Our Best 11

If the manager is going to continue with two defensive midfielders then I would go for McCarthy and Besic, Barkley in the pocket with Mirallas and Deulofeu on either wing but I would like to see one defensive midfielder from time to time and see if Barkley and Cleverley can operate in front of that position together, attacking.

Lukaku obviously is first choice as striker and the back four would be Coleman, Stones Jags and Baines but I would have Robles as number one and I would try to give Griffiths some gametime.

Disagree in terms of keeper. Robles will never be a true challenger for no1, and Howard, while remaining decent, is getting older and proner to mistakes. For 10 games last season he was a liability to the team. So for me we need to get someone here. Ospina of Arsenal would be ideal imo.

Defense also needs reinforcments, an injury to wither Jags or Stones long term would cause huge disruption. If we wanna be a big team, we need to act like one. That means having 2 players in each position who could be first choice. A good, solid no-nonsence defender would be ideal. Maybe there is someone in the championship.

Midfield has question marks. Can McCarthey further develop into a box-to-box midfielder? If so, him and Besic seem the future. Cleverley is a decent, all round and versatile midfielder. Barkley is what? A great talent for sure, but a forward or a box-to-box? We lack an Arteta or Pienaar style creator. That is the famous no10 we keep going on about. Barry, Osman and Pienaar provide experience and depth.

Attack has Lukaku, Mirallas, Deulofeu, Naismith and Barkley. Pretty decent, couls do with one more centre forward to challenge Lukaku. While the slow inclusion of Long should also be encouraged.

1, Howard (??)

2, Coleman (Browning)
3, Baines (Oviedo/Garbutt)
4, Jagielka (??)
5, Stones (Galloway)

6, Besic (Barry)
7, McCarthey (Cleverly)
8, Barkley? No10? (Pienaar, Osman)

9, Lukaku (???)
10, Deulofeu (Naismith, Long)
11, Mirallas (Barkley)

Reasonable questions asked, not sure I agree with the thinking tho.

We may appear to be overstaffed in CM, although it wonÂ’t be long until Barry rides off into the sunset, Ossie is pretty long in the tooth, Gibson canÂ’t stay fit for more than a few games at a time... So in the 2 DM spots that RMÂ’s preferred formation employs, for itÂ’s 2 of Cleverley, McCarthy and Besic, with Barry and Gibson playing as fitness and form allows. None of our DMs are good enough CBs for the prem.

For me Barkley has to play behind Lukaku and can swap in and out with Naismith and Ossie.

WouldnÂ’t like to see Mirallas go, as heÂ’s one of the few real danger-men that we have. Would be great to have 2 of Mirallas, Lennon and Deulofeu playing down the wings - that would worry defences. With Pienaar and McGeady offering less direct options.

We absolutely need another good striker. If Lukaku gets injured we have no goals in us up front.

For me, defence is the real concern. WeÂ’ve got virtually no strength in the squad. Our first-choice back 5 of Howard behind, Coleman, Jags, Stones and Baines is great when firing and on form, but a disaster if things donÂ’t click.

Personally, I hope we bring in a young, quality striker and youngish CB, capable of replacing Jags long-term. Might also have been worth looking at Vlaar or Hangeland on a free, seeing as how light we are at the back. Also need to start thinking about replacing Timmy between the sticks before long....

Unfortunately, current transfer policy seems to be taking us backwards, rather than improving the squad... IÂ’m hoping that RM will pull a couple of very good young players out his arse in the next month or 2, but I can see next season being same-old, same-old, mid-table nothingness....

There are 3 possible ways we could play this season...

4-3-3

Robles/New GK
Coleman Jags Stones Baines
McCarthy Besic/new CM
Barkley
Deulofeu Lukaku Mirallas

4-2-3-1

Robles
Coleman Jags Stones Baines
McCarthy Besic
Deulofeu Barkley Mirallas
Lukaku

3-4-3

Robles
Ogbonna Jags Stones
Coleman Barkley McCarthy Baines
Deulofeu Lukaku Mirallas

With the players we have we can play a number of formations, so I hope Roberto will be more flexible this season.

LFC have just taken their spending up to 55 million with at least 3 more on the way apparently, we have spent 4.3 million to date.

This alone should highlight why we will not be able to compete with the big boys.

I also believe that we will lose at least 1 big name player Lukaku/Mirallas/McCarthy/Coleman just to keep out net spend at zero

If we have to live on freebees then so be it but get them in now and even if we are not going to spend big at least we will be able to compete.

1. If "no issues" means they're both staying, no issues. Howard could come back to MLS right away and make more money. I'm sure of that. But, back in for the #1 position on the US Team while Guzan is playing in one the world's top professional leagues? Klinnsman will pick Guzan. That's a factor.

Robles is collecting EPL paychecks waiting his turn. Could come sooner or later. We'll see. He for sure has the massive size. Can't teach that. Wish his feet were quicker, though.

2. Might be an issue if Coleman goes down, no? 'Hibbert happy to bank his pension'. Will look to your apology on that remark.

3. I say this with all Evertonian/ToffeeWeb affection, did you type this drunk or sleep-deprived? What the fuck?

4. It's "risky" if we don't sign another CB. That's where I'll bet Roberto will be working in the Window.

Besic at CB? A player smaller even than Baines or Osman at CB in the Prem? C'mon now.

5. We have lots of mid-fielders for sure. With the Cleverly/Deulofeu signings, I hope Roberto will focus on defenders in front of Howard/Robles. I hope so.

Besic is plenty "happy". He was a nobody who found himself at a big Club in England. He comes good? Hoorah! Can't see it, though. HeÂ’s even smaller than Baines and Osman and minus their skill. We're looking at a contract played out. Mind, love that little rascal. But a Prem-level player heÂ’s not.

1. Howard.

2. Coleman. 4. Stones. 5 Jagielka. 3. Baines.

6. Barry. (When heÂ’s fresh.) When he isnÂ’t, Besic.

7. Mirallas. 8. McCarthy. 11. Barkley. (Lennon)

9. Lukaku. 10. Deulofeu.

Very reluctant to put Barkley in but had to. If Lennon came back Barkley would miss out. He needs to start putting in a shift and challenging for the ball if he wants to play in my midfield.

That was hard and I donÂ’t really like the look of it to be honest but I donÂ’t get paid to pick the team.

Can someone fill me in on what Cleverly is? IÂ’ve never really paid much attention to him and he hasnÂ’t ever stood out as a player. I know he plays midfield but what does he do? Where does he play?

Besic isnÂ’t smaller than Baines and Osman?

To be honest Jamie, I donÂ’t think even Cleverley knows what he is.

He says heÂ’s not a Roy Keane type player who goes in for tackles, so that rules him out being played as a Defensive Mid. He also claims heÂ’s not the sort of player who will beat a man and score so he isnÂ’t a roaming box-to-box mid either.

https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/premier-league-cleverley-people-don-39-t-appreciate-084436829--sow.html

Howard
Coleman Jagielka Stones Baines
Barry
McCarthy Barkley
Mirallas Deulofeu
Lukaku

Subs: Robles Besic Pienaar Browning Naismith Cleverly.

That’s so far with what we got. Attacking first 11 and a strong bench

I agree with James on Besic. Not up to this level and over compensates with a hard man act. HeÂ’ll be found out this season.

Like most people I think we need a GK, CB & number 10 that scores goals & doesnÂ’t lose possession. If Barkley only knew when to pull the trigger and when to release the ball. I must admit IÂ’m a huge fan of his attributes but he is so infuriating to watch. IÂ’m of the opinion he should play deeper but then he is runs the risk of his hesitant play being costing us more dear. Who knows though, it could be the making of him because there is a serious ball player in there trying to get out. In the striking department IÂ’m willing to stick with the ice-cream as back up to Rom. HeÂ’s got pedigree, pace and power and I actually think he just needs a run of games to find a bit of spark again. ThereÂ’s another patch of form in Arouna yet.
Has anyone thought about Barry in a sweeper role. Maybe round pegs in squares but on paper I like

New Keeper.
Coleman
Stones
Barry
Jagielka
Baines
McCarthy
Barkley
Deulofeu
New No 10
Mirallas
Lukaku

This will go down well!

Howard
Coleman Jagielka Stones Baines
Deulofeu McCarthy Cleverley Barry Osman
Lukaku

I think weÂ’re sorted in midfield.

IÂ’m for another striker coming in but canÂ’t see it happening.

Wingers, Mirallas, McGeady, Deulofeu & Pienaar. IÂ’d take another one or two right now. Pienaar is on his last legs and Mirallas might be on his bike. ItÂ’s a position on the pitch we were dreadful for the majority of last season and needs to be addressed. IÂ’d have Lennon back and Januzi on loan.

We need a new keeper. IÂ’d start with Robles and see how he does for five or six games. ItÂ’ll give him the experience of starting a season plus hopefully heÂ’ll have a blinder and stay as number 1. Howard will chip off to the MLS and weÂ’ll sign a number 2. Result!

Centre half. We need someone who isnÂ’t going to play too much but is pretty decent. ThatÂ’s a problem unless they want to join us. We need an experienced premier league defender to be able to step up and perform, to come and sit on our bench. IÂ’m struggling why anyone would.

And weÂ’re getting a number 10, a proper one.

Although I can see the sense in letting some players go this summer IÂ’m not in favour of it. WeÂ’ll be looking for transition in our wide play and our attacking threat so stability within the squad is important plus theyÂ’re the more experienced players.

Hopefully this season is about our attacking players and next summer the focus will be on the defence.

Roberto needÂ’s to learn from last seasons mistakes and their was quite a few regarding team selection and formations. Hopefully with another season under his belt, managing Everton he will be more wiser and smart....or will he. I feel this season will determine if Roberto is going in the right direction or if itÂ’s time for a change. With teams in the premier league receiving record revenueÂ’s and a new mega deal on the way, the secret is to find the correct formation and team selections that works for the players playing for Everton. So my starting 11 for Watford at home is the following.

I would actually play 4-4-2

GOALKEEPER: Tim Howard -Not good enough and cost Everton to many points last season,Getting older and less agile. Time to let him go home and play in MSL. This position is the one Roberto needs to get right and personally I do not think he will. I think he will keep Howard as his No. 1. Robles is better than Howard but not the answer. I would buy Bergovic from Stoke even if it costs 10 million or Jose Sa Portugal under 21 keper.

RIGHT BACK - Coleman
CENTRE BACK - Stones
CENTRE BACK- How good is Browning lets give him a go.
LEFT BACK - Baines.

RIGHT MIDFIELD DonÂ’t think Lennon is the answer and would go for someone young who is eager to improve and succeed (Remember Trevor Steven) so for me itÂ’s got to be Delafou.

DEFENDING CENTRE MIDFIELD: McCarthy
ATTACKING CENTRE MIDFIELD: Barkley, Another important decision for Roberto. Ross will never be a No.10 he has played this position for most of his career and this is were he can make most damage to opposing teams. If Roberto plays him as No.10 then I do not expect to see him in the first team by Christmas as I expect his career would go backwards.

LEFT MIDFIELD: Need to buy someone as Pienaar & Mcgeady are not consistent enough and are injured too much.

CENTRE FORWARDS: Lukaku as No.9 with Miralles behind him as No.10. Both players are very good friends off the field and I think this helps when playing together in the same team. They previously had the same agent and I think Robero pissed off both players last season by playing Lukaku on the wing and dropping Miralles when he missed the pen at West Ham.

So as an overview: We need a new goalkeeper and left midfielder and select players in positions they are comtorable playing. Note for Roberto donÂ’t play Lukaku on the wing or Barkley as No.10.

Personally I do not think Roberto has the balls to make the big decisions this season but do not expect Big Bill to change things. But we are Everton and we always have hope, remember Coventry at home with Kendall and 14k crowd. I would also play full strength team in league cup as this gives us the best chance of winning a cup.

Steve#14:

4-4-2? Wrong era.

Pretty much all top team currently play with some variation of 4-3-3 or 3-4-3.

What varies is the style, either it is defensive, with thhe 4-3-3 turning into 4-5-1 when defending. The key is having 2 3 very quick forwards so as to launch counter attacks.

Then there is possession play (tica-taca), which relies on huge technical ability, and non-stop pressing when off the ball.

The key is midfield, and simply labelling them Â’defensiveÂ’ mid and Â’attackingÂ’ mid doesnÂ’t cut it. They must all contribute at both ends of the pitch.

Also, Â’wingersÂ’ are also out of date. They are now wide forwards, so must play centrally as well as out wide.

Players positions are much less restricted than in the 90Â’s and before.

It is still early day to talk about the best 11 in our team. I believe RM will sign a GK, a CB, a No.10 and a striker and sold some of the old legs for our team before the close of the transfer window.
Hope RM can do his magic to sign Kagawa and Hernandez for us. 10m is enough for each player and we can effort it.

So the team will be like:

Howard
Coleman Stones Jags Baines
McCarthy
Del-boy Kagawa Mirallas
Lukaku Hernandez
(4-1-3-2)

or put Barkley alongside McCarthy instead of Del-boy/Kagawa/Mirallas (4-4-2) or Hernandez (4-2-3-1)

Leung Chi Ho - I really like your team(s)because they are all perfectly balanced. Square pegs in square holes.

I notice you havenÂ’t got our other new signing Cleverly in your team. That is a big call - was it deliberate?

I also hope your wish that we get Kagawa and Hernandez comes true. Kagawa in particular would make a huge difference to our play.

Based in who we have at the club right now, I would go with:

Howard
Coleman Stones Jagielka Baines
McCarthy
Barkley Cleverley
Deulofeu Mirallas
Lukaku

BIg doubts about the keeping role. Howard over the hill and Robles just not good enough. Back four pick themselves. Roberto always goes with two defensive mids and with concerns about Barry, if we sell McCarthy – which looks likely- Besic would not be a sound replacement. Think I’d go with Cleverley – he wouldn’t have as far to pass back !

DonÂ’t rate ANY of the wingers we have and unless Lennon comes back, Mirallas should be a regular starter if heÂ’s still here. Behind the only decent striker the club possess, Lukaku, it will be any three of the dozen AMs with Naismith in the No 10 role.

Makes you feel confident, donÂ’t it !

I think a formation along the lines of Andrew EllamsÂ’s is about right. Alternatively something like;

Howard
Coleman Stones Jagielka Baines
McCarthy Barry
Deulofeu Barkley Cleverly
Lukaku

For me, the people in the squad who now look in danger of going are:

Naismith – Had a very good first half to the season but petered out. He puts the effort in and is a useful player to have but ultimately he is a key player for Scotland now and I just canÂ’t see a regular place for him in our starting 11. His increased profile from last season means I could see us getting ٦ - 㾶M for him.

McGeady – Basically he hasnÂ’t delivered and is behind Deulofeu, Mirallas, Pienaar, Cleverley and Osman in the pecking order for the wing positions. A pity really as he has the tools but canÂ’t put them all together. Also a key player for Ireland who will want to be playing first-team football. I could see us getting around ٣M for him.

Gibson – Just can’t be relied upon as a member of the team and is taking up wages that could be used elsewhere. A real pity as he has been very good for us when he has played. God knows what we would get for him in a trade-off of ability vs reliability injury-wise.

Also. there will be a natural phase out of the likes of Pienaar, Osman, Kone and Barry, with Cleverley, Long, Henen and Besic being in my mind their natural successors. That is why I think Januzaj would be a great signing as I see Cleverley as more of an Osman replacement who we are trying to shoehorn into a Pienaar replacement too and we need a more natural fit long-term for that LM position.

It also wouldnÂ’t surprise me if we saw Oviedo leave. I only really see him getting any serious game time in a wing position.

One big issue I see for Martinez is that we have a number of players who cannot be relied upon to play any decent amount of games next season due to age, injury proneness or both. These players also eat up a lot of the wage bill so its hard for the manager to plan who his best 11 are and his hands are tied trying to squeeze more out of the wage bill. In addition when these players are fit, do you play them or stick with the ones you can rely on to play 90 mins regularly?

These include; Gibson, Pienaar, Oviedo, Hibbert, Osman, Kone, Barry. 7 senior players who together take up over 𧷤k per week on the wage bill.

Admittedly Hibbo is backup and Osman and Barry will see more time on the bench this coming season. Oviedo will hopefully get back to his old self but I really cannot see Gibson, Kone or Pienaar making any serious contributions on the pitch. All three are entering the last year of their contracts and I doubt any of them will be here in a years time - one or two may even be gone sooner.

So in trying to say whatÂ’s the best side I think itÂ’s better to ignore these for the starting XI.

The back 5 as usual pick themselves (we really need to get some competition here at some point, we have no decent back up at RB or CB if we have a long term injury and Howard seems unstoppable).

Assuming no significant sales, McCarthy and Cleverly at CDM. Mirallas, Barkley and Delboy as the three AMs and Rom up top.

IÂ’d rather play Barkley next to one CDM with Oviedo/Pienaar at LAM, at least for the home games, but I canÂ’t see RM doing that.

Hopefully the signing of Delboy will put a stop to the slow sideways and backwards passing. Another striker would also be good.

Meant to write Howard is undroppable not unstoppable!

I liked the article but disagree we are overloaded.

I think the spine of the team which is usually the first thing to address is weak. Howard weak. Jags and Stones are a support cast for top centre half. Unless Barkley can progress same with midfield. Perhaps if Lukaku pulled his finger out he would be good but with no competition he picks and chooses.

That’s four players – and I actually think we also need a creative Number 10. Someone told me there is a young kid who will become fantastic player wing groomed for Number 10 but he’s years away from Premier League – unsure of his name.

James @ 6 for the record

Baines 5 - 7
Osma 5 - 8
Besic 5 -10

Spot on Peter. Good keeper, good centre back, genuine goalscoring playmaker and back up for Lukaku are the priorities. The two early buys are pleasing, but the best teams are built around a good spine.

Actually, after looking at Cleverley a bit on YouTube, he seems to be great at the give-and-go. He has a great first touch and is excellent at doing little one-twos in tight areas. Perfect for Baines to link up with on the left. So, with that in mind, Michael Ward, your line up (#20) looks mint.

Thanks for the responses.. I think I agree that Cleverley, McCarthy and Barkley are the central midfield as it stands. Of course that means we donÂ’t land this mysterious Number 10.

Yeah my article for me wasnÂ’t necessarily who is our best 11 but IÂ’m curious who will miss out and if that means we should sell. Of course those two go hand in hand. Also if RM will change the system to accommodate Barkley's best position, well his best position in my opinion.

Btw, I would love to replace Howard but my thinking again was more about player numbers.. That Nyland guy was being mooted last season.

I think Andrew Ellams is pretty spot on.

Howard
Coleman Stones Jagielka Baines
Barkley McCarthy Cleverley
Deulofeu Lukaku Mirallas

With McCarthy sitting to allow Ross and Cleverley forward.

Only problem is the work-shy wingers. That team would both score and ship goals frequently I reckon.

If we could get rid of Howard, Hibbert and Naismith, weÂ’d actually be stronger!
I agree that Besic isnÂ’t up to it as well.

If Mirallas goes it should be for Lennon plus cash due to the extra year option on his contract...donÂ’t let Levy shaft us in the market.

Conor @ 27 :
ItÂ’s good to hear that Cleverley is playing so well for Youtube Athletic, it augurs well for the upcoming season!

I suspect the ex Wigan man will be the only summer signing who will start the opening game as Andrew @ 11 pretty well nails it - apart from the more defensive Barry getting the nod over Delboy who will replace Mirallas on 70 mins !

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

#17
Laurie, I didnÂ’t put Cleverley on the team because I didnÂ’t rate him higher than the player we have already, at least for the start of the season.
The order of choice of our DM/CM position IMO should be McCarthy, Barkley, Osman, Besic, Cleverley, Barry, Gibson (we have quite a lot of people to compete for the starting position)
And I assume we sign Kagawa and Hernandez, whose I very love to see it happen (especially Kagawa who I think is the perfect answer for that no.10 role that we can effort), I have no reason to bench either of them if they come to join us for more playing time, so as to Lukaku, Del-boy and Mirallas. Barkley is full of potential but I donÂ’t think you can name his best position in our team yet, much like Rodwell. But he must be a better player than Cleverley. And I should remind everyone that when both Del-boy and Barkley started and played together 2 season ago, I canÂ’t remember they both had a good game, either one of them would underperform, hope it will not happen this season.
So my Best 11 by now is:
Howard
Coleman Stones Jags Baines
McCarthy Barkley
Delboy Osman Mirallas
Lukaku

Leung does well to mention Ossie whose time is far from spent, IÂ’m glad to say. I suspect Roberto values him far more highly than most on here and, as with Barry, will not be hurried into seeing him as surplus to requirements.

In my view he is still a far better player than Cleverley who has been bought to replace him and whilst the new man may well start the season, IÂ’m betting the call goes out to Â’the old timerÂ’ before a month is out. Just see .

Connor # 11, I agree with you about Kone. I still think he will contribute a lot to Everton and be a success this coming season. Martinez still rates him, though I do accept that is not much of an endorsement.

Phil, I rate Osman highly and believe he has still a, lot to offer Everton. I donÂ’t get your thinking, though, that Cleverly is a replacement. In my view they are not remotely similar. If they were IÂ’d be happy about it.

What on earth do you see in Kone, Andy ? His signing has been a disaster.....and please donÂ’t go on about injuries... heÂ’s always had them !

Andy, I was trying to understand what Roberto saw in Cleverley and as a replacement for Ossie was all I could come up with. HeÂ’s no winger, tackler or playmaker - so a poor manÂ’s Ossie was all I came up with !

Phil, I wonÂ’t mention the injuries, so I will just say, he has good first touch, holds up the ball well, will be fitter and stronger and suits the Martinez style better than Lukaku. I will accept that the last point is not an ace, however, the Martinez style is what we are stuck with.

Phil #33, Andy #34;

I think Osman helped improve our team everytime when he was in the pitch as a super sub last season. He is one of the most underrated players in our team during EPL era. He can still play that No 10 role in our team as a super sub this season.

For Cleverley, IMO, why RM wants him is he is a free agent, thatÂ’s it. RM knows him well and Cleverley wants to revive his career. Wpould RM have signed Cleverley if he had to pay, letÂ’s say ٤M? probably not.

For Kone, the ٤M that we paid for him returned 1 goal – that is definitely not a good signing, but I still want to see more of his play this season if we cannot sign another striker. His link-up play and passing ability is far better than Lukaku's.

Seems lots of folk donÂ’t rate Besic. To the point where he literally shrinks before their eyes...

I do. I think he offers drive, determination, confidence, can pass and tackle and even has a trick or two up his sleeve. We had a long period last season where I would think FFS, bring him on, because even if heÂ’s not a game-changer he can at least look more interested than the rest of the team.

Leung Chi Ho – no doubt about it you call it as you see it – no favourites and no whipping boys.

I’ve gone over all the posts again and from what I can see your teams are the only ones that include a player who can "pick a pass" – namely Kagawa or Osman.

My best starting 11 at the moment is:

Howard
Coleman Stones Jagielka Baines
McCarthy Barry
Deulofeu Osman Mirallas
Lukaku

For me, that just pinpoints that like David in his point number "7" in the OP, the number one priority for our next signing should be Conor’s (#11) "new number 10".

We also going to need a replacement for Barry hopefully that will be Besic.

The biggest puzzle for me is Ross Barkley – where does he fit in? Looking at my 11, the only spot I would put him in is Lukaku’s.

The creative attacking midfielder should be our number priority. Big money should be spent on this player. Without him we will be in for another frustrating season. Then we should be looking at a top class goalkeeper and a commanding football playing central defender. I would also like to see a striker signed.

What we have at the moment does not give any reason for optimism. These players need to be signed asap; at the moment we only have two thirds of a good team. I donÂ’t like playing with two defensive midfielders, attack is the best form of defence.

Laurie 41, problem I see with your starting line up is that, from the off, we have at least two players who are unlikely to last the full 90 mins, namely Osman and Barry, which means we have little flexibility when it come to subs.

I guess if weÂ’re winning then fresh legs are good in those positions and if weÂ’re losing we have to make a change anyway. But basically, every game with that lineup ,Osman and Barry would have to be subbed.

I think we should loan Barkley out for the season. He certainly canÂ’t be first choice based on last yearÂ’s efforts.

My team would be:

Howard
Coleman Jagielka Stones Baines
McCarthy Barry
Lennon Mirallas Deulofeu
Lukaku

I am assuming we are going to get Lennon and keep Mirallas. My thinking is that Mirallas is the best Number 10 we have at the club. He offers goals and assists, which Barkley doesnÂ’t in that position. He also links up well with Lukaku.

Some of the players will be inter-changeable. Cleverley or Besic could replace Barry, for example.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Ross anyway. Big season ahead for him if he plays.

On that basis, loan the whole team out. They were all atrocious.

I have this suspicion (hope in truth) that RM will put all his cash into the attacking midfield position. I had a moment yesterday wondering if we might be able to afford Kevin de Bruyn. I threw Nolito underhandedly into my best 11 but De Bruyn, would be unreal. Only to read up he firstly cost Wolfsburg 㾾m but then had a season of note with 21 assists above his 11 goals and got into the CL.

That is what we need! I also really want Barkley next to the DFM and have a role for him in my best 11.. I wish RM saw it the same. I would spunk 㿃m on De Bruyn and suck up the CB position for a year. See why I say that now? And yes, I believe we have that sort of money in the kitty.

Danny, are you saying RM is right in believing it will only take the so-called magic of Delboy to turn last seasonÂ’s losers into an inspiring team?

Not many will agree with you, mate!

I canÂ’t help think that Cleverly will be slotted into the left of midfield as a Pienaar/Osman type player.

Phil,

I just think the balance in midfield was the major cause of our problems last season. How many times did we see Barkley & Naismith on the wings, for example, or even Lukaku at times?

The previous season it was much better, possibly because Pienaar was fit, Del Boy was generally available, and Mirallas also played more games.

I may be wrong – I guess we’ll see next season! But last year, at times all of the wingers were injured, or the midfield was overloaded with number 10s. We looked a lot better once we got Lennon in. I’m hoping that if Deulofeu, Pienaar and Mirallas stay fit, and we can keep Lennon, that things might improve...

Ogbonna, Kagawa and Hernandez are not Everton players. Does anybody else hate this time of year?

Few points if I may:

Two DMÂ’s

Attacking football is about creating a numerical advantage, while we play with two DMÂ’s our numerical advantage is statically in defensive midfield until either; our fullbacks get back to bombing on or, James McCarthy becomes a player who gets in front of the ball as well as one who gets behind it - not a criticism of McCarthy but Barry isnÂ’t going to do it.

No. 10Â’s

We have two ready made number tenÂ’s in Pienaar and Osman. Both are players who seek a forward pass as soon as they receive the ball. Osman is a highly under rated player because he is so brave and positive that his chances for converting the positive Â’playsÂ’ he craves are naturally much smaller hence a lot of high profile failures ie missed shots or misplaced passes - but statistically he attempts so many more than his contemporaries. Pienaar is an excellent up the park outlet, drawing the foul or bringing others in to play. He, like Osman is prepared to receive the ball over enemy lines, something which for years England havenÂ’t had a player to do and ironically didnÂ’t give Osman the chance to do on more than a couple of occasions.

Neither of these players gives you much of a goal threat but that will please Lukaku, as the archetypal greedy striker, no end because he knows as soon as they get the ball, if he gets in position they will be looking to slide him in.

Barkley

Barkley is a problem. HeÂ’s immensely talented but itÂ’s unclear what his best position is. He can cover the ground fast with the ball at his feet and heÂ’s strong in possession. He can shoot from long range with either foot. To my mind he is best in transition and therefore his best position, for now is in one of the wing berths where our ball carriers operate. I would be using this pre-season though to try and create an out an out forward out of Barkley to give Lukaku the competition he needs up front from a player with a suitably large enough profile.

He has all the attributes needed apart from the spacial awareness and positional vision but I think that can be learned and I see him as one of those beasts who can do a job like Ronaldo or Gareth Bale in any position across the front three - Where else are we going to get a player of that quality to play up front?

Transfers

I think, for this window, the Â’outsÂ’ are as important as the Â’insÂ’ or at least they will facilitate the Â’insÂ’. I think we will lose an ostensibly Â’importantÂ’ player in order to create the funds RM needs to rebuild but I donÂ’t think we have anyone in the squad whoÂ’s irreplaceable.

Those who carry a high tariff include; Baines, Coleman, Stones, McCarthy, Barkley and Lukaku.

Lukaku would be hardest to replace and wont be sold regardless as he hasnÂ’t reached maturity in value terms yet. Baines probably doesnt have a wealthy enough suitor unless Man City come in (they do need a LB). Coleman could leave for >㿀m and we could replace him for less than half that. We have cover for McCarthy and despite being one of our best players, doesnt really impact games in the final third. Barkley would be another Rodwell if he left at this stage to join one of the big boys and would just warm the bench somewhere else and then thereÂ’s Stones who is worth upwards of 㿊m in todayÂ’s market in my opinion and is our most valuable asset, has suitors and the one weÂ’d least like to lose IÂ’d expect.

Whoever RM decides to let go I expect it will be late in the window in order to gain top dollar and IÂ’d expect him to have his targets lined up prior to that.

While I have the floor, one player who I think is massively under rated in the Premier League and I would love us to get hold of, is the No 10 from Southampton; Sadio Mane, who doesnÂ’t seem to have attracted the praise of similar players like Yanick Bolasie and Saido Berahino - I would happily lose one of the above to get him or someone else like him.

It goes to show that these players are out there and the real skill in management is bumping up the value of your incumbents while always lining up quality replacements in all positions from other markets a la Ronald Koeman.

Well, we now have a closed transfer window, and RM has answered for me the burning question: What to do with Ross Barkley?

By not signing the Number 10, we expected Ross appears to be nailed on for the starting 11. I always believed he should be but the question was: Where in the 11 would he fit? That has been answered for him.

Dennis above got it spot on about Cleverley fitting into the left midfield as well...

My punt for De Bruyne was a lot shy of what I thought possible. But at least I was in the right direction.

I would love to see Cleverley next to Barry. I have this suspicion we love the work rate of McCarthy which hides actual positive contribution. I also don't think he presses enough and is one of the back peddlers in our side when he is run at.

Now we are all here:
Howard
Coleman Jagielka Stones Baines
Barry
Cleverley Barkley
Deulofeu Mirallas
Lukaku

This is really Barry alongside Cleverley but Cleverley has greater freedom to push forward. Barkley marginally ahead of them... but still box-to-box and not tucked behind the striker. I can imagine playing the tactics and set up in a couple ways but this is the people I want on the pitch.

Osman as a starter these days is a ridiculous thought and suggesting him as a defensive midfielder is ridiculous. He hasn't got a tackle in him. Never did. Whilst he still has some ''nice'' touches he really should only be used off the bench.

The permutations of the best starting eleven always depends on fitness and everyone has a different team but Barkley if staying consistent should be the attacking midfielder just behind the target man.

Besic should replace Cleverley right now. The lad had a fine game against Belgium yesterday.

Stones and Jags are the best we have at central defence although not always on the same page but I like the back-up options.

Lukaku still has ball control problems but when he is in the mood is the best option for goals. However, he has a lot more pressure from others now.