Everton started this pre-season in outstanding form. Their opening friendly against ATV Irdning resulted in an extraordinary 22-0 victory for the Toffees. Results since then haven’t impressed nearly as much, drawing 1-1 with Bury and going down 3-0 to Blackburn. However, newly appointed Portuguese manager Marco Silva will be looking to finally help Everton break into the top six and regain themselves a spot in European competitions.
Everton Season Preview
Last Time Out
After a huge summer spending spree last year, Everton were unable to break into the top six. Whilst there was a lot of promise at different stages in the season, they were unable to sustain the form. A series of managerial changes certainly didn’t help the squad develop unique tactics and a robust setup.
Whilst they struggled against the top six sides, the Toffees were impressive in dispatching mid-table and lower table sides. With several new signings being made prior to and during last season, time will allow these players to understand each other’s game’s better as well as understand the style of play the manager looks to implement.
The arrival of Cenk Tosun showed signs of hope for Everton, and with this year’s new signings and the time he has had to adapt to the English game, Tosun could be a dark horse for a high-scoring campaign in 2018/19. His talent was displayed in intervals last season but wasn’t able to re-create the consistency he showed at Besiktas.
Player to Watch
Everton have continued their big spending from last season and have signed Watford star Richarlison for a whopping £40 million. The Brazillian will be reunited with his manager from Watford, Marco Silva, and will look to provide service to Everton’s main striker, Cenk Tosun.
Richarlison was impressive under Marco Silva. His versatility and creativity in attacking midfield and out wide was admired by many. Richarlison possesses a very creative skill set which he utilises effectively to cut open defences. The Brazillian will hope to feed his striker and help Everton break down stronger back lines.
Richarlison has worked closely with Silva in the past and will have no problems fitting into his systems and understanding his tactics.
The Manager – Marco Silva
Marco Silva has recently been given the job as head coach at Everton and will be using this summer to get familiar with his players. The Portuguese manager excelled during the start of last season with Watford, however, a spell of poor form saw him lose his job.
Silva is clearly a very intelligent manager who understands the game really well. With an abundance of talented players, he should be able to develop some new tactics with his team and hopefully find a lasting system that can see him through to the end of the season. The squad is filled with potential, and it will be down to Silva to bring the best out of the youthful side.
Predicted Finish – 6th
Having strengthened their squad this summer, the Toffees may be able to sneak into the top six, maybe ahead of Tottenham Hotspur. The new talent that Everton have brought in are definitely capable of competing with the big clubs. Another quiet window for Spurs may cost them a spot in Europe.
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