Everton have had a positive first half of the season under Ronald Koeman as they find themselves sitting comfortably in seventh spot. Back in with a chance of getting themselves back into the Europa League, the Toffees in the Tavern remain hopeful of some further January additions.
Those at Goodison Park seem to have recruited well so far in the January window, bringing in Ademola Lookman from Charlton and Morgan Schneiderlin from Manchester United, though they’ve been linked with bringing in a few more.
This is where we will be looking at a potential starting XI if they were to bring in some more of the rumoured players decide to link up with Koeman and Everton, ahead of their quest for European football.
The new owners are backing their gaffer this window and have money to spend, so with that let’s take a look at what could be their starting XI come February 1st if rumours are to be believed.
GK: JOEL ROBLES
No change in goal come February 1st. Well, maybe only in who start as many feel perhaps Maarten Stekelenburg is still technically their first-choice. Still, in recent games, if it wasn’t for Robles then Everton may not have been so competitive.
He must remain as No.1 from here on out and perhaps in the summer, a new stopper will be on the radar to progress further.
LB: MASON HOLGATE
Everton love to play young English players and in recent years have produced some brilliant stars, even dating back over 10 years to England all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney.
With Holgate, they brought him to the club from Barnsley as did they John Stones and so far the former looks a great prospect.
Surely going forward he’ll remain their first choice left-back.
CB: ASHLEY WILLIAMS
The former Swansea City man has been a superb addition to the Everton side, with his experience and leadership qualities he gives a strength they otherwise lack.
Even with any incoming defenders in January or beyond, surely Williams has to be in the heart of their defence.
CB: RAMIRO FUNES MORI
The Argentine has really become an important cog in the team under Ronald Koeman and, at still only 25-years-old, he could have a key role in the forthcoming future of the club.
He may be replaceable but not in January with such little time left.
RB: SEAMUS COLEMAN
The Republic of Ireland international seems pretty irreplaceable in the Everton set-up and we can’t seem to see a Toffees team without the 28-year-old in it.
No need to change the solid full-back any time soon.
CDM: MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN
It’s only a matter of time before the former United and Southampton man breaks into the starting XI at Everton.
The 27-year-old was brought in for big money and, when you pay that amount for a player you expect him to be on the pitch making an impact, not warming the bench.
LM: KEVIN MIRALLAS
The Belgian has been back to his very best under Koeman this season and looks back to the player that first arrived from Olympiacos in 2012.
He’s been at the club five years now and perhaps a move could be on the cards in the summer window, but this month he’ll be staying put and be a key figure in Everton’s hopefully positive finish to the season.
CAM: ROSS BARKLEY
Although linked with a possible move to Tottenham this month, as suggested recently by the Telegraph it’s vital they keep hold of the 23-year-old!
He has still got great potential and still has a lot to offer to his beloved Everton and he will be a key figure in the club’s future.
RM: LEON BAILEY
Now comes one of the new boys…well potentially anyway!
It’s been suggested and reported that the Toffees are one of the teams chasing the highly regarded Genk Jamaican winger, who has been making strides in the game over in Belgium.
He’s a sought after by many clubs in the Premier League and Everton should act fast to bring him to Goodison Park before the end of the window.
ST: ROMELU LUKAKU
The big man is irreplaceable and Everton would be foolish to let him leave at any point, let alone as we near the end of this window.
He scores goals and has been a superb player for many years now and is still only 23-years-old. Perhaps he could use a partner and, although Lookman has already been brought in, a little more experience in a partner could be very useful for the big Belgian.
ST: ISHAK BELFODIL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg59rArW2VI
The Algerian forward has been superb in Belgium for Standard Liege and could be one of two who’ll come in to Goodison Park.
Although recent reports from the Daily Mail suggest the move has stalled it has not been ruled out and we feel that Everton should push to bring in the clinical forward.
The former Inter Milan star could be a great partner for Lukaku and the force and goals they could bring could be a real game changer for Everton.
