It has been a prolific summer for the Everton faithful here in the Football Transfer Tavern.
What started off as a slow transfer window ended rapidly, with the quick fire signing of both Ashley Williams and Yannick Bolasie, adding an extra shine to an already impressive Everton squad.
One particularly bold Everton fan here in the Tavern recently claimed that some of the members of Ronald Koeman’s squad are amongst the most underrated in the Premier League – and our landlord has a tendency to agree.
Everton, whilst rarely an exciting side to watch, have consistently done well in recent years – but much of the credit has often been placed on some of the club’s most well-known players.
Stars like Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley are touted as world beaters; but what of the rest of the Everton squad? The players that really make Ronald Koeman’s side tick…
With that said, here are three Everton players that are incredibly underrated…..
Ramiro Funes Mori
Ramiro Funes Mori is a player that, since signing for Everton in 2015, has adapted to life at Everton like a fish to water.
His main issue is that he is often overshadowed by Everton’s other defensive stalwarts in Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams, and last season was often compared to John Stones.
The Argentine defender certainly isn’t the flashiest of defenders, and whilst he would never be one to dribble the ball up the field like John Stones – what he does do; he does VERY well.
He has been a hugely consistent performer since joining the Toffees and has duly been rewarded with significant game time over the last year or so.
Perhaps now with John Stones out of the picture, Mori will begin to get the credit that he deserves.
Bryan Oviedo
Bryan Oviedo is a player that has been consistently underrated in recent years.
Like Funes Mori, he is one of the most consistent players in the Everton squad, rarely ever making a mistake and always pulling a huge performance out of the bag.
Rarely below a 7/10 or an 8/10, Oviedo will always put in a shift whenever he is brought into the Everton first team.
He is useful both offensively and defensively, offering vital versatility in the heart of the Everton midfield.
He is the perfect squad player for Ronald Koeman, and he will no doubt quietly continue his success under his manager this season.
Gareth Barry
Gareth Barry is a player that is rarely ever mentioned alongside some of the great Premier League midfielders in recent memory; but the truth is that the English midfielder has been at the pinnacle of English football for over half a decade.
At Manchester City he was more of a bit-part player, but since joining Everton he has become one of the most important members of Roberto Martinez and now Ronald Koeman’s first team squad.
Everton have often looked lazy and mediocre without him in the middle of the midfield; and have often lacked that steel and bite that Barry adds to their first team.
