Can Everton Break Into The Top 6?

By Author: Match Kings
Total Articles: 3
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2016/17 Position - 7th

Key Transfers So Far

In : Wayne Rooney, Davy Klaassen, Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Sandro Ramirez, Gylfi Sigurdsson

Out : Romelu Lukaku, Gerard Deulofeu

Everton have perennially been a big name in English football, but have always found themselves just outside the leading pack. The English League has what’s referred to as the ‘Top 6’ of the big teams who are expected to compete for the top spots. The blue half Merseyside are always considered to be an extended member of this group making it a Top 7, but never considered to be chasing the Top 4.

With renowned manager Ronald Koeman at the helm, Everton had a strong showing last season, cementing the 7th spot.
They will be looking to bridge the gap with the Top 6 this season and they have certainly made a statement in the current transfer window and their opening two matches. With over 100 million spent on many big names, many pundits expect Everton to be a much bigger threat than they have ever been in the League.

The Toffees boast plenty of stars that will be attractive picks for Fantasy Football managers and here are the best of the lot.

Wayne Rooney (Forward)

The most romantic story of the summer. League legend Wayne Rooney returns to his boyhood club Everton after 13 glorious trophy laden years at Manchester United. But as Rooney and Koeman have warned, this is not a retirement home for the 31-year old forward. He is hungry for goals and success. His two goals in the opening two games are testament to that fact.

Although his goal tally had gone down in his last couple of years at Old Trafford, Rooney is expected to be given a free role in the Everton attack and is expected to among the goals and assists. The Englishman will probably be given penalty duties as well, adding to his value for Fantasy Football managers. Hopefully, Rooney can get back to the glory days of scoring 15+ goals season in season out.

Leighton Baines (Defender)

Considered to be Everton’s greatest left back ever, Leighton Baines has been a bedrock of the Toffees’ defence in the past decade and a favourite among Fantasy Football managers in past years. With a deadly left foot, Baines has the ability to grab many an assist.

With Everton strengthening their defence with the addition of Michael Keane and keeper Jordan Pickford, Baines can be expected to add Clean Sheet points to his tally. The 32-year old used to be the Toffees’ first choice penalty taker, but with addition of Wayne Rooney, Baines will have to play second fiddle. But he is still expected to take corners and free kicks, leading to precious assist points.

Davy Klaassen (Midfielder)

Yet another big new signing, Dutch attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen is a strong addition to the Everton attack. A goalscoring midfielder is always a big catch for Fantasy football teams and Klaassen provides just that. Having scored 27 goals in 2 seasons in the Eredevisie, his eye for goal is proven.

Working with a fellow Dutch manager in Koeman will be key in Klaassen thriving in English football. If he is able to combine up front well with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Sandro Ramirez, the 24-year old can be one of the bargains of the season.

Everton have certainly turned a lot of heads in this transfer window, but it remains to be seen if it will lead to performances on the pitch. Finding the goals will be the biggest gap to fill after selling Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United. But if the new signings can click, even a Top 4 finish is possible.