The Toffees fans in the Transfer Tavern are excited about the future of the club. Youth is taking centre stage under Ronald Koeman as he continues to invest in hot prospects and develop local talent.
Ronald Koeman is laying strong foundations under Goodison Park and recently suggested in the media that fellow premier league bosses should give English kids a chance which pleased the landlord here at the Tavern.
The Toffees have turned their season around and this is in no small part due to youngsters like Tom Davies and Mason Holgate. Both players were pivotal in the 4-0 victory against Manchester City this season for example.
Everton of course, is a club with a great history in promoting young players. Wayne Rooney made his start at the Merseyside club, making his debut at just 16-years-old against Spurs in 2002.
So, in five years time what could the Everton XI look like? Let’s take a look…
GK: Joel Robles
Goalkeepers tend to play well in to their 30s and with the recent emergence and consistent form of Robles we expect him to be a key part of the spine of this new look Everton team.
RB: Tyias Browning
Defender Tyias Browning has been associated with Everton for over a decade since joining the club’s academy as a schoolboy. Currently on loan at Preston, Browning can play across the backline, but at 5ft 11″ his future appears to be at full back.
CB: Mason Holgate
Much has been said about this cultured centre back who was signed from Barnsley in 2015. Whilst not a product of the youth academy he illustrates a shrewd investment and could follow in the footsteps on John Stones.
CB: Ramiro Funes Mori
The big Argentinian international will be just 30 in five years time and his recent break through in the first team has helped transform Everton’s season. His experience will be key to aiding the youthful backline.
LB: Luke Garbutt
Luke Garbutt joined Everton from Leeds United in the summer of 2009. He had an extended spell at left back in the first team when Baines was injured.
CM: Morgan Schneiderlin
Even though the Frenchman will be 32 it is fully expected that he’ll remain a key part of the Everton midfield, even in his advancing years. His experience will be vital to help coach and nurture the youngsters around him.
CM: Tom Davies
The young midfielder was handed his Premier League debut from the bench in the 1-1 draw against Southampton. Davies is fast becoming one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League and starred in Everton’s win over Man City.
RAM: Kieran Dowell
Kieran Dowell is an England U16/U17 regular at international level and is showing amazing promise. His silky skills and dribbling ability means he can play in a variety of attacking positions and is a real future talent.
CAM: Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley is a real example of how the Toffees’ famed youth academy continues to nurture and develop international talent. In five years time we expect him to fulfil his potential and become an Everton superstar adding experience and creativity to their midfield.
LAM: Ademola Lookman
Everton recently signed the England Under 20 star from Charlton and the forward is primed to become a world beater. The Toffees faithful have incredible belief in Lookman and we fully expect him to be key player at Goodison Park in the future.
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin is an explosive striker who signed from Northampton in 2016. The Sheffield born forward is 6ft 2″ and has the potential to achieve great things. Koeman may turn to the England U20 star to lead the line should Romelu Lukaku leave.
Everton fans – what do you think? Let us know below!
