once more, a top class keeper is a must.

Defence (left)

Leighton Baines
Bryan Oviedo
Luke Garbutt

Due to the requirement of the other positions I think with Luke back from loan, this is one position that should be left alone for now. As much as I like Oviedo, he's not even second choice in my opinion and despite Luke's disappointment in the Championship, I think he'll make for good competition. With better coaching in defence (an obvious must at Everton!) Garbutt could yet be one to watch this coming season. Baines, especially as a local lad should be given the support to make him one of the leaders on the pitch, however, I don't foresee him returning to his prowess like during his Pienaar/Baines axis days. Still, I think we're doing fine in that position for one more year.

Defence (right)

Seamus Coleman
Tony Hibbert

As has been posted on numerous occasions, the obvious requirement here is a new right-back (either as cover with a view to replacing Coleman long term or to take his starting spot). A proper defender or an attacking type? I think that depends on the feft-back player. I think one of them (long term) needs to be more defensively minded with the ability to also pick a pass. It is a shame Hibbert is well passed his "sell by" date as again, I think having someone who is one of our own is vitally important in the dressing room. Plus his reading of the game is not half bad!

What I'd love to see most here is for Coleman to get back to his old self! I don't think he has been close for the past two seasons. At his best he was unpredictable, full of pace, tough and not only did we not know what he was going to do when he got the ball, the opposition didn't know and half the time I don't think Seamus did either! (& that was a good thing in my opinion).

Defence (centre)

Phil Jagielka
John Stones
Ramiro Funes Mori
Brendan Galloway
Martin Holgate
Matthew Pennington
Tyias Browning

Now, I like Jagielka but am not sure he's the tough bastard, with the captain quality required (snarling, frothing at the mouth and dragging the boys together when under the cosh). I think he's a starter but I would love to see a proper "old school" defender along side him. Stones needs to be spoken to and coached in the art of defending. I think he has all the potential in the world and genuinely should be encouraged to settle down for the foreseeable future for his and our good.

Of course I envisage plenty of game time for him along with Jags, but until he sorts his stupid mistakes out, he's a massive liability. Funes Mori is a head scratcher. He's ace in the opposition box but I think he's another that needs to be coached to do some of the simple things better and I am not certain he's long term the best fit for us. I hope he is, but this year will have done him some good, but he has to get used to the league pronto!

The others? Pennington seems like a nice lad and there is potential there, however, I don't see an awful lot of raw quality to be coached in to a superstar. Another Hibbert type but at centre-back? Galloway impressed when deputising at left-backbut again, not certain he should remain there. A case of square peg, round hole. Could (with a bit of beef) end up being a good, solid defender for us in the left centre back role but still early days.

Tyias seems decent but not sure he's got what it takes. I think a good long loan to a lower league to see if he has the mentality going forward is a must. Holgate sounds very promising but as long as he isn't coached to make the mistakes of Stones then his future by all accounts is very bright.

Having said this about Stones (& this is true of all the young lads), being a teacher and seeing the pressure on young individuals create all kinds of havoc academically and mentally, the scrutiny of the young lads at times borders on crazy. I think as fans we need to be a bit more empathetic (regardless of their wages that they didn't force on the management!) and I also think that managers need to do a better job at protecting some lads when it is obvious their situation dictates it (Ross is a prime example IMO).

Midfield (left)

Hahaha.
Steven Pienaar

A quality left midfielder is another MUST in my opinion. Pienaar was quality in his day but needs to be moved on and there is nobody else. As much as I'd love to see Yarmolenko (not sure their chairman would let him come to us by all accounts) it is a genuine must of a position and I don't think there would be a better candidate than the Ukrainian. Cleverley, Arouna and Mirallas are definite nos for me in this position.

Midfield (right)

Aiden McGeady
Aaron Lennon
Gerard Deulofeu

I thought Aiden would at some point come good (but I'm a glass half full type) but he's an obvious one to get rid of. Either released for free or sell(!) Lennon has done reasonably well with goals and some strong wing play (crossing has never been his strength) and works hard but again, not sure he is top class. Surely we want someone to put it "on a plate" for the forward consistently?

A starter for me as long as he can be coached to keep his head in the game and beefs up is Deulofeu. I was extremely excited about his return and I thought his permanent signing was Martinez's best piece of business over the summer. He started well this season but lost focus and needs to (and more importantly can) return to his very best. He is still raw but his potential is exciting. A good coach is a must though! I think with Deulofeu and Lennon we're reasonably well covered here.

Midfield (centre-mid)

Darron Gibson
Tom Cleverley
Gareth Barry
Joe Williams
Liam Walsh
Conor Grant

I'd release Gibbo – if he stayed fit he could be great and he's the right side of 30 as well! (Martinez mentioning he wasn't injury prone was the writing on the wall I chose to ignore regarding his inability to manage effectively!) Tom Cleverley has done a decent job since he arrived with plenty of endeavour and at times has shown some class. He would act as good cover.

Barry needs to stay but with a replacement lined up to take his reigns this coming summer. A younger version of Barry (Wijnaldum?!) being shown the ropes is a must in my opinion because as has been stated many times, it is scary how much Everton have relied on an ageing player such as Barry. Where would we have ended up without him this year? A seasoned pro, a cool head, superb spacial awareness and some neat touches (and the odd quality pass).

Walsh appears to be another "next big thing" from what I have seen (am I right?!) but not sure about Grant and Williams although genuinely uncertain so I can't make a comment!

Midfield (defensive mid)

James McCarthy
Muhamed Besic
Ryan Ledson

Jimmy needs a kick up the arse. He's a headless chicken who's not shown the quality required in my opinion. In his first season he chased everything down like a rabid dog but now I'm not quite as enthralled by him. With a bit of coaching (he's getting longer in the tooth though!) he could begin to do the chasing and THEN the easy pass to a more technical player but he needs to contribute more than he has done this season.

Mo, sorry but he's a mystery to me. As much as I love a good tackle, he's got little to no positional sense in the game. On the ball he can do some wonderful stuff but he can't be relied upon to keep the shape when defending or offer space when attacking. Some quality coaching might help him but it's needed now otherwise he'll not fulfil his potential in my opinion. I would not have started him as much as some fans wanted this year either. I actually think at the stage he's currently at we may have actually lost more points (if that's possible!)

Ryan was given a fair bit of praise over the last few years but not sure how far he's progressed and perhaps stars like Walsh and Dowell have superseded him?

Midfield (attack)

Ross Barkley
Leon Osman
Kieran Dowell
Conor McAleny
Leandro Rodriguez

Osman is another local lad who from all accounts helps create a good changing room atmosphere. Hardly seen this year and I think it's time for him to seek pastures new (especially as he's been quite vocal about this recently). Will be a shame to have one of our own leave but he's passed it.

Another in danger of being passed it is young Ross. Soon he won't be YOUNG and it is clear he's someone who thrives on positivity and good performances. He needs to be taken out of the limelight in my opinion and given a long rest with a quality AM/#10 that Roberto spoke of coming in to provide competition and help spark the blues in to gear. When Ross is at his best, running at players and having a pop, he is a joy to watch, particularly as he's another local lad. However, I genuinely fear the abuse he receives from fans will be his undoing. Great potential but will he achieve what we hope for him? I think we are/were all hoping he'd be our answer to Stevie G Laa but time is a ticking...

And of course, the new boy on the block Kieran is a genuine success story surely waiting to happen. I do hope he's given the match on Sunday to showcase his ability and with a bit of good management I have high hopes for this left footed (albeit it raw) local lad. Again, I can only hope fans have patience with him.

McAleny has done some good things but has also come up short with some of his opportunities in my opinion. It has been a decent loan year for him but I'm not convinced with his maturing years that he's got what it takes at Everton. Perhaps another Leon though?

Leandro has certainly unimpressed thus far and with the noises from the management recently about his need to get a strong pre-season, this is a defining moment for him. A phenomenon waiting to happen or a phantom?

Forwards

Arouna Kone
Kevin Mirallas
Oumar Niasse
Romelu Lukaku
Courtney Duffus
Sam Byrne
David Henen

Arouna has scored some decent goals throughout his career but surely must move on now Roberto has gone? By all accounts, a good lad and at the beginning of the year put in some surprising performances, but surely a lesser team would give us a few £million for him? He is also a notoriously slow starter each new season due to his fasting (fair enough) but he seems to take ages getting in to any form thereafter.

Mirallas is a genuine frustration. On his day he can be a real threat but it is precisely this (his verbal threats every time he goes on international duty) that leaves me wondering what good he does to the camaraderie in the dressing room? If as Baines says it is suffering, then I'd now say "get rid". He's done it every season he's been here and I think he's replaceable.

Oumar is another head scratcher to say the least! A bizarre signing all things considered and he's so far off the pace there is real worry he's not going to make it even close to NSNO. Still, dare I say it (as this is being kind) it is early days...

The other young lads don't set the pulse racing. Courtney seems like a decent target man but not of the same calibre as Anichebe and he wasn't good enough. Henen despite his early promise appeared to really struggle in a conference league(!) and Sam, despite the more positive messages from Finch Farm again doesn't set the pulse racing.

Our only true striker and potential superstar is Romelu. Again, he suffers much the same as Kev on international duty, however, at least his words have some substance to them. Anybody who thinks the boy is garbage is in my opinion just frustrated with him and the season in general. Yes, he couldn't hold the ball up like we like to see at Goodison Park on a consistent basis (at times it is laughable and is a clear opposition tactic to go all in on him when his back is to goal) and yes, at times he makes some glaring errors, many of them unfortunately when they truly matter, however, when was the last time Everton had a goalscorer who came even close to such figures? He is arguably Martinez's best piece of business. If he stays another year he will get us goals yet again and they are a commodity in short supply, particularly when it comes to the Premier League.

How many foreign imports who have "done it" abroad come up short? How much money is wasted? A quick glance along the bench is a case in point with Niasse. Do we play to his strengths? I haven't seen the same quality service to him on a consistent basis this year. Deulofeu offered some superb opportunities earlier in the season but it is clear Romelu is getting more and more frustrated as the year goes by. If he were to be sold this summer (& only for big money would I let him go) we would have to replace him but also buy another to take the burden. Even if we keep him, we need that second top quality striker to create competition and provide assistance. His attitude does need improving, but again, he's a young man who needs to be sold the dream at Goodison. Not, in my opinion, sold.

So, after all that, I can only see five players in the list that I would be excited to see as starters come season 2016-17.

GK?
LB - Baines (& on pens)
RB - Coleman (of old)
CB - Jagielka (dependable)
CB - ? (Maybe Stones if he can remember how to defend!)
LM - ?
CM - ? (Maybe McCarthy if he learns how to pass and chip in with the odd goal/assist whilst keeping up the work rate)
CM - ? (Barry but not all season)
RM - Deulofeu
AM/CF - ? (Maybe Ross if he starts to take responsibility, learns to enjoy his football again and matures quickly so as to deal with the pressure)
CF - Lukaku

IMO only Coleman, Del Boy and Lukaku from this list are currently either good enough to be truly excited by or have the potential to return or become top class. Ross maybe.

Subs: Robles, Stones (could be superb), Garbutt, Barry, Cleverly, Walsh (unknown), Dowell (unknown), Lennon.

I can't say the "best squad" in a generation fills me with that much confidence to be honest. I told myself over the past 3 years that it was good enough, however, that was when some of the old guard were still around. We've waited too long with some of them, missed the boat with others and if we're not careful, we'll have an even bigger "touch up" job to do this year or next. But a word of caution; a whole host of changes could lead to a lack of cohesion and we only need look at the worrying trend of teams that buy, buy, buy (Leeds, Newcastle this year, QPR) for the problems that that in itself creates.

Either way, Nil Satis Nisi Optimum. I truly hope whoever is the next manager can bring back the School of Science once and for all and that we see a bunch of players hungry for success next year but most importantly, willing and wanting to play as the winning team.

COYBB!

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Reader Comments (54)

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Michael Kenrick
1 Posted 13/05/2016 at 06:27:48
Very comprehensive... except you forgot one:


Callum Connolly.

Bob Butchard
2 Posted 13/05/2016 at 07:08:50
I have thought the constant observation that RM had the best squad the club has had for years was overblown.

I recently read Timmy's autobiography and it's not hard to see the passion he brought to the dressing room has never been replaced since he left. That time with Neville and himself cracking the whip makes the present group look so brittle.

When the present squad is scrutinised as Matt has here, it isn't hard to appreciate the change in the mood of the playing group.

Loko Sanchez
3 Posted 13/05/2016 at 07:38:39
Finally, an honest assessment of the squad quality. We've been rubbish, 45% down to the manager, 55% players. Even if we have a rubbish manager, if the players had some form of leadership, we wouldn't be in this mess. Barry's been the best player, Lennon the most hardworking, the rest that got game time under Martinez, rubbish.
Danny Broderick
4 Posted 13/05/2016 at 07:42:39
I think we need a keeper, 2 midfielders and a striker. The back 4 are good defenders, they just need organising. On the wings, we could play any combination of Del Boy, Lennon or Mirallas on either side.

We do definitely need a number 1. We also need a striker, 2 if Lukaku goes. We need some midfielders to replace those who will leave (Gibson, Osman, Pienaar etc). Hopefully they will be all rounders, and hopefully the new manager will get more from McCarthy and Barkley, who are getting off Scott free at the moment. One is not expected to defend, and the other is not expected to attack FFS!

James Byrne
5 Posted 13/05/2016 at 07:51:23
Interesting stuff Matt.

I'm not sure about the view on Jags..........you say he's not tough enough or Captain material. I know he's not very vocal at times and not as animated as the likes of Stevie G etc, but for me he's one of the toughest defenders I've ever watched.

I do think that the physical side of his game gets unnoticed and I believe the reason why is that he's so good at what he does. He's not the big clumsy type conceding stupid free kicks, but more of a stealth type person who's smarter that your average centre half.

I've watched Jags for years from the Park End and I've seen many opposition players come off second best and Jags just walking away!

Steve Pugh
6 Posted 13/05/2016 at 08:25:20
I would reserve opinion on some of those until they have worked with a decent coach for a while.
Jim Bennings
7 Posted 13/05/2016 at 08:26:27
Very very much agreed!

I'd suggest without overreacting that we needed to sign TEN players to freshen this club up and hope whoever takes charge will not bow to sentiment dishing out contracts to players like Gibson, Osman, Pienaar or New contracts to players who are and have been clearly limited.

I'd also have to re-address whether the likes of McCarthy, Besic, Cleverley are really the type to take us onto a new level.

Barry is getting older, Baines nowhere near what he was, Jagielka getting on.

Is Funes Mori really good enough too?

I expect Lukaku to go and us to cut our losses on Niasse.

Massive massive changes here at Everton I expect.

Kevin Rudge
8 Posted 13/05/2016 at 08:49:21
I agree with Steve Pugh... I'd like to see how some of these can perform working a lot harder with an adaptable coach who has a clue how to manage a task in hand and a situation as it unfolds.
Les Martin
9 Posted 13/05/2016 at 08:50:28
A great piece and shows that we have a lot of problems to sort. The defence needs a no nonsense monster, look at what Leicester have done. The midfield needs a complete clear out, no pace or passing vision, although Barry has been excellent, time is running out.

McCarthy needs to be sold, offers nothing, Ross needs to be re invented to get him on track. Up front Lukaku will be a loss, but not irreplaceable and I would love to see Super Kev up front, has pace, skill and the knack. Interesting close season ahead

Chris Williams
10 Posted 13/05/2016 at 08:53:36
Good to see growing realism about 'the best squad since the 80s' crap. I don't know where that started but it's not come from anyone who has spent any time watching Everton regularly over a period of time.

It still gets trotted out pretty regularly by the 'experts' on various Sky outlets by lazy buggers who parrot the same mantra as though it was holy writ.

They are not, never were and never will be.

At the same time we need to accept that the squad has underachieved because of lousy tactics, lousy management, lousy coaching, where players like Stones and Barkley have been told it's ok not to do their jobs properly. 'Express yourselves and enjoy a good moment' clean sheets don't matter'

They are capable of better, but the way other squads like Leicester, Spurs, WHU, Liverpool, Southampton etc have developed and surpassed us, the true potential right now may be about eighth place or thereabouts if we are to be realistic.

If that is the starting point, then the initial ambition must be top 4 with further targets set once that is achieved, so the main points made in the OP are absolutely valid, but maybe 4 or 5 quality signings as a starting point will suffice with improvements coming from better coaching and management as well.

We've seen across Stanley Park and at Spurs that it is hard to integrate 7 or 8 new players into a squad at one time.

But it is going to be an interesting few months.

David Flanagan
11 Posted 13/05/2016 at 09:19:35
Another one you've missed is the Swiss forward we signed, Shani Tarashaj. Supposed to okay so time will tell.

Doesn't paint the best picture of our so-called 'best squad in years', does it?

Jim Bennings
12 Posted 13/05/2016 at 09:23:28
Chris

It's basically an ok average squad, I don't even subscribe to the theory it's a "good" squad, it isn't.

It's a bunch of decent players, on the fringe international players that have started over the last year or two to believe the hype coming their way.

All I see is a midfield with no variety ( one inconsistent attacking central midfielder in Barkley, a player who doesn't challenge, doesn't head the ball)

McCarthy, Barry, Gibson, Cleverley and Besic, how many games would they start at many of the top half teams seriously???

A defence that lacks a good defender and leader of men.

Poor goalkeeping options.

Once the "when I'm in the mood" Romelu Lukaku goes we are left with not even the striking options of Sunderland. (I'm sorry Niasse is not going to become a world beater next season no).

It's a very very threadbare limited squad with not much variety in it.

Jay Woods
13 Posted 13/05/2016 at 09:53:44
I agree that Jagielka is not captain material. Currently nobody in the team seems to be.

We need an overhaul for sure, but at the same time it's very risky, as Chris Williams points out, to introduce too many new players in one go. And I still think that quality in a few key positions is a more important metric than quantity all across the squad.

Victor Yu
14 Posted 13/05/2016 at 09:59:35
ESPN is linking us with Valdes and Demichelis (or whatever his name is). Both are available on a free.
Alasdair Mackay
15 Posted 13/05/2016 at 10:03:34
Unfortunately, it's not realistic for a new manager to come in and change the entire playing squad in one summer and guarantee success, so you have to prioritise.

The inevitable exits for big money are Stones and Lukaku. Also Osman, Gibson and Hibbert will not be back next year. So that leaves some holes to fill urgently. The biggest one is up front.


Niasse is headless chicken. Kone is not nearly prolific enough (but would do as a back-up), and the rest have no experience.
I agree that Mirallas is better played up top, as he seems allergic to passing anyway and I think he is better at movement off the ball then he gets credit for. He needs someone to play alongside, though.
This means we NEED 2 top level forwards this summer.

Wide Midfield-wise. I would give Pienaar another season-long contract. He had a nightmare with injuries, but we are vastly under-staffed on the left and he still has ability to create space for himself, which negates a need for raw pace. We also can play Oviedo and Mirallas there if we have to and we have Dowell coming through who will need to learn both sides next season (left and right). Gerry and Lennon (who I also like on the left at times) is our right side, so I would argue that this is not a priority, but will certainly need looking at in the summer of 2017.

Central Midfield is okay, too. Cleverley is a solid player, Barkley needs to get in serious shape and get the right motivation again. I really liked the look of Davies when he came on the other week and I think Besic is more suited to an advanced role than he is in Def Mid. He can certainly see a pass.
Defensive mid - we have Barry still playing well and Ledson coming through. I, personally don't rate McCarthy - he is a tackler, but nothing more than that. He offers nothing in an attacking sense and seems to go missing for large portions of games. I think we can do better but, again, it is not a priority.

Left Back is fine - for the reasons stated in the article.

Right Back - Coleman is our undisputed number one. Connolly is coming through and I have been fine with both Browning and Pennington. The key is to make sure we have at least one not injured or on-loan at all times!!

I really like Galloway as a future Left-Side centre-half. I think Mori deserves another season and some better defensive coaching to see if he can handle the Prem.
We will get one more year out of Jags as a top performer - particularly as it looks as though he will not be going to the Euros, but we need to use this coming season to test the likes of Holgate, Browning and Pennington to see if they can be Jag's long-term replacement. If not we it becomes a priority in 2017.

Goalkeeper - I remain unconvinced about Robles. I don't think he is a disaster, as I did at the start of this season, but he still has work to do to call himself the long-term Everton Number 1, and a solid 'keeper is such a big part of a project, that I would say this is our other priority this summer.

So - 2 forwards and a 'keeper.
That's not all we need, but we have no European football next season (again) and alot of other teams will have players returning from the Euros knackered, so we can have '16-'17 to be patient and for our new manager to properly assess what he has at his disposal.
I have always liked Browning at Right Back, so would put him as back-up to Coleman. I think Mori has done enough to merit another crack at the Premier League, but he has to improve alongside Jags.

Maynard Hanna
16 Posted 13/05/2016 at 10:12:31
Good assessment Matt. I would agree with you in all that you have written. So all we need now is a manager who can recognize talent and have a name that will attract that talent to Everton. Easy enough. Hope Mr Moshiri gets it right.
Chris Williams
17 Posted 13/05/2016 at 10:29:12
Jim

I agree the squad is performing poorly, and our recent form is not bang average but bloody relegation fare, but I suppose I'm trying to build in a'Roberto Factor' to get a handle on a realistic potential. That's pretty impossible to gauge and I could be well off. But him and his grizzly gang have had an impact on individuals and collectively. Then the matter of fitness............

I just don't think we know and it will take maybe three Windows to achieve. That's ok too. Patience is a concept second nature to Blues. 30 years since we won the league 20 years since the Cup win. A whole generation of fans subsisting on crap.

At my age I was thinking I may never see it again. With the right manager now and the right plan I just might.

Dave Ganley
18 Posted 13/05/2016 at 10:35:05
Think I agree with Steve Pugh #6. At present I wouldnt want to retain many of the current squad but with a decent coach who actually knew what they were doing....then who knows.

Definitely need a GK or 2. Right back to challenge Coleman. I still think that Coleman and Baines have a lot to offer. I think they were victims of Martinezs awful defensive preparations. Left them stranded constantly. I do like Jags as a defender but not as captain. Not sure if Stones will be here next season to be honest. A new CB needed anyway as FM is not top class really.

Not sure where to start with midfield. Would keep Barry for experience but would have McCarthy playing in front if back 4 on his own. No need for 2 DM. Jimmy Mac is a great tackler and I see him as a good Lee Carsley type player. No fuss win the ball and give to someone else. As for the rest, we need 2 quality wingers. Not sure if Del Boy and Mirallas will make the grade anymore. Hope im wrong as I like both players when on form. That happens too seldom though. Both very flimsy when it comes to doing the hardwork of tracking back. Maybe a new manager could turn that. Ross, well always said there is a great player waiting to get out if his shell. Lets hope he gets fit and works hard and finally realises his potential. Lukaku is off anyway I think. Top CF needed and a decent back up.

So I guess probably half a team needed at present. Quality players too. Wont come cheap. Lets hope that we get a decent manager capable of attracting good talent.

John Louis Jones
19 Posted 13/05/2016 at 11:13:33
Well written, but, like I have said on other threads, we could lose up to 12 players.

Hibbo, Ossie, Pienaar and Gibson are all out of contract.
Barry, Jagielka, Kone and Baines are all the wrong side of 33 come the start of the season.
Howard is Gone.
Lukaku, Stones and Mirallas will most probably leave.
Ovideo is not good enough.
Cleverley is a squad player at best.
McGeady is as good as gone.

That is nearly a full team of players leaving, that leaves us with a full rebuild.

it is a big job.

John Ballinger
20 Posted 13/05/2016 at 11:34:37
No mention of the promising young Swiss guy we signed (name escapes me for now). He's been back on loan at Grasshoppers but I believe his military service is now done and he's been around Finch Farm
Kieran Fitzgerald
21 Posted 13/05/2016 at 11:57:32
Short memories on here. Three of the back four were part of the Moyes defence that was very very decent. This is the same back four that were part of the team that secured 72 points in Martinez' first season. Now they're rubbish?

A couple of months ago, Lennon was a great it of business because of his work rate, decent runs going forward and an ability to back track. Now he's rubbish too.

Mirallas has been one of our best players going forward and has chipped in with a decent amount of goals. Now he's rubbish as well.

At this rate we may as well put them all up for sale, give rhino the manager's job and just let him play the youth team.

Tony J Williams
22 Posted 13/05/2016 at 12:19:35
It's hard to judge who is good enough and who is not at the moment due to the whole squad being demoralised and unfit.

Get them all fit again (get them running up those sand dunes) and get them wanting to play footy again and see where we are with the ones that remain after the initial culling.

I agree that Jags is not captain material, as he is too nice but he is by far our best defender and actually wins headers against forwards.

We need new blood, there isn't a doubt about that but lets see if we can get McCarthy back to the way he was in Bobby's first season.

I still think McGeady could do a job for us... I mean all those boots don't clean themselves you know!

Terry Underwood
23 Posted 13/05/2016 at 12:24:19
Left midfield/attack.... I really rate Zac Clough from Bolton, just relegated from Championship, could be cheap and worth a punt.
Steavey Buckley
24 Posted 13/05/2016 at 12:28:50
A lot of players are named in the article, but picking a team from them, does not fill me, with great hope for the future. Maybe, the new manager has a better idea and plan to bring the best out of some of them; even though there are few games when Everton played really well against decent opposition this season.
Gary Ashworth
25 Posted 13/05/2016 at 12:57:41
In terms of the "Special One's" comment, which is a valid point, but look at Leicester City. They sacked Nigel Pearson close to the start of the season and by the time they appointed Claudio Ranieri, he only had a few weeks to get himself and the squad organised... and we all know how their season ended.

I do feel there needs to be a complete change at the club. Not just the manager and the coaching team, which will now happen. There needs to be some additions and departures in the squad AND the mindset needs to change.

Appointing a manager with a reputation or a successful record or someone who is regarded highly (Mourinho, Pellegrini, Koeman, de Boer) is a statement of intent and shows our ambition. Appointing a manager that isn't dissimilar to Martinez or what we've searched for the past, due to financial limitations and lack of appeal (Moyes, Howe, Hughes, etc) is not exactly a step forward, more a step backwards really.

In terms of the players, I agree that Robles is a decent keeper, but he's not my first choice. He only made the starting XI this season because Howard suffered a dramatic drop in form. I actually find Robles a bit immature and lacking in leadership. I also look at it this way - would Robles get into the starting XI at other comparable clubs? Would he realistically challenge Forster at Southampton... Butland at Stoke City... Krul at Newcastle United? It's highly unlikely.

Unfortunately, if Oviedo is going to be considered a leftback, he's going to struggle. Baines is first choice and we have Galloway and Garbutt - all are more effective than Oviedo in that position. To me Oviedo is a winger and he has been played out of position. He’s unfortunately spent most of his time at EFC injured, he's a great professional, but one of those fringe players who could very well leave the club having never really had the chance to shine.

I feel sorry for Hibbert because a fully fit squad won't even see him on the bench. Coleman is first choice, Browning, Stones, Connolly and even Pennington can operate effective in that position. I respect Hibbert and love the fact he's a true blue, but maybe it's time sentiment is put to one side.

Stones has been one of the biggest disappointments this season. Whatever happened that affected his performances will never be truly known. Of course there's every chance he may leave. If he can rekindle his top form, then I'd love him to stay. Funes Mori is just as good as Stones in my opinion and a worthy replacement. Jags is missed when he doesn't play, but injuries seems to be taking longer to heal. He probably has another season or two in him (if he stays injury free), but much like Howard (before he announced his departure) we need to start looking at a long-term replacement.

YES, we need a natural left-footed winger. Mirallas can operate in that position, but we do need options. McGeady is likely to be sold and that was probably going to happen even if Martinez had stayed on as manager. Lennon and Duelofeu are great on the right as it is their natural/best position.

I think Gibson is likely to be released or sold, competition for midfield is fierce. We also have youth players coming through in that role. Barry has been outstanding and really firmed up our midfield, but like Jags, he only has a couple of seasons in him before we'll start to see a dip in performances.

McCarthy is someone I don't really see what the fuss is about. He's another ex-Wigan/Martinez era purchase that came with a hefty price tag. I didn’t really notice him at Wigan and I wondered why he was valued at £13m. Admittedly he is the best player Martinez brought with him from Wigan, but I’m still not sure of his qualities. Defensively, I look at the influence Barry and Besic have in games, going forward I look at Cleverley and Barkley and I wonder why McCarthy gets first team football. I think McCarthy plays the way Martinez wanted the team to play, but is he really missed when he doesn’t play?

Barkley needs a manager who will allow him more freedom to push forward. He still hasn't reached his full potential in my opinion - but how long will it take before he does? He's got the potential to be like Gascoigne, Scholes or Lampard but he needs to take more risks and shoot from distance like these players did.

Going forward we have Lukaku, Kone, Niasse and this new kid Tarashaj. Lukaku is the club’s record signing and he is the biggest “bitter/sweet” of this season. Lukaku has broken a club record with his goals this season and yet he has massively underachieved. I could go on and on assessing Lukaku's season, but suffice to say he is not as good as people think he is... not yet.

He could very well leave and fair enough, I'm a bit sick and tired of him and his agent banging on about him wanting Champions League football. In some respects his drop in form could have been because he became complacent. He knew he would start every game because there he had no competition. Yet when he was at a club with serious competition (Chelsea), he didn't get into the starting XI. Everton is actually the best place for him right now, but if he wants to leave, let him leave - I only want committed players at the club.

Martinez’s worst purchase from Wigan was Antolin Alcaraz, but Arouna Kone is a very close second. Kone hasn’t been at his best ever since he was playing for Levante 4-5 years ago. Kone has reached that stage where (if he remains injury free) he can enjoy what’s left of his career in a less intense league, and/or at a smaller club. He is not the calibre required of a Premier League striker that’s for sure; he’ll never bag more than a handful of goals over a season… if he’s lucky.

It seems harsh to judge Niasse, but I’ve seen nothing in the two games he's started that suggests he is worth the £13.5m we paid for his services. Look at Southampton, they paid QPR £4m for Charlie Austin, in comparison £13.5m seems ridiculous. Whenever we are linked to a player these days, the only place you can find evidence of that player’s ability is YouTube. The collection of videos for Niasse is sparse and those available are not that impressive. The only thing going in Niasse’s favour is he is a better option than Kone.

So there needs to be changes in personnel and in the mindset of the club. We need to go into next season believing we are and we can challenge for European place. We need to make Goodison a fortress again, the fans need to get behind the team. Let's forget about this season and move forward with whoever is appointed. A new manager is a new start and hopefully they will attract the quality we need in the squad and invest wisely.

I'd love to see someone Rooney back at the club, but even with Moshiri's billions, his wage demands will be hard to maintain. I think Breel Embolo at Basel is worth a look. Yarmolenko and Sergi Roberto are also good options, but like Lukaku, Yarmolenko wants Champions League football.

In any case, it'll be interesting to see who is appointed the new manager an what they do in the summer with the transfer budget. More importantly, what they do with the existing squad and the influence they will have on the under-performers we've seen this season.

Martin Nicholls
26 Posted 13/05/2016 at 12:57:47
John#20. Shani Tarashaj - unknown quantity
Dennis Stevens
27 Posted 13/05/2016 at 13:02:29
I'll be pretty happy if the new man gets a left wing/midfielder &, most importantly of all, the best 'keeper we can get.
Martin Mason
28 Posted 13/05/2016 at 13:14:47
We shouldn't look at just the individuals, football is very much a team game and success is a result of skill, good tactics and very hard work. It is how these players gel as a team that will matter and how they can be improved by fresh purchased talent. There are players who can look ordinary but who feed off how the team performs and improve accordingly. Everton will also be a long term project unfortunately, they're a broken team that has gone from generally good with occasional stellar performance to relegation candidates. My feeling is that next year will be developmental and may need a massive clear out of players who won't fit in with the new manager's vision. As such we must be patient. I hope that we have a new manager with the vision to not just play 4-5-1 but the ability to change formation as needs develop. 2 defensive midfielders fine but not one who contributes nothing like McArthy.
Ajay Gopal
29 Posted 13/05/2016 at 13:21:38
What we need above all else is a mean, nasty, bastard, SOB type player who gives his all in the game – gets under the opposition's skin, gets the fans behind the players, makes the ref think twice before awarding a penalty or free kick – a guy who will run his socks off all season long, proud of wearing the Blue shirt.

I was thinking someone like Tim Cahill, but what we need is a guy like James Vardy – what a player! Everton have really been missing that talismanic individual these last 3-4 years. If we can get that 1 player, that will make a huge difference to the team.

Nick Page
30 Posted 13/05/2016 at 13:53:55
Sounds more like a certain Joseph Barton. I'd loved to have seen him in a blue shirt in a derby against crease head.

The team needs a player like Godin at Atletico.

Matt Lavery
31 Posted 13/05/2016 at 14:47:36
Kieran #21 - I did not suggest that the whole back four needed changing. I suggested that Baines, Coleman and Jags are ones to keep in the back four, however, Baines and Jags are not getting any younger and Baines in particular is a shadow of his former self. Jags is not captain material in my book. Sure he leads by example but he's close to silent. When was the last time you saw him chew the face off an opposition player or lambast one of our own for playing like a moron (how many chances has he had to do that this year?!?) He's a definite starter in my book BUT a true leader and captain needs to play alongside him in my opinion.

Mirallas is not a bad player as also stated, however, his petulant attitude and the fact he consistently cries to the media make me think he's too big for his boots. If he just shut up and gave 100% in every match and was subbed because he was knackered I'd have that all day long. Who's that lad who plays for Leicester who consistently gets subbed after about an hour? He has half the natural ability of the Belgian but 10 times the heart. I know I'd rather have the Leicester lad.

Again, Lennon is far better in this regard to Mirallas and has put in some top performances since arriving (& this is a surprise to many of us, including Tottenham fans). Yet, despite all of this, my point was that neither Mirallas or Lennon or the Leicester lad are top class and if Everton are going to challenge for honours once again, we need someone of the Kanchelskis mould. He terrified defenders and neither of these wingers do.

I definitely agree that a full overhaul is a no go (not least financially but also in terms of team spirit). We need first and foremost start playing as a team once again. It doesn't matter how good an individual is, if we can't play as a team then we're screwed. All we have to do is look at Leicester to see a team with 2 or 3 outstanding players and the rest making up a good team.

Anto Byrne
32 Posted 13/05/2016 at 14:49:58
It's 3 years on from Moyes and those players from that regime have not gotten any younger.

Howard is gone.
Baines not himself or is it his best days are behind him.
Jagielka dependable defender but not a Stevie G.
Coleman erratic not the same player from 3 years back.
Stones is an individual along with Mirallas and Lukaku not team players.
Barkley is lost and has the world on his back and that's down to Martinez.
Barry and Osman still have much to offer experience wise.
Lennon can't cross the ball.

The new guy has a lot of work to do to restore confidence and instill discipline and concentration. Personally I think the old pros have a lot to answer for – they have contributed to the downfall of this latest episode in our history.
Tim Greeley
33 Posted 13/05/2016 at 15:36:46
Quite a few mentions of Lukaku leaving and us only having Niasse and Kone to replace him. Am I wrong in connecting the dots of Lukaku leaving = Everton having north of £40 million to buy one or two better replacements than those two??

Let's be fair on that. If we start the season without Lukaku, I doubt very much that we will start it WITH Niasse. Someone else better will come in.

David Chait
35 Posted 13/05/2016 at 16:16:54
Great topic and great effort in putting together a complete opinion. Will try keep it short as I could easily go War and Peace on what is my favourite football topic.

Firstly was thinking about this greatest team etc and thought how we miss Arteta and have noone in midfield as good as he was.. then think Arteta, Fernandes, Pienaar and Cahill for that short time. Midfield play that was awe inspiring!

There must be a clear out, some forced and some natural. I am now on board with NSNO with Moshiri Billions and new Manager pending. Nothing less! so with that Mantra:
Keeper - Non Negotiable we need a new keeper
LB - Leave -
I felt Oviedo had it to be #1 but injuries have curtailed him and now instead of selling Baines we need all to keep the slot running as they are all susceptible to breaking down.
RB - Park -
Hard to say under RM as Coleman has been made ineffective but yes he can do the job. Kenny can understudy? I sense he is above Connolly in the talent stakes and let him be around the first team.
CB - Sell to buy -
How much can we get for Mori? Sorry don't trust him even during his popular spell. Panic player. Keep Jags to mentor but we need a brickhouse to go with Stones. Keep Stones! Give Galloway a run.
LM - buy -
Vacancy in the team. Mirallas doesnt work with Baines, but can hold it down and see how it works. Clear requirement for a new head actually!
RM - Leave -
Deulofeu for me as #1, Lennon backup and even Dowell was a winger. Give the boy a chance with a real manager.
DFM - Please Sell! then take a punt -
Someone sell McCarthy please. Blame him for so many soft late goals, I go as far as saying he can only run, not even tackle, forget actually playing football. I would give Besic a run. He was rubbish along with EVERYONE else last 2 months, but the number of games he was the best player on the pitch was all the time before! Has everything, just needs a good manager!
Barry is too old now but useful backup so keep.
No-one has mentioned Tom Davies? Understudy next season?
CM (link player/box to box) - Park
Always felt Barkley should be the link to the attacking players and should play alongside the DFM. Need a disciplined DFM and feel it can be Besic. Don't forget no-one helps the player with the ball under RM so its hard to be a link player when no-one wants it.
Cleverly useful squad player and under appreciated I feel, but can do this job. We might need another if it doesnt work for Barkley but feel park it and test it in a new system.
AM - Buy!
We should have could have had Payet. TW begged for him and RM decided no and got stuck on Yarmolenko (who I don't want anymore). I am not convinced Barkley has the speed of thought to play this role and is not delicate enough in his passing.
Dowell looks more up for it (man thats early doors) but no its a gap for me and we need a proper player to get Lukaku on goal and create those chances. Mirallas I felt could do it, but not so sure. he is a better winger. I am an unashamed Mirallas fan and feel he has been royally screwed by RM.
Striker - sell sell hold
Kone to go, Niasse to go - sorry but I did call that one ages ago. Niasse has the worst youtube highlight real of any footballer. Even Bily looked like Usain Bolt on youtube and he was a carthorse.
Just keep Lukaku for one more season.. let a new Manager give it a go with the cash. For Lukaku alone we need a world class manager. We have a hell of a player there. If we buy it will be to play 2 upfront. So need to be careful to spunk 30m on a player that doesn't start, but we cant rely on having Lukaku fit all season. I'm still pretty comfortable with the idea of Mirallas upfront in emergencies - clearly our best 1 on 1 exponent.

Phew.. if you read that thanks! Sure I missed a few along the way.
Summary:
Go - Mori, McCarthy, Kone, Niasse, Pienaar, McGeady
Buy - CB, LM, AM plus striker (maybe) - exactly what we needed starting this season!

Exciting Times!

Frank Crewe
36 Posted 13/05/2016 at 18:06:27
First we need to know who the new manager is going to be and what style and formation he favours. 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1? Push the FB's forward? Possession, directness, short passing, long ball, target man? What players he himself would like to bring in. Many managers like to bring in players they've already managed at their previous clubs regardless of whether the new club needs them or not. Did Roberto really need to bring in Kone, Alcaraz, and Robles when he moved from Wigan? Don't think so.

Also I doubt all the players we need can be acquired in one window. it's going to take two or three at least and maybe more.

Then maybe some of the players we think will leave, Lukaku and Stones may stay if the new guy can convince them they have a better future. Certainly there will be nobody going anywhere until the new guy says so and he may not. They are under contract and we could hold them to it.

New ideas, new methods could revitalise players we have written off.

Alan Bodell
37 Posted 13/05/2016 at 18:35:23
Good piece this but Matt, Michael said you missed out on Callum and you have seriously missed out on the next English midfielder in Tom Davies.

Top piece mate and I hope you don't think I'm picking a fight here.

Matt Lavery
38 Posted 13/05/2016 at 18:47:57
Absolutely not Alan! We're all blues so no hard feelings whatsoever whether you agreed or disagreed with my post. As Michael said, Callum deserves a mention and Tom Davies is certainly someone I was pretty excited about when he came on recently. Especially his exploits at the England camp.

I got the list of players off the official site as I think they are the only ones with a squad number this year(?) I know there are a few more young lads waiting in the wings but who knows what the future has in store for them?

Glad you enjoyed the post. Was the first time in quite some time I felt the urge and passion to write (it's been a long year! New baby girl has put this football year in to perspective but I had hoped like me in 1984, her birth year would bring some silverware to the blues! Alas, a new dawn hopefully awaits and she brings sustained success to the blues instead?!?)

Andy Meighan
41 Posted 13/05/2016 at 19:03:11
What's a SOB player? What the hell does it mean?

And why do so many posters. Use abbreviations like OFM, DM, RB, KITAP1 etc. Why can't they type the words 'right back' for instance?

It gets on my fucking tits. Why have we turned into a nation of yanks? Anyway just off to pour myself ANCOL. Bet you don't know what that means...

Michael Kenrick
42 Posted 13/05/2016 at 20:01:21
SOB? Son of [a] Bitch.

I expect you knew that, Andy, but I'm with you on the bloody initials. Just lazy. We have too many that are conflating:

FM: Fumes Mori, Farhad Moshiri, Fast Marker
DM: Defensive Midfielder, David Moyes, Daft Mother
LB: Left back; Leighton Baines; Lazy Bastard
RM: Right Midfield; Roberto Martinez; Red Mingebag
MF: Midfield; Maroune Fellaini; Mother Fucker

See how confusing it all gets...

John Jones
43 Posted 13/05/2016 at 20:16:53
Id hope for something along these lines come 16/17:

New GK X2

Coleman
Stones
Funes Mori/New CB
Baines

Cleverley/New flair CM
McCarthy

Deulofeu
Barkley
New LW

Lukaku

Jim Hardin
44 Posted 13/05/2016 at 20:21:52
Andy,

I find it odd that you would find fault with initials as they are abbrievated ways of referring to something but then use the term Yanks. Please be consistent and write out all of your words in long form. We are Yankees, although come to think of it, that too is a short word to describe someone who should rightly be called a citizen of the United States of America. Please be consistent.

BTW, LB at LB and FM at CB and PJ at CB and SC at RB are MC4 (my chosen four) for the DL (defensive line) One more thing, TH is always to be called "Sir Captain America!" LOL and HAGD (have a great day)

Joe Clitherow
45 Posted 13/05/2016 at 20:38:51
Matt/Michael

Really surprised you (and everyone else) haven't picked up on Tom Davies' omission. MotM only a few short weeks ago in a cameo and may well be a player.

I also didn't realise there were so many specialist midfield positions! No wonder we have so many of them. (In fact there aren't that many of them, this is a modern flaw - good midfielder do much more than defend and or attack, they do everything required in the middle of the park(

Andy
ANCOL = A Nice Can Of Lager?

Tony Hill
46 Posted 13/05/2016 at 20:47:12
I agree with Martin Mason (28) that next year will likely be a building season and anything more will be a bonus. As long as we can see the team showing the right intent and a plan being put together then that will be enough for me.

I would really enjoy watching the potential in the young players being developed and an entertaining but astute style of play being coached into the team. We could all relax and look forward to the coming seasons.

I hasten to add that it would be great if we won the league and cup(s) in 2016-17 but I would be content if we have a reverse of Martinez's performance and improve steadily over the next few years, thriving off a solid base.

It would just be great to go to the game and feel Goodison recovering itself , to feel the freeze of the last 18 months melting away.

I think it's going to happen and I think we should get ready to enjoy ourselves again.

Denver Daniels
47 Posted 13/05/2016 at 21:18:48
Depending on if we don't lose anyone significant (Rom, Stones), incoming should be Mandanda (GK) and N'Koulou (CB) from Marseille (both free). And Hakim Ziyech as the No.10 we so badly need (17 goals, 12 assists this season) of FC Twente.

Ospina from the Arse as 2nd choice GK. Andrija Zivkovic is another wing option. Martin Caceres of Juve as 2nd choice CB option and one hard bastard.

Wishful thinking, I know.

Dave Abrahams
48 Posted 13/05/2016 at 22:14:46
Moyes left an ageing team, Martinez let them all get older without changing many of them. Only Mori coming in for Distin and removing Howard far too late.

Martinez has put the club back at least two years and it will take at least that long to get us back to where we were when he came.

If Mr. Moshiri can get rid of the chairman quickly that can be a big plus and we can start the repair work but it will not be easy and plenty of patience will be needed, hope the young fans have got it, feel so sorry for them, that is another reason for Kenwright to hang his head in shame, he has done an awful lot of damage to this club and very little if any good things for him to be remembered by.

Tony Hill
49 Posted 13/05/2016 at 22:38:00
Dave, fully agree about Kenwright. It is vital that we get rid of him and his cosy team of failures. He stinks the place out with his sentimental (though highly profitable) arrogance and is the single biggest cause of our present difficulties. Left to his own devices the ridiculous prick would still have the Great Señor in charge.

Andrew James
50 Posted 13/05/2016 at 23:08:42
While some of the players in our squad are the best we've had for 30 years, I don't think this squad is any better overall than what we had in 2007-2009 before the injuries ravaged us.

I also thought the 1996 era team was impressive with Speed, Kanchelskis, Barmby, Ferguson, Stuart...they didn't do it though. So the best squad we've had in terms of success since the 1980's does actually include James McFadden, Marcus Bent and Alex Pistone. 2005.

Anthony Dwyer
51 Posted 14/05/2016 at 03:55:43
Plain and simple, an honest assessment of the squad.

As I see it, if all players allow us our own choice (which I doubt ), our defence is sorted, but we need back ups and a keeper.

Id buy a new goaly, a back up right back, sell Oviedo and hope that tactically we should be happy.

Central midfield id keep McCarthy, Cleverly, Besic , and Barkley. Barry , Gibson , Ossie , Pienaar etc id sell.
Im not convinced on Cleverly or Besic, id take Wilajium off Newcastle.

Wide midfield id keep only Del an Miralas,with a possibly of Lennon.
The rest id swerve .

Id prey Niasse is useful, but im sceptical.

Rom is the only true centre forward .

New manager is needed who has the balls to off Ossie, hibo, McGeady, Gibo, Oviedo, Barry, kone, plus Howard has taken the move to himself.

New manager, new squad.....


I've heard about Ossie n co being big in the dressing room, but clearly its not working .


Clean slate needed .

John Rowlands
52 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:20:34
Realistic assement. Every Evertonian would agree that Hibbert, Osman, Howard have all been great servants for the club. But now, due to age or injury, it's time to go (probably was last year in truth). I would include Pienaar in that but for the fact we do not have a left-footed midfielder.

Baines has literally been only half the player he was since Pienaar's injuries. And we haven't been able to duplicate that partnership with any other player. I like Mirallas but he is not a left sided player. We have two other right-footed players who have also failed to create a decent partnership with Coleman.

Robles is like a marionette with half his strings cut. He needs to learn to catch or clear crosses with conviction or he will be back to Number Two. Barry, Cleverley, McCarthy have all done well but that's one too many in a team.

Barkley? What can I say... Three years on under Martinez and he still doesn't know what his role is. He can't, doesn't tackle and looks overweight. He can be absolutely brilliant going forward but far too infrequently to ever deserve a spot in the team.

Lukaku has been immense although talk of other teams seems to have distracted him to the point that he has forgotten where the net is.

Koné? Well what can you say? I thought he did hold the ball up well for a few games after his injury, but that seems to have gone.

Defensively, I assume Stones will go which will leave Funes Mori and Jagielka. I like Funes Mori; he can head the ball for starters – something Jags and Stones fail to do a lot. To me, Jags has a lot of quality but again age is creeping up on him. I know I said we have too many midfield players but I would push him forward and rotate him and Barry for games.

To sum up, we need a decisive goalkeeper, at least one or two central defenders who can head the ball, a left-footed midfielder, and probably a striker or two if Lukaku goes. Let's hope, if we do end up selling Stones, Lukaku & Barkley, that we at least get a good wad of cash so we can get in at least six or more players.

Anthony Hawkins
53 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:44:33
The key aspect here is that there is a core group of players who the team can be built around.

The challenge is that that is all there ever has been. A crucial core. There has never been a critical mass of players who were good enough. This may be the closest the team has been.

Goal Keeper
Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Left Back(?)
Deulofeu, Barkley, CM (?), RM (Mirallas?)

Lukaku, Striker (?)

Subs:
Besic, Baines, Lennon

A very good team can be fielded front he squad we have but there are still three or four positions which are definitely lacking.

A top quality Keeper who controls his area and talks to the back four. A strong bullish CM player who isn't afraid to take the lead and another striker.

The team had played with one up front for so long that everyone thinks Barkley or a similar player can fulfil that number 9 role.

Ideally we'd also have a strong, no-nonsense centre-back to pair either Stones or Funes Mori.

Alan McCulloch
54 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:44:48
And what about Shani Tarashaj?
Winston Williamson
55 Posted 14/05/2016 at 17:29:06
I like this article, very football manager like...

We need two new keepers - one young-up-and-coming and one world class (or as close as)

One right back to compete with or be better than Coleman

Another centre back - tough as shit - as a long term replacement for jags

We need to replace Arteta. A deep lying playmaker

A real left winger, in fact two real left wingers

A number 10 who scores goals

A striker - who scores and holds up the ball - to play WITH Lukaku

A long term Barry replacement too

That's 10 players, or really, a whole new spine of a team...

Osman, Pienaar, Gibson, Hibbert, mcgeady, Howard, Robles, cleverly and Oviedo can all be sold/released in my opinion.

Any gaps can be filled with youth where necessary

Mike Allison
56 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:11:48
Our players are good enough. They always have been. Its only six months ago that we were playing the best football I've ever seen Everton play, its just that we were only playing it for 20 minutes at a time and not winning the game.

Of course we need a couple of ins and outs, but everybody seems to have gone mental.

Matt Lavery
57 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:24:41
Tom Davies looked superb today. How did I miss him out, indeed!?!

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