Everton and Stoke have experienced very different starts to the new season. The Toffees currently sit in fifth place with four points from their first two games, whilst Stoke’s one point sees them occupy 17th place in the league table.
Everton’s latest result saw them come from behind to beat West Brom 2-1, with Koeman’s pragmatic approach proving vitally important in securing the three points. Stoke on the other hand, fell to a convincing loss to Manchester City, who sailed to a 4-1 victory.
Stoke continued to field new signing Joe Allen, who occupied the centre of the park throughout the fixture. Everton meanwhile, introduced Yannick Bolasie and Ashely Williams to the fold, with the former particularly impressing in his short cameo.
Both clubs remain highly active in the transfer market, and as the deadline quickly approach’s both managers will be desperate to secure last minute deals.
So here we look at the three Stoke players who could prove to be the biggest thorns in Everton’s proverbial side, and the one player who will be of most value to Ronald Koeman’s side if Everton are to emerge from the dust with all three points secure.
Let us know down below who you think Everton’s most important player will be.
Bojan Krkić
Stoke’s primary attacking quality lies not within their strikers, but the trio of attacking midfielders who lie behind him. Bojan is currently the Potters joint top goalscorer (admittedly only on one) and will almost certainly be a threat against Everton.
In his short career, Bojan has already played for a plethora of high-end clubs across Europe. Emerging from Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, Bojan played over 100 games for the Catalans, then enjoying brief stints with Roma, Milan and Ajax before arriving at the Britannia Stadium.
Bojan is quick, dynamic and capable of producing that moment of magic the club may need to unlock Everton’s defence.
Xherdan Shaqiri
Yet another player who has enjoyed a rather fruitful career despite only being relatively young, Xherdan Shaqiri will pose Stoke’s biggest threat.
Widely seen as a shock move, Shaqiri joined Stoke from Inter Milan as a very hot asset, considered Switzerland’s best player and one of Europe’s most sought after youngsters. Now settled in, Shaqiri will undoubtedly look to prove a menace.
Blessed with an array of skill, Shaqiri will need to be personally earmarked else he may prove troublesome. He, like Bojan, is quick, dynamic, athletic and abundantly talented. What sets him aside from Bojan however is his footballing intelligence, which is one of his most valuable assets. Everton’s defence will need to be vigilant with him on the front foot.
Marko Arnautović
The final player in Stoke’s attacking quartet who makes this list and will surely prove difficult to manage is Austrian forward Marko Arnautović.
Arnautović can play as either a winger, wide forward or as an out and out striker, and so proves the most versatile of the three aforementioned players. Again quick, athletic and direct, Arnautović will prove a stern test to Mason Holgate who will continue to deputise at the back.
Although rumours circulated of Everton’s interest in the Austrian earlier in the transfer window, it is believed this was solely to force Stoke’s hand in offering Arnautović an improved contract, which the club duly did. His new contract highlights his importance to the Stoke side, and Koeman would be wise to ensure he isn’t allowed much time on the ball.
Idrissa Gueye (EFC Star Man)
This does seem rather repetitive, but Idrissa Gueye is just that good. The midfield enforcer has shone in every game he has participated in so far this season, and will be expected to shine once more against Stoke.
Playing on home turf, Gueye will have an important job in the centre of the field. Barry’ defensive qualities will be vital to shutting out the Stoke frontline, and Barkley will need to flourish and work to bring the home side into the game, and it will be Gueye’s job to tie everything together effortlessly.
Continuing on with his high tempo, excellent work rate and an array of essential midfield attributes, I fully expect Gueye to be the star man once again.