Everton’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa left many Toffees fans in the Transfer Tavern in absolute delight. A breathtaking attacking display saw the Blues comfortably beat the doomed Villains, with braces from Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku.
After struggling last season, Everton look back to their old selves as Roberto Martinez continues to leave many people smiling in Goodison Park. After some favourable results this weekend, Everton have cut their gap to the top four to six points.
Furthermore, a good set of fixtures coming up has left many of the Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern dreaming of a return to the Champions League, having last appeared in 2004.
Everton’s European ambitions has left many people wondering how many of their current squad could cut it in Europe’s elite competition. Martinez’s young and hungry squad is full of potential and talent, and there are certainly a few names who could showcase their talent on the biggest stage.
Below we picked out five possible names who could either help Everton into the competition, or find themselves playing in the competition in the not so distant future.
Hit Martinez below to see FIVE members of his squad ready for Champions League football!
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Seamus Coleman
After being injured for the start of the season, Coleman’s return to the Everton line up has been greeted with delight by Everton fans. The Irish full back is a key member of the side, and the youngster’s ability to be combative in defence and dynamic in attack has resulted in many clubs chasing his signature.
Last summer, Manchester United opted for Matteo Darmian instead of Seamus Coleman, but with the Italian defender currently out of favour, could now look to make another move for Coleman in the near future.
John Stones
John Stones’ superb and assured defensive displays means he continues to be linked with moves in excess of £45 million to the top clubs in the Premier League. However, Stones is so key to this Everton side, that he could be the reason that they eventually achieve their Champions League dream.
With Chelsea toiling, Stones’s decision to stay at Goodison Park could be one of the best he has made in his career. However, if Everton do not qualify for the competition soon, Stones could soon leave.
Gerard Deulofelu
Since Deulofelu returned for his second spell at Goodison Park, the Barcelona academy youngster has been terrific and has been a key part to Everton’s fluent attacking displays.
As with many Barcelona players, Deulofelu may ultimately return to the Catalan side one day, but Everton fans will hope that he can get them into the Champions League before then.
Ross Barkley
Since being moved into a number ten role, Ross Barkley has been able to properly express himself and has been fantastic. Barkley was crucial in all of Everton’s four goals on Saturday, while he has also started every game for England.
The youngster is destined for the top, and it will be a case of when, not if he plays Champions League football.
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku’s two goals on Saturday meant that he joined Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robbie Fowler as players who have managed to score 50 Premier League goals before the age of 23.
These players have all had vast experience in the Champions League, and there is therefore no reason why the big Belgian can’t do the same. Whether or not Lukaku fires Everton to the Champions League, there will be many clubs soon chasing his signature.
