Ronald Koeman has seen a vast improvement at Everton in recent weeks and things are seemingly looking up for the blue half of Liverpool, much to the delight of their ardent supporters here in the Transfer Tavern.
A stoppage time defeat to fierce rivals Liverpool just before Christmas was the lowest ebb for Dutch boss Koeman, but since then his team has worked tirelessly to revive their fortunes and climb the Barclays Premier League.
The Toffees are not blessed with a massive squad and some of the younger players at the club have needed to be ready when called upon and in fairness they haven’t let the club down so far, with several youngsters currently part of the first-team plans.
A couple of Everton fans are sampling the landlord’s continental breakfast buffet here in the Tavern and sinking a few pints ahead of today’s game. They are hopeful that the club can secure another three points against Middlesbrough this afternoon.
Lee Clarke looks at two players who must be used as impact subs by Ronald Koeman.
Ademola Lookman
The man signed from Charlton Athletic has looked the part when he has featured in the Premier League and netted his first goal in a superb win over Manchester City last month.
Although the youngster might not quite be ready for a regular starting berth just yet, he can certainly play a part as an impact substitute given his blistering pace and eye for a goal.
A couple of Toffees supporters are sat with a pint in the Tavern and they believe that Lookman could be a quality player to use from the bench for the rest of the current campaign.
Tom Davies
Another youngster who looks more than capable of making the grade at Goodison Park is central midfielder Davies, who burst onto the scene earlier in the campaign.
His performance in the 4-0 win over Manchester City was scintillating to say the very least and the landlord even named one of his famous real ale beers after him for the rest of the week.
One Everton fan is enjoying a skinny latte here in the Tavern as he nurses his hangover following a Friday night session. He thinks that Davies is a future international, stating that his style of play is reminiscent of Frank Lampard in his pomp.
