The Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern are feeling optimistic about next season with all their new transfers, they’ll want to hit the ground running.
Everton will kick off their 2017/18 Premier League campaign with the home match against Stoke City.
Whilst Stoke will surely be looking for better fortunes following a disappointing season last time out, with the number of players Everton have brought in already this transfer window, The Toffees need to be looking for a win as a statement of intent going forward.
Given the number of players purchased it is likely that Koeman is looking at a complete overhaul of his squad meaning it is likely most of those players will start the opening game but as we all know, the tides can turn with a few good subs here and there.
Our landlord is predicting a relatively comfortable time for Everton given their news players and the fact it’s at home but you never know what can happen on the day.
With that being said, here are two Everton players Koeman must utilise as impact subs against Stoke City…
Gareth Barry
A player who should probably be used as more of a bench player this season. Gareth Barry makes this list for two reasons, one, because he is a solid defensive midfielder and number two, should Everton find themselves in the lead against Stoke he would be a great player the bring on to try and see out the rest of the match.
Now obviously Koeman can’t bring him on just based on that especially on the opening day when it’s all to play for still, but if Barry can still do a job in the middle of the park, there should be no reason why he shouldn’t come on.
Ademola Lookman
Fresh off his victory with England at the U-20s World Cup this summer, Ademola Lookman will be looking to continue his development and break into the first team at Goodison Park.
With Kevin Mirallas currently occupying Lookman’s favoured left wing for Everton, he can be utilised to great effect as a super sub should the game not be going the way Koeman had planned. He’s young, quick and has proved he can score goals.
A perfect impact player.
