Everton are Well on Their Way to the Next Level

Since Tottenham broke into the Champions League in 2010, there have been a consensus top six teams of the Premier League. Liverpool’s Merseyside neighbor, Everton has long been seen as seventh best or “best of the rest” in England.

However, the Toffees have shown a recent commitment to reaching the same level of the top six. The hiring of promising Southampton manager Ronald Koeman in the summer helped Everton sign key players and promising prospects. As is custom, it took time for Koeman to make his mark at Goodison Park. Everton have not lost in the league since Dec. 19 on a last minute goal by Sadio Mane. Currently seventh, if they continue this form they could challenge for top four as there are only six points separating them from fourth place Arsenal.

The Manager

Koeman starred as a player in the 1980’s for Ajax, PSV, and Barcelona as well as for the Dutch National Team. After retiring he had many managerial jobs in the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. He was hired by Southampton in 2014, bringing in and mentoring several youth players such as Sadio Mane, Nathaniel Clyne, Morgan Schneiderlin, and Virgil Van Dijk.

Ronald Koeman took Southampton from Premier League newcomers to European football and he is working his magic at Everton as well.

Koeman’s reputation for working well with young players gained Everton’s attention and he has already featured several promising young players. If Koeman continues to produce solid young talent, more and more highly sought after players may take their talents to Goodison Park to play for the 53 year old Dutchman.

The Squad

Everton’s squad under Koeman is young and full of potential. The attack is headlined by 23 year old star striker Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku’s seventeen league goals is tied for tops in the Prem. Often assisting Lukaku on his goals is fellow 23 year old Ross Barkley. Barkley broke onto the scene last season with eight goals and eight assists. He also was selected for England’s Euro 2016 squad this last summer.

Romelu Lukaku is joint top goalscorer in the Premier League this season.

Defensively, two summer signings have been the backbone for Everton. Midfielder Idrissa Gueye was signed from relegated Aston Villa and leads the league in tackles. Ashley Williams was also bought this summer from Swansea. The wily veteran has been a rock at the back and played a key role as captain of Wales in their semifinal Euro run. Goalkeeper Joel Robles has also stepped up this season, posting the third best match rating on the team per WhoScored.com.

The youth talent is also abundant at Everton. 20 year old defender Mason Holgate and 18 year old midfielder are academy products who have shined when played by Koeman this season. 19 year old striker Ademola Lookman, bought in January, scored on his Premier League debut against Manchester City.

With all of this youth potential in the side and a good eye for talent on the transfer market , Koeman’s successes in the past imply that he is the man to lift Everton to the next level and start competing for a Champions League spot.

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