Everton – A Rising Power House?
Before the pre-season is even here, Everton have made some bold, expensive signings, and in doing so, have raised the following question: are they set to become the new power-house in the North West? Of course, Liverpool, Utd and City will disagree, but consider the following.
Jordan Pickford not only represents a crucial position in any side, but also a unique talent, who at the tender age of 23, puts Everton in a stronger position than certainly Liverpool or City, who as far as I can see, still have serious questions hanging over this position. And then there is the former Ajax captain (Davy Klaassen), who at the age of 24, once again places an emphasis on youth; also bringing strong leadership and a knack of scoring goals. Furthermore, bearing in mind our away form last season, the odd save here and the odd goal there may well have led to 3 points instead of one, on at least more than one occasion.
Of course, two further international signings have come in the guise of a Dutch Under-18 defender, and a Spanish Under-21 forward, who has joined the already rich vein of talent at the club. Calvert-Lewin, Lookman, Dowell and Kenny all starred for the world cup winning England Under-20 side, while Holgate (and Pickford) are with the Under-21’s, who have just reached the semi-final of the European Championships. And we mustn’t forget the emergence of Tom Davies.
And hence, the squad being assembled by Koeman, with further additions likely (Keane, Sigurdsson or Giroud anyone?), is exciting and full of promise, where the solid, tactical nouse of our manager and his willingness to embrace youth may well give us the edge. Sure, it seems likely Lukaku and Barkley are on their way, but with the quality coming in, would that really be such a big loss? Don’t get me wrong, I’d be sorry to see either of them go, especially Barkley, who I’d still love to see at the heart of any successful Everton side; having said that, if they do go, the trophies they crave may well end up in the rear-view mirror.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning our opening fixtures, which include early trips to City, Chelsea and Utd, where the optimism expressed will hopefully be enhanced, as the blue half of Merseyside look forward to a special period in the club’s history.
Do you agree with Anthony?
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I totally believe, and endorse, what R K is doing with our long forgotten team, and alongside, appreciate the input of Farhad Moshiri. We have been for too long a Sleeping Giant. I hasten to add, that we have been treated with utmost contempt, by both the Media, and ongoing, with our neighbours across the Park.
Jamie Carragher, recently admitted to being a boyhood blue, how could you suddenly change allegiance, because you played for the Opposition?
He has slagged us off so many times, recently off the record, and publicly, by virtue of the well paid job he has with SKY.
Don’t get me wrong, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but I think in Jamie’s case, he should think, before he opens that big Bootle gob of his !
I believe I have been totally honest in my comment.