Last Season: 5thPre-Season Prediction: 7th - A long season juggling domestic and European commitments will see the Toffees lose ground in the race for top four.
One year on and I think its safe to say that Roberto Martinez was the best managerial appointment of last summer. Questions were asked as to how Martinez would cope competing at the end of the Premier League previously unfamiliar to him but the Spaniard excelled, toppling both Tottenham and Manchester United to finish a remarkable 5th place, just seven points off of the Champions League and setting a new points total in the Premier League for the Toffees. His player management and tactical nous made an already tight unit of players even stronger, and Europa League qualification was his reward for a wonderful debut season at the helm.
Last year Martinez placed a lot of faith in the loan system, shipping in both Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku. After excellent seasons for the pair Martinez has acted quickly to bring them both back on permanent deals, Lukaku becoming the clubs most expensive signing at £28 million. With Everton the financial minnows that they are among the top dogs, this has taken a sizeable chunk out of the kitty, and the only other signings are the two youngsters, Muhamed Besic and Brendan Galloway.
With the re-purchase of both Lukaku and Barry, Everton have largely retained the same squad as last season. This is good to an extent, but with the Europa League on the horizon investment, they will definitely be required to increase the squad depth in order to compete on both fronts. With Everton splashing the cash on Lukaku, Martinez may turn his attention back to the loan system or continue his trend of signing youngsters in order to bolster the squad. One area that especially needs attention is in the heart of defence. With Hibbert, Distin and Jagielka all over 30 it is vital that Martinez brings in an established centre-back.
The purchase of the big Belgian has done plenty to deflect from an otherwise disappointing pre-season which has seen a winless run of four matches as the Toffees battle to find form before the start of the new season. Getting points on the board early will be important with the imminent arrival of the grueling Europa League campaign but losses to Celta Vigo and opening day opponents Leicester will cast seeds of doubt among the Goodison Park faithful and they will be hoping their boys can overcome this potential slump as the season begins.
The honeymoon period is over now and it is with eager eyes we shall watch to see how Martinez gets on during his second season on Merseyside. Expect no less attractive football and expect Everton to still be mixing it with the top sides this year. However, a draining Europa League run could seriously dent their chances of finishing above Manchester United and Tottenham for a second successive season. European football is another new adventure for Martinez although after last seasons successs, who knows, perhaps the Spaniard can mastermind another Everton triumph.
Key Man: Leighton Baines - Has well and truly established himself as one of the best, if not the best left-back in the top flight of English football over the last few years. Whilst his defensive capabilities are occasionally called into question, it is his marauding runs down the flank move overlapping, and underlapping his team mates that have earned him his plaudits. At times last season he was overshadowed by his opposite, Seamus Coleman, but there can be no doubt that without him, Everton would be a notably weaker side.
One to Watch: John Stones - Last season saw Ross Barkley burst onto the scene with a flurry of excellent performances and this year may be the time of another youngster, John Stones. Stones has already established himself in the Everton starting eleven and his matured performances in the second half of the season almost led to a late England call up for the World Cup. At just 20, Stones still has a lot to learn but at Everton he will have found a safe environment with which to explore and exploit his potential. He will also have taken a lot of belief from watching his teammate, Barkley, go through a similar period of establishment and I reckon this could be his year.
Best Summer Signing: Muhamed Besic - We have already seen Lukaku and Barry in an Everton shirt so they hardly feel like new signings. Therefore it is only right that I turn my attention to the hidden gem that is Muhamed Besic. Unlikely to be a name known to the masses, Besic is a deep-lying midfielder who is very much prepared to put his foot in and break up the opposition play. Whilst unlikely to see him knocking goals in or contributing to offensive periods of play, Besic is an extremely talented player who likes to do the dirty work behind the players who gain the plaudits. That said, Besic has some quick feet, as demonstrated by his very first few touches in a toffees shirt.
