Everton Team Guide: Toffees hoping to gatecrash top four
Published:
Team Name: Everton
Manager: Roberto Martinez
Last Season: 5th
Who they�ve signed so far: Romelu Lukakau (Chelsea, �28m), Gareth Barry (Man City, free), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros, undisclosed), Brendan Galloway (MK Dons, undisclosed)
Out of the exit door: John Lundstram (Blackpool, loan), Magaye Gueye (Millwall, free)
Star Man: Romelu Lukaku
Critics have claimed that �28m is a lot of money considering Lukaku�s presence at Goodison Park last term wasn�t enough to elevate the Toffees into the top four.
However, that school of thought doesn�t factor in Lukaku�s age � just 21 � and the fact that he should get even better with each passing year.
The Belgian already has more career league goals (65) that the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had at his age and the faith Martinez showed in his talents has allowed Everton to pull off one of the transfer coups of the summer.
Under the Radar: Muhamed Besic
While Lukaku will no doubt grab the majority of the season�s headlines, the acquisition of Besic looks to be a shrewd move from Martinez.
A Bosnian international plying his trade in Hungary may not be a recipe to whip fans into a frenzy but the 21-year-old learned his trade in Germany and spurned the opportunity to play for the Die Mannschaft in order to feature for Bosnia.
Team Liability: Aiden McGeady
It may seem harsh to label McGeady a liability but it is fair to say he has not made the impact expected since arriving from Spartak Moscow.
The Republic of Ireland international made just four starts last term, coming off the bench a further 12 times, and failed to deliver when on the pitch. A return of no goals, one assist and a shot accuracy reading of just 25 per cent will have Toffees fans hoping for him to have limited playing time this season too.
Title Odds: 150/1
Best Bet: Everton to finish in top six @ 11/10
Our Verdict:
Martinez has delighted fans with the captures of Lukaku and Barry on permanent deals but as last season’s 5th-placed finish showed he will need more than these two signings to elevate Everton into the top four.
And with a rejuvenated Manchester United also vying for Champions League football another top six finish looks the best Toffees fans can hope for this season.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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