Following Everton’s fine Premier League campaign last year, there is a huge sense of optimism among the Toffees faithful heading into the new season under their charismatic manager Roberto Martinez.
The Spaniard has completely revolutionized Everton with his style of football and with an addition of a couple of wonderful players this summer, the Toffees will be hoping to replicate their success from last season and probably even go one better by earning a Champions League spot.
Transfers
In – Gareth Barry (Manchester City, free); Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros, £4m); Brendan Galloway (MK Dons); Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea, £28m), Christian Atsu (Chelsea, Loan), Sam Byrne (Manchester United, Free)
Out – Magaye Gueye (released); Apostolos Vellios (released)
With Everton looking to break into the Champions League allied by the fact that the club will have to deal with the extra rigours of the Europa Cup this season, it was evident that Martinez needed to strengthen his side this summer.
Much to his delight, the Spaniard has been backed by the club and Everton have spent over £30million on transfers so far.
Among the players to arrive, the headline name is certainly Romelu Lukaku. The young Belgian returns to Goodison Park following his fine loan spell last season and the Toffees smashed their club record fee in order to secure the services of the 21-year old.
One must point out that the return of experienced Gareth Barry on a free transfer from Manchester City could also prove to be as important as the arrival of Lukaku.
Apart of Lukaku and Barry, midfielder Muhamed Besic looks a really good signing while Martinez once again displayed his nous in the loan market by snapping up Christian Atsu from Chelsea till the end of the season.
The young duo of Sam Byrne and Brendan Galloway have also been recruited and the two look great prospects for the future.
On the other side of the spectrum, a huge boost for Everton has been the fact that they have not lost any one of their key men from last season and the foundation of the success which they built upon is still intact.
The only departures from the club has been two players who were surplus to requirements at Goodison Park in the form of Magaye Gueye and Apostolos Vellios.
Strengths heading into the new season
While much had been made about Everton’s attractive style of play going forward last season, it was arguably their defensive effort which was the foundation of their success.
As a result, their wonderful defensive unit consisting of Tim Howard, Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, Seamus Coleman and John Stones will have a big role to play if indeed Everton are to harbor hopes of Champions League football.
That being said, with the addition of Lukaku to an already potent and hard working attacking lineup, Everton’s prowess up front also seems one of the best in the league.
Weaknesses heading into the new season
While Everton do possess a wonderfully talented squad, their lack of strength in depth could prove to be their Achilles Heel this season. Compared to their rivals, Everton possess a very thin squad and with the added rigors of Europa League this season – one fears that a couple of injuries to their key players could completely derail their season.
There is still two weeks to go before the end of the transfer window though and Martinez will undoubtedly be looking to add numbers to his squad.
Prediction – 7th
Everton have certainly significantly strengthened their side this summer and look set to enjoy another fine campaign.
However, last season’s top four as well as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur look very strong heading into the campaign and with Everton having the added pressure of the Europa League on their thin squad – it will surely be difficult for Martinez’s men to earn Champions League football.
Everton and Martinez are used to punching above their weight though and the fans can certainly expect another memorable campaign ahead.
