Ready to go again? I’ve quite enjoyed the transfer window this time around, and it is a peculiar feeling having some additions to the team before the 29th of August. Even better is that some, if not all, of these players will be starters at some point in the season with our hectic calendar for the coming season.
With the Gylfi Sigurdsson saga ongoing as of when I’m writing, we could take our total cost of incoming players to just below 150m. That’s pretty staggering when you think back to the Moyes era and one Marouane Fellaini being our record signing, with deals like the £6million move for Kevin Mirallas and the £5million paid for Nikica Jelavić being oddities as our usual signings tended to be below £4million or loans. Now we’re touted as spending a massive £48million to bring the Iceland international to Goodison.
Anyway, that’s something I’ll let the other guys cover, I’m here to pick a team for Stoke.
Jordan Pickford (GK)
The £30million we paid for the young ‘keeper is looking more and more like money well spent by the day, with him wholeheartedly earning the MOTM award against Sevilla.
He could be something special this season.
Cue howler.
Jonjoe Kenny (RB)
After a tremendous season as captain of Unsworth’s lethal U23 side, Kenny has stepped up to the plate in pre-season and has proven that he is Koeman’s best option during the absence of Séamus Coleman.
Mo Bešic (CB)
I’m in the minority I presume but I certainly think Mo has had a more-than solid pre-season and has done more than enough to earn a starting spot with Ashley Williams still proving to be a liability.
But in all honesty, Phil Jagielka has had a good showing as well, so if he were to replace Mo on my teamsheet I would have no quarrels.
Michael Keane (CB)
Keane is a massive positive heading into the new season after Koeman had brought the Burnley man in to sure up a weak defence. He has proven to be a more than solid stopper and is assured on the ball, something which we no longer had with Funes Mori injured.
He is a natural leader also, so he will compliment his partner Bešic very well, and organise the team from the back if needed.
Leighton Baines (LB)
Someone has whispered into Baines’ ear that it’s 2010 again apparently, as he has had a barnstorming time on Everton’s various outings, most recently against Ruzomberok where he was MOTM for both games in my opinion.
He is defending just as well but his attacking impetus is back with a bite.
Tom Davies (CM)
He is still as fresh as ever and his ability to attack quickly and tackle strongly will be needed against a Stoke side where we could really do with an early 3 points.
Davy Klaassen (CM)
A smart addition by Koeman, but Klaassen thus far has had some harsh treatment as he is being criticised (For some reason?) for being ineffectual.
When fans start treating him less like a Barkley replacement and more like a partner to Gueye and Davies is when he will thrive.
Idrissa Gana Gueye (CM)
A disappointing pre-season for the most part on Gana’s behalf but he is still needed for this game. His tackling is irreplaceable and his work rate is appreciated.
It’s the start of the Premier League again, so I’m sure he’ll be up for it.
Ademola Lookman (LW)
Ademola has proven to be our most effectual player going forward during the summer, and he has done more than enough to be named against Stoke. His lightning-quick pace changes games and scares defenders, he brings the rest of the game up to his pace and is tricky when on his runs.
Much needed.
Sandro Ramirez (RW)
Sandro is going to be shown as a shrewd acquisition by Koeman and his team at only £5.2million. His ability to create space is unrivaled throughout the rest of the team and his finishing can be lethal. He only needs an inch of space and he can create opportunities or terrorise defenders.
He also looks sharp on the wing, a trait Koeman will utilise.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ST)
Calvert-Lewin, like Lookman, has shown himself to be a game-changer when brought on (And played through the middle!) as his ability in the air is a real option for passing, and his hold up play is getting better each week.
He has natural chemistry with Klaassen already with the two feeding off each other very well.