This superb Everton XI will get into the top four of the Premier League next season

Ronald Koeman has brought an era of excitement with him to Goodison Park this summer, with Everton fans in the Football Transfer Tavern hopeful of a successful year in the 2016/17 season.

Everton have been busy in the transfer market so far, and over the last few weeks have continued to be linked with a host of world class players that would no doubt propel them up the table.

In fact, our landlord thinks that with the addition of a few world-class players; Everton could even find themselves challenging for a spot in the top four next season.

With that, this SUPERB Everton XI could get the club into the top four of the Premier league next season……..

 

Goalkeeper – Martin Stekelenberg

Martin Stekelenberg was second choice at Southampton last year; but we expect that to change going into the 2016/17 season at Everton.

The club has lacked a real class goalkeeper since the departure of Tim Howard, and Stekelenberg is a real talent.

Despite his age, he is as agile as he was 10 years ago, and still maintains an excellent ability in the air and on the ground.

Koeman clearly rates his Dutch compatriot, having made him an early signing during his reign – he could become a real hero between the sticks next season.

Left Back – Leighton Baines

Last year was a disappointing campaign for Leighton Baines, after suffering a number of injuries throughout the year.

He came back towards the end, and began to look sharp as the season came to a close; and he will no doubt find himself back in the first team on a consistent basis next year.

On his day there is nobody better; and Koeman would be hard pressed to find a better player to man the left hand side of his defense.

Centre-back – John Stones

Everton will struggle to do any better transfer business this season than by keeping one of their own stars; they must hold on to John Stones.

Last year was a disappointing one for the young defender, and he will no doubt look to kick on and rebuild his reputation next season.

If he can regain his form he is one of the best in the league; and Koeman must give him that chance.

Centre-back – Kalidou Koulibaly

Everton have been linked with Kalidou Koulibaly consistently over the last few weeks, with the club reportedly desperate to improve the middle of their defence.

A pacey, technically gifted central defender, Koulibaly is a target of a host of top European clubs, and signing him would be a real coup for Koeman and Everton.

He is an absolute unit in defense; and would immediately improve their defense ten-fold.

Right-back – Seamus Coleman

No surprises here, Seamus Coleman will definitely continue on the right hand side of the Everton defense.

Very solid defensively and threatening going forward, he really is the all round defender.

He will no doubt kick on and improve even more next year.

Central midfield – Morgan Schneiderlin

If rumours are to be believed, Koeman is keen to link up with players that he already knows; with Morgan Schneiderlin at the top of his list.

The French midfielder has failed to hold down a spot in the Man Utd first team since joining; and this summer could spell the end of his time in Manchester.

On his day he is a unit in defence, able to protect his defenders and also launch balls forward. He would be a great signing and would improve this midfield drastically.

Central midfield – Axel Witsel

Another midfielder that has been a long term Everton target, Witsel would be a star in the Everton midfield.

An absolute wall in midfield, he is extremely solid defensively; but like Schneiderlin he also is excellent going forward.

They will have to compete with a host of clubs across Europe, but if reports are to be believed; Everton could be leading the chase.

Left wing – Gylfi Sigurdsson

Emerging reports have linked Everton with a £25 million move for Gyfli Sigurdsson.

The Icelandic midfielder has done very well during his time in England, and Koeman clearly sees him as a future Everton star.

Able to play across the midfield and offering unbeatable set pieces; he could be a real asset to this Everton side – especially whilst chasing European football.

Attacking midfielder – Ross Barkley

Ross Barkley has been a standout star for Everton in recent years, and next year looks set to become his best yet.

He is set to turn 23 at the end of the year, and he has shown signs in recent months that he is finally reaching the potential that had been hoped for him a couple of years ago.

A consistent season is all that stands between him and greatness; and our landlord is backing 2016/17 to be HIS year.

Right Wing – Juan Mata

Another player that has been consistently linked with an Everton move in recent weeks; Juan Mata would be an absolute coup at the club.

The Champions League winner has been linked with a Man Utd exit since Jose Mourinho took charge, and Everton have reportedly been circling for the last few weeks.

An excellent set piece taker and able to play across the midfield, Mata would be a real asset.

His signing would also take the pressure off of Barkley, with Mata a prolific assist maker; giving their number 9 plenty to feed off.

Striker – Romelu Lukaku

Though he has been linked with a move away throughout summer, Everton are doing all they can do hold on to Romelu Lukaku.

They have slapped a huge price tag on him, and have seemingly scared teams away from bidding for the prolifc Belgian.

Everton fans know exactly what they’re gonna get with Lukaku; powerful forward play and an excellent goal scoring record.

Exactly what they need to be challenging for the top four.