Spaniards give Blues a stern test after Sandro strike

Looks like Calvert Lewin on the wing again!

Or a marketing opportunity depending on your disposition

Lookman, Davies & Kenny have to start games.

Loved the retro 1920s shirt... better than the new home one imho.

Lookman and Kenny should be starting next week, otherwise I think we will be in for a very hard season.

Though I will give the benefit of doubt to him being a preseason game. That first five games will totally say it all if he is good enough for this job or not. Maybe I am overreacting here, but I only know Koeman from Valencia having watched their games – not from the Saints.

Sevilla are light years ahead technically and tactically, we hopefully learnt a lot today.

Kenny has to be starting games, how can Koeman not see this?!

Striker and Sigurdsson asap please or it might be a frustrating campaign.

Mason Holgate has never looked comfortable at right back. To be honest, we looked far more balanced with Kenny and Martina as full back. Also, Schneiderlin looks off form in the pre-season. Lots for Koeman to think about but Lookman must play down the right.

Sandro looked a bit lost. Rooney was poor I couldn't pick anyone out who I thought had a good game. Apart from the Lookman and Besic cameos.

We so need a striker, someone who has energy in midfield a centre half Williams has lost it. Jonjoe Kenny has to be given a chance as Holgate is not a left back. This post sounds negative but this squad maybe able to get something against Stoke but as for the next 4 games, I think we will be getting nil points.

Let's hope we do some good business in the next few weeks cos we do need it. Well played, Lookman and Besic, for at least trying.

Anyway, I respect Koeman but I have no idea why he wouldn't start Lookman or bring him on every single game. It can only be because he wants to play his new players. Everton finally showed some heart at the end of the game, but it's clear to see that Sevilla were superior in technical ability and crisp passing to one another.

Overall, I think this was a good wake up call for the team, and it should prepare our players well going into the season. They should recognize what type of play is needed to beat quality teams like this one.

For my money we look unbalanced. I don't think we have bought that intelligently this Summer after the excellent Pickford and Keane. Rooney and Klaassen look like similar players and i'm not sure either of them has the pace or incision needed for the Premier League. Sandro I think will do okay but my worry is that we kick off in a week and still don't have a proper striker. Or pacy winger (bar the inconsistent Mirallas and inexperienced Lookman).

Our attacking options are so limited compared to the top 6. It looks we might be a team to keep it tight and try and pinch one but if so then I fear we are lacking solid options at full back and I've no idea why Kenny was not given more time in pre-season.

All in all its very hard for me to feel like anything other than 7th-10th awaits us and some ill-fated cup runs.

There are some good players in there and I have hopes that Klaassen and Sandro have a lot more to come but the balance just isn't right. And the time is nigh.

The good news is that that Sevilla team is better than most teams we'll face this season.

The bad news is that I can see Koeman starting with the same lumpen set-up against Stoke. And it'll be good enough to beat Stoke. And it'll encourage him!

I had said last season that more emphasis on the youngsters should be shown but he has drifted away from that scenario. Lookman seems to be overlooked somewhat and Dowell sent on loan is beyond me. Only Davies has been given real opportunity.

Pickford looks very good. And was it his voice I heard constantly screaming, organizing his defence and telling them what to do?

Keane looks the business. The other starting defenders looked flat and one paced to me.

Tom Davies coughed up a lot of cheap possession, but at least he brings energy to the team and does try to move the ball on quickly.

Schneiderlin to me continues to slow the tempo of the team. He seldom delivers a crisp pass and a player has to wait for the ball to arrive, or correct their position to meet the ball, or turn back to gather it in.

Klaassen and Sandro – in spite of the latter's excellent goal – still getting to grips to playing in this team.

Calvert-Lewin again played well. Lookman in his brief appearance highlighted what the starting XI seriously lacks – pace, guile and a bit of the unexpected. Kenny also looked good. Besic has his good moments, but overall he continues to look like an accident waiting to happen.

And finally, I thought the much maligned Cuco Martina was excellent when he came on. Defended well and took up good positions further forward, playing clean crisp passing with a good interplay with his team mates.

I just hope the deficiencies we have, are noted and will be acted upon – sooner rather than later.

It could've been a spanking.

The more impressive players were the younger lads the experienced pros were quite poor.

One week to go... Koeman has a busy week ahead.

Bit worried for those first five games of the Premier League, I must admit

I can't believe we are leaving it so late to secure a top class striker. The Sigurdsson thing is a total drag – he won't even be fit until October at this rate.

Pickford
Martina, Keane, Jagielka, Baines
Gueye, Barry
Davies Rooney Lookman
Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Stek, Holgate, Kenny, Schneiderlin, Klaassen, Mirallas, Sandro

Schneiderlin needs to earn his place from Barry, similarly Klaassen from Davies/Lookman/Rooney.

Ever Banega looks such an accomplished midfield player. I wonder why Koeman is so obsessed with Premier League players that he is unwilling to look at players from foreign leagues? There are plenty of gems to be found there.

Lots of rumours regarding Everton players flying around: Barry to be sold to WBA; Vermaelen coming in from Barcelona; Lookman to be loaned to Derby; Wellbeck to be bought from Arsenal etc, etc

An interesting next couple of weeks.

Once Lookman, Kenny and Co came on, the mighty Sevilla looked very average and almost like the side beaten 2-0 by Southampton only a few days ago.

If only koeman had been braver with his selection, I have a feeling that won't be the last time I will say that.

Lookman and Kenny to start vs Stoke.

Once Lookman, Kenny and Co came on, the mighty Sevilla looked very average and almost like the side beaten 2-0 by Southampton only a few days ago.

If only koeman had been braver with his selection, I have a feeling that won't be the last time I will say that.

Lookman and Kenny to start vs Stoke.

Not sure if our improvement later on was to do with them taking off their best players – but Martina looked okay and Lookman changes our games.

Don't like giving young players a hard time but Holgate looks a bit iffy at times.

Klaassen looks a few yards short of the sharpness we need – perhaps that's why we need Sigurdsson !.

Personally think Rooney is class and could be our new Barry in terms of savvy on the pitch.

Not sure Calvert-Lewin is ready for first choice.

Thanks Chris (#19) – glad Jonjoe came on and had a good spell, also that Martina looked good at left back, we are going to need plenty of bodies this season.

We don't look ready with the season seven days away, it's back to let's wait, hope and pray that things turn out >okay, but really we should be better prepared than we look.

Klaassen and Schneiderlin shouldn't start the next game until they can start passing to their own team mates. Shocking both of them. Barry is still better as a midfield general.

Someone said he's like a young Graham Sharp – in what way? His age? He wears a blue shirt? And Sandro (a goal scorer) taking the corners, really!

Tom Davies is all huff and puff but no end product at the moment. There is no threat up front either. Lookman has to play as does Kenny. I'm not very optimistic of even 7th place based on the performances I've witnessed so far.

I think Davy will be fine and Sandro will be a threat – Rooney is class but needs the right team around him. Kenny and Lookman are ready and add energy to an otherwise pedestrian team. Morgan slows the game down too much – he always checks back to find some space but that allows the opposition to get into position. He and Gana cannot play in the same team.

Besic interests me – stupid yellow card but otherwise played well – could he be calmed down to become a ball playing centre-back?

It's still early days and seeing RS get good results is not nice but I doubt they would be beating those teams in a serious match. I think Ron has bought well so far but the defence still needs sorting at right-back (Jonjoe please) and centre-back, midfield is unbalanced with too many similar players in the centre and he has to get some width (Lookman).

It makes you realise what a huge rebuilding job he has if we are to trouble the top 6. Oh, and finally offer Seville whatever they want for Banega. I know he has only just rejoined them from Inter but he is class and way better than Sigurdsson.

The worrying thing again for me is strategy/style. I have no idea what kind of team we are. Before we get the old 'its only pre-season shout' I had these same feelings under Martinez.

How are we going to bring Klaassen into the game. I hope now everyone can see how tough it has been for Barkley after watching the last 3 games totally by-pass Klaassen. It can't be the fault of every Number 10 we have surely?

If my judgement is right its the horrible lack of pace in wide areas and the static role of Schneiderlin combined with a lack of midfield skill that's killing our possession play.

Well done to Sandro for a lovely run and finish and Tom Davies again displaying a determined performance. While I am talking Davies, is he not proving he is as reliable as anybody we have in midfield? If so, why can't he form a midfield partnership with Gueye? The energy of those 2 would be a nightmare. Managers baffle me. Hes bought Schneiderlin fair enough but to build the team around him will get us nowhere.

I hate to refer to that lot across the park but they are different and let their pace and energy do the damage. We take ours away. Again I just call it as I see it and I have no big evidence to suggest we are changing for the better performance.

I'm actually quite happy(-ish) with that match today, as make no mistake Sevilla are a top, top quality side with class all over the pitch and considering they appear to know their best 11, as opposed to us changing 5 players at half time, we showed good determination and character to regroup and get a draw, as we were starting to look overrun.

So what did we learn?

Gana needs to start, Jags to partner Keane and Kenny at right-back is our best option, Klaassen will need time, Pickford, Sandro and Rooney wont, Lookman is going nowhere unless Koeman needs brain surgery and we still need a striker and left back.

All-in-all, I'm not so nervous, as Sevilla weren't playing no friendly; we won't, meet opposition of this quality outside the top 7 in England and the latter stages of Europa League. By which time we should Know our best 11, and we have a quality squad of players to choose from at last.

Plus the failure to replace Rom is mind-blowing. Koeman is either a genius or an idiot, we'll soon find out.

Jonjoe did enough to suggest he should be the one deputising for Seamus although Martina didn't do too bad today.

Keane and Pickford good signings. The jury is still out on the others.

I see similar in Calvert-Lewin. He was struggling today but so would anyone with no service. Just give the lad a chance rather than destroying him before he has had time to fully develop. I respect your opinion but he needs confidence building not destroying.

Delighted to see Martina turn from one of the worst displays I've ever seen in a blue shirt (apart from a certain centre-forward in a semi-final) to an excellent display today. I'm always happy to be wrong in this way.

There seems to be a real problem with some of the tactics. Sevilla always seems to have easy and productive options when passing, while "the Everton Way" appears to be to stand still waiting for the ball and then to have to fight desperately to keep it when it is passed.

We need 2 strikers, a wide player & an attacking mid that can play all across. And that's to bring the squad up to a normal level in terms of numbers.

Pull your finger out & sign some fucking players.

Calvert-Lewin will be fine once the players around him start to put in a shift and give him some decent service. Pickford, as some have already mentioned, will be our best goalie since Big Nev.

And hopefully he forgets about signing another defender/utility man because strangely enough Besic looks like he can do a job at centre back, he's got that leader's mentality and although not the tallest he is strong and aggressive. It would leave more money for what is more important, a No 9 and No 10.

It has also been said recently that Dowell isn't strong enough for our first team but from what I saw today it is movement and technical ability that we lacked for at least the first 70 minutes. Also... Lookman does look like he is going to be a handful for other teams this season.

If it's not the previous rant saying Niasse eclipses Sandro in terms of being a top player it's now Calvert-Lewin's turn.

Today he lacked service and was okay. Nothing special but gave it a good go. He can finish as proved last Thursday but he's a player who needs time and knows he needs to improve. There is potential there though.

He does have a slight touch of the Sharp on dare I say it again Harry Kane about him. And both them players needed several seasons to develop into the top players they became.

I do agree on one point. We shouldn't rely too much on him scoring a bagful and so a new striker has to be a priority.

If your prepared to slate Calvert-Lewin, you must have some choice words reserved for experienced pros like Rooney, Klaassen and Schneiderlin who were all very average at best today.

When we attempt to pass it forward it is often far too long a distance, allowing the defense plenty of time to adjust and react before the ball arrives to the recipient. And the recipient is often isolated if the ball does get to him because everybody is packed together in the center of the midfield. It's like watching a Championship club when in attack.

I'll say this much for Everton today...

Confused why you would think of selling McCarthy and keeping Besic; whom will replace him when he gets injured.? Does not look like an improvement yet, although keeper is better.

Rooney effect has taken shape.m oaning at the team, demoralising them all with his successes. Has this happened yet? Give it time...

We looked like Southampton, no disrespect, talking about Southampton under Koeman.

Panic early buyee is available on a free transfer.

Thought Rooney did some good things today Colin, and he can still play, especially when he keeps it simple, which is what the best player on the pitch, Benga, did all day. His chip into the box, with the outside of his right boot just before half time, was the best pass of the day and only when he went off, did Everton begin to get a foot-hold in this game?

Onto next week, and I see a team with stronger foundations, but a team lacking a bit of flair and purpose, something to build on but still lacking. I wonder if we will get those three players the manager wants, because we desperately need a bit more...

People are saying that Sevilla are a strong side, Southampton didn't seem to have too much of a problem against them. I have watched a fair bit of pre-season football and a lot of teams have been playing quality opposition and playing really strongly, we are embarrassingly bad.

I hope familar league opposition brings an upturn in form and wins.

We can only hope today shows a clear need for a decent winger and striker.

Now about us – The Goods: Pickford, Besic, Davies (great engine), Lookman.

The Bads: umm pretty much everyone else... especially Klaassen... utter crap.

The Ugly: Rooney.

Does anybody know the heights of the two teams today?

We need pace asap; is Danny Welbeck the answer? I'm not so sure. We also missed the boat with Benega.

Really looking forward to Goodison next week.

Just a thought on the Southampton result – what team did Sevilla throw out against them? It can't have been this one, as it was played only yesterday at 3pm.

24 hours later, they rock up at Goodison and play like world beaters. Be interesting to find out, eh...

If the plan is to finish this transfer window stronger than we finished the season, Koeman better have 3 quality players coming in. At the moment we are a long way off replacing Lukaku's goals.

I am really worried about Klaassen, he looks to be really lacking in pace and if Barkley had given the ball away as much as he has done in the last 3 games, he would be slaughtered.

On the positive side, Keane looks excellent and Pickford very solid. Apart from that, nothing to get excited about with a week to go to a new season.

Defence, midfield and our forward lines all have big issues. Throw Koeman's managerial issues into the mix and this could be a repeat of last season. Grim football, bewildering management and a top half finish.

Koeman has now stated the Gylfi deal is almost done and not before time I say.

Sandro took his goal well and hopefully the first of many but that extra support in the scoring department is a must.

The Klaassen / Rooney combination is of uncertain quality, and there did not seem to be any penetrative urgency. Sandro looks like one of those players who appears to do little that's effective for much of the game but pops up to score at some point.

Tom Davies probably needs to be a bit less rushed, he's clearly got the footballing brain which Barkley hasn't, but a little more maturity might greatly reduce the number of cheap turnovers.

Keane and Pickford both look like outstanding purchases, and I'm with those who already regard Pickford as our best since Southall. He commands the back of the defence, his positioning is superb, his instinctive ability to block, punch and clear the ball are of the highest quality.

Martina is an interesting one. He was the worst player on the pitch during the first Europa League match, stopping any forward movement on numerous occasions. Today, however, he was up with the best. Maybe he's been introduced to the other players and has some idea of what may be wanted.

Mirallas I have always had a soft spot for. When he gets the ball, there is always a chance something exciting will happen, and that is one of the reasons I watch football. He has stinkers, he loses the ball too often, he makes bad choices – but he also sometimes electrifies a match.

Lookman and Kenny are another pair who have the wonderful stupidity and confidence of youth and I would be very disappointed not to see them starting regularly.

Williams I like as a character, and he can also do some good stuff, but I think he needs to be matched with someone who is a better all-round footballer.

No-one else (Gana, Schneiderlin) really did anything worthy of note.

I'm afraid probably are not going to shake the Premier League elite, and I don't think we'll be up with the other interlopers, Spurs, this year, but I could still see up pipping Man Utd to the 6th spot.

Anyways, I thought Rooney looked better today against decent opposition, Sandro's goal was good, Martina looked decent at left back and Lookman looks the real deal. Holgate looked like a right-back today instead of a centre-back playing right-back. Schneiderlin, Gueye and Lookman have had a full pre-season with us now, so that should help bring things along.

Were we great? No! Were we crap? no! Unbeaten, players bedding in with the added bonus of a possible 3 more signings. Cheer up folks!

Few negatives, why do we insist on playing strikers on the wing? First half both Rooney and Sandro were both a fullback on a number of occasions.

Davies for me today was a headless chicken. I like him, but he really didn't display much quality today.

Calvert-Lewin is only going to be good playing off someone else, he can't hold the ball up and is not strong enough to cause defenders too many troubles.

Holgate at right back does not look comfortable, it was only 15-20 mins but it looked a lot more balanced with Jonjoe Kenny there.

We need pace against Stoke next week: Mirallas and Lookman both have to play.

There are two places near Zurich, Dignitas and an outfit called Exit where you can end your despair.

Exit is the cheapest option about ٠k plus short notice flight is 𧻲 and no more worrying whether the squad is good enough or who will be manager when the first snowflake drops on Christmas Morning. Good Luck.

I have the exact same sentiment regarding Davies. People seem to go crazy over his constant running, but it's often met with poor quality and he draws himself out of position. Instead of reading the game and trying to be proactive, so much of his game is reacting without using his head. He chases and chases and then is out of position to either get into attack or support on defense.

He needs to learn that you don't need to run and chase every single pass, that doing so is actually working to the opposition's advantage. The entire reason they do that passing is to draw the defense out of position. He really needs to learn to read the angles and when to sit. Not to mention his passing, but that seems to be a fault of the entire damn team.

I also thought he was very poor with the ball today once he'd made the first goal with a wonderfully weighted through ball but the fact that he never goes hiding is something I really like about this kid.

He played further forward, and sometimes he breaks that quick, he ends up the furthest player forward, and I'm sure he will have learnt an awful lot today after playing against a player with the quality of Benega.

Only Rooney, really displayed much intelligence with the football today, until Lookman and Besic came on, and Pickford of course, who's pass to Holgate started the move for our first goal!

We need to start learning to play with only one holding player sometimes, especially against the likes of Stoke, WBA, Bournemouth and the like at home, but Koeman just sticks to the same boring blueprint – no matter who or where we play.

* Besic is never a centre-half. Not tall enough, too reckless. Reminds me of the old argument that Hibbert would have made a good centre back. I just don't see it!

* Jagielka has to start with Keane against Stoke. Still a far better defender than Williams.

* Surely Lookman is worth a start? Where else is the pace?

* Gana and Schneiderlin are both very good players but should they both start together?

* Davies is a favourite of mine but, as others point out, needs to sometimes harness his exuberance by being slightly more clever.

* Sandro will desperately need support up front. Where is this striker coming from, Ronald?

* Rooney – to be used sparingly unless he somehow finds a higher gear.

* Klaassen is undoubtedly a clever player but I fear that he may well become a target for the boo boys. Reason? Tries to move the ball on quickly which, if it works, is great but when it doesn't, concedes possession. Reminds me of Naismith in more ways than one! Not helped by having little pace.

* Keane – a genuine star in the making

* Pickford – looks a great keeper. Always thought that he lacks height. Maybe just an unnecessary concern on my part?

* Finally, having got rid of Lukaku and Valencia (who I quite liked), is it worth – no, don't snigger! – giving Niasse another chance? I still maintain he's a terrible footballer but he does have pace. Okay, maybe not?! Just highlights how desperate we are in need of some presence up front. I hope Walsh has a hidden gem in mind.

I think we've assembled a reasonable basis for a team but it's badly imbalanced and missing vital pace and components at the moment. Strange that, despite us all thinking that the early signings would provide us with a kick start, we still seem unprepared and imbalanced.

£90 million spent on a load of new players so of course they haven't gelled yet. It'll be fine! Famous last words I know...

My sentiments exactly Paul (see my post 94), I am not sure what people are expecting.

Still early days, but the further up the pitch we go, the more we seem to stagnate. I'd hate to be a midfield player playing in a team that doesn't offer much width. More questions than answers but I suppose it's all about time?

I choose to believe the kinks will work themselves out in the next few weeks. I don't know why others are expecting us to get top 4 this year, but there's no way we come out with more than 8 points from the first 5 fixtures anyway so might as well let everyone develop chemistry together and push on after that.

Some signed, some coming up through the youth system, but all now essentially legends who may have flattered to deceive in their first few games!

Sevilla were a good side, a notch above us today at times but a good workout. It will be interesting who gets the nod for the first game next weekend.

Still think what I always have... that Besic is not good enough for this club.

And yes, yes, yes, Lookman needs to either start or at least be subbed in by the 60th minute in every game. He is electrifying, and he's the only such player we have at the moment.

We have a top 4 defence, a mid table midfield and a bottom half attack.

We desperately need a proven goalscorer and someone who can run at defences like Mahrez.

As Ronnie says we have only spent a net of £7m so get down the back of that sofa, Bill, and let's see the Moshiri money spent on some top 4 quality.

As for Besic, the kid is , as usual over keen to impress and despite being good on the ball, he is not a centre half, and will get sent off regularly/give away crazy free kicks and pens if he gets more games at the back.

Schneiderlin was awful, and Gana was much better than him when he came on. Lookman is a shoo-in.

Pickford
Kenny Keane Jagielka Baines
Gana Klaassen
Sandro Rooney Lookman
Calvert-Lewin

We obviously need a better central striker than Calvert-Lewin and Davies would push hard for inclusion over Klaassen but the Dutchman will surely get better with more time in the team (either that or Koeman/Walsh have dropped a £23m clanger).

Doesn't really matter as no chance of Koeman playing that team. Kenny won't be starting for one and he obviously can't drop Schneiderlin who he requested from Man Utd.

He's made a fatal error of judgement, the 㿃 million could of gone towards a striker, or pacey winger.

No wonder poor old Blue Bill is confused, oh dear.

It does piss you off at times, when it is blatantly obvious to us, then again, what do we know, when the team selection is so unbalanced.

I am forever optimistic; let's face it, we have to be as Evertonians – he may just surprise us.

Having said that, assuming we get Sigurdsson, he hasn't played for weeks now, and any other additions will take time to acclimatise and gel with the rest of the players.

Klaassen's signing in no way prevents other signings. And for what strikers or wingers do you think "the 㿃 million could of gone" for and who would already be in our lineup if Klaassen hadn't been signed? Grosicki? Giroud? Vieira? Dzeko?

Who of those has shown interest but were kept out by the Klaassen buy?

Silliness.

About the £5 bet we had re whether or not Besic would once again pull on the Royal Blue Jersey... ;-)

Not silly IMO, buying two players to do the same job is a serious mistake, when we're crying out for width and pace. I'm disappointed; Koeman bought Mane and Tadic when he was at Southampton, why hasn't he gone a similar way for the blues ?

He's made the same mistake having two defensive midfielders in Gana and Schneiderlin, it's all so unbalanced, totally guaranteed not to bring us the goals we need or the entertainment we deserve. It's all getting a bit late to put right, and the buck stops with Koeman.

I don't know what to believe anymore. I'm going to law school!

Get a grip folks! Did you expect Real Madrideasque play this soon?

Massive turnover of points last season, Koeman stamping his character on it this season, folks this ain't a fifa video game. How many of you have actually been involved with professional sportsmen on any level? Be honest now! How many of you have actually competed with professionals to have such a authoritative view on things?

Keane also appears to be an excellent signing.

In 20 mins, Kenny added pace and balance to the right hand side and, together with Lookman, must be in the frame v Stoke.

Can only echo the lack of centre forward which would negate the clamour to play a bunch of cheetahs which has become almost cult-like on these pages.

It's clear Koeman wants the possession we've seen in pre-season but with a centre forward who can anchor the play high up the pitch. No need for pace there, when there is no space to exploit.

Although the change in midfield was the right one, Tom Davies still needs to focus his role, often he's like a hose without an owner, all over the place.

I can't emphasise without those components how impotent we are, add to that very unadventurous manager, it's a tough tough watch.

Would I have Koeman as my manager? No... Defensive coach? Hell Yes. Some weird Twitterati chat about Bergkamp coming on board to coach?

All I'll say is...;)

- We stuck in there and defended really well, especially in the first half. Pickford & Keane look fantastic and have done in each game they've played.

- We have a bench that can affect games. Lookman & Kenny especially making a difference and offered us something different.

- Sandro can finish, and I'd expect 10-15 league goals from him this season.

- 3 to 4 players to come in should give us some more balance and options (if one is truly a winger that is).

Overall I'm reasonably happy because it's still early doors. If we're still playing like this in January I'd be concerned though.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh for a player like Banega in our side!!

I also liked Besic, but I feel he looks much better and has a lot more composure in midfield, where he would probably have established himself long ago, had it not been for that ugly injury.

Kenny looks the part, too, and should have a good claim for the right-back spot until Seamus returns.

Someone said, somewhere above, that Pickford looks our best keeper since Southall. I wouldn't go that far, but since Martyn would be a good appraisal, I think.

Finally, a centre-forward is obviously a must, and I think we have got distracted because of the never-ending Sigurdsson story.

Trouble is this is English Football, not the US version were you can swop the teams over when you lose the ball.

Koeman, like Moyes, does at the moment, seem to be Defence First and attack as an after thought and thus KITAP1 becomes(?) hou het strak en stelen één...HHSES1.

Also like the two previous Incumbents, seems to have no Idea, (as yet, which is maybe not surprising as he hasn't finished spunking all of our dosh on it) what his best / most effective 11 is.

I fear we're still searching for the 'Goldilocks Option' – Not too much of the Dutch Moyes, not too much of Martinez.

There's not a bottomless pit here, Ron... you'd better get it more right than wrong.

How did Banega slip through Walsh's trawl net of value for money options?

Maybe if you're not asking the right questions / setting the right criteria of the trawl net / oracle, you won't get the right answers, will you?

Surely there must be a better penalty taker than Mirallas.

We looked better for Lookman & Kenny... * sends Koeman a Specsavers link.

Kenny is our strongest right back and Lookman is our best bet for something different in the attacking third.

Mirallas has had a million chances, Lennon isn't ever available, Calvert-Lewin is a natural striker, Rooney isn't special anymore and Barkley isn't fit, meaning until we sign better, or someone changes drastically, then Lookman is our best bet.

I would also consider Mo Besic in a 3 at the back as he offers aggression, pace and genuine ball playing ability, things that Williams and Jags don't have in there makeup.

Not me Barry and I've never been involved in politics which is why I never vote. I've never been involved in the film industry so I never walk out of the cinema no matter how much I'm not enjoying the film.

Not me Barry and I've never been involved in politics which is why I never vote. I've never been involved in the film industry so I never walk out of the cinema no matter how much I'm not enjoying the film.,,BlueKfrog,1,06:39:24,,217.44.52.239,ok,15262,08/07/2017 06:39:24,PeterGorman,reader,, 837556,35294,toffeeweb,07/08/2017,Vijay Nair,demonv78@hotmail.com,"Haha, Mark (#48). I wasn't aware he played 4 years in the Bundesliga... definitely "top league" then. But his release clause is still ridiculous.

However, Sevilla are playing in Champions League and beat Arsenal last weekend. Although they did lose to Soton yesterday with the same group of players but bossed the game. I am surprised they travelled that far 24 hours later and bossed us around. But Koeman did tinker as is to be expected and if he is happy I am hoping because he now knows his starting 11 and formation.

I, like many, was expecting wonderful things from all the new signings and probably expected too much at this stage. We will miss Lukaku!

I would like Giroud. Arsenal fans rate him and that is a good sign.

Sigurdsson is 㿞m to Swansea because he will keep them in the Premier League. I'm not sure he is worth that much otherwise.

Let's hope we get something from the Stoke game because the next 4 are seriously difficult given they will be preceded by Europa League games.

My own opinion is, Pickford, Keane and to a lesser degree Sandro were the only starters to come out of it with any credit. It was the last 3 subs coming on after 76 minutes that changed the one-sided game.

Klaassen, Davies and Rooney came in for some (justified) harsh criticism but I think Schneiderlin is one of our biggest problems. Because of his Southampton reputation and his managers approval, Morgan is the first name on the team sheet. That makes it hard for other midfielders to fit in.

Gueye was superb, now many people say there is no place for both players in the team. Klaassen needs time to prove himself but Morgan has shown a casual,blase and inconsistent approach to his game since he arrived.

I like Jagielka more than Williams but both of them are useless at bringing the ball forward, whereas Besic can come out with the ball and start play off, draw a man then play it forward, which would also be a great help for our midfielders who constantly have to keep coming deep to receive the ball at the minute?

I've raved about Benega but I'm not sure how effective he would be playing in-front of our back four, were he would have to keep going too deep to receive the ball.

When Besic came on, he brought the ball out a few times. It opens the game up for the players in front of him, and suddenly everyone has a little bit more time on the ball.

I've played midfield and it's a position in which you have to run and tackle, amongst other things, but playing at the back with the game being played in front of you is always a lot easier if you have got pace and that is something that Besic has got loads of?

It's time for Koeman, to use his loaf and get a bit braver because, if he plays the players who should be playing, then I think he will get a bit longer off the crowd, and a much better style of play might also begin to take shape?

Pickford, Keane, Sandro, Klaassen and Rooney are all massive improvements. Yes, Lukaku has gone, and he is hard to replace, but I think we will get used to life without him.

And let's not forget we've had some good competitive tests this pre-season and we're unbeaten, starting to gel, getting fitter and looking reasonably solid.

Bring on Stoke. Bring on the season.

What I did notice, like many have commented on, is that the positive attacking moves, of which there were not enough, were mostly initiated by the 'young guns'. I will be absolutely livid, if we send anymore of them out to gain game time and experience.

Lookman, Davies, Kenny and latterly Dowell are ready now, imo; you need to have that mix of experience, and youth, if we are to move forward.

The other positives, as has already been mentioned by other posters, are Pickford and Keane, both looking not only an improvement but, barring injury and suspension, look to have cemented themselves, in their positions.

The big kick-off, is so frighteningly close, and apart from the Sigurdsson Saga, any additions are late in coming, and assuming we do get some more in, will they be match fit?

We have one he'll of a run of matches, let's hope we can cope.

It's so patronising knowing a man has come on a website full of fans comments, to ask if they are or have been sportsmen. Absolute ridiculous in fact. Why bother if you feel thats the case?

Same to those calling that boring get out shout 'sure Koeman and Walsh know more than us'. Going on ToffeeTV etc to make a comment like that seems insane to me?

Again, why bother looking on fan sites if you don't at least take in the opinion or you feel the messiahs know better.

These are the men who put 2 minds together and brought Stekelenburg and Williams to the club. Then decide to spend over half the Lukaku deal on Sigurdsson. Pure genius.

Thanks Jay, you put a smile on my face early Monday morning!

The logic isn't really the same as you wouldn't speak in absolute stonewall certainty about your car, medical matters or the weather in the same way that people seem to when it comes to football and sports matters. You may know you car is broken down, but you wouldn't know how to fix it, you'd leave that to a mechanic right! So, that would be logical, right Jay? Unless you are an ace mechanic, I know not!

Peter Gorman - 138

As above, Peter!

What my point is people seem to be rather over critical about things so far and we haven't lost a game. I am not saying we shouldn't comment or have an opinion, but many on here seem to have an agenda and fit any negativity around their agenda; I guess the same can be said for those being overly positive.

There is nothing wrong with offering solutions, but the tone of many seems to be that they know more than our management team. If you listen to Koeman's utterances, he seems to know what is lacking!

Just as a side note, for quite a few years when I lived in Japan I boxed, kick-boxed and refereed professional fighters, so I got a bit of an insight into professional sports, and yes, sometimes things don't always gel or are as aesthetically pleasing as there is always the human element involved.

If people were asked whether they'd be happy with an unbeaten preseason, plus unbeaten in two competitive matches a month ago, we would have all taken it!

Surely using that logic you would have to "see" Sigurdsson before condemning the deal?

They bought Williams and Sketlenburg to the club, plus some others too and we improved!

''Can't people just say what they see, Barry?''

Yes, and we can agree or disagree with them as you have with me.

Have a good day folks. We all just want the team to do well, I think we can agree on that?

So I'm wondering, given his comments about needing at minimum three more players and going public with the fact we've only reinvested the Lukaku money, is Koeman getting frustrated with the Board and trying to apply pressure? He's clearly seeing that we are short. He said we need at least two more in attack and one at the back. So it's not just us "negative" types as we're branded when pointing out the obvious. It's the manager too.

So far this Summer we've done the same as always. Sold a star and used that money, not actually invested anything into the playing squad. I'm getting the feeling that Koeman is getting anxious and that Lukaku's words at the end of last season, that he knew of players we could have signed but didn't and that the club didn't show the ambition he wanted, starting to ring true.

The performance in the Europa League was awful. Our performance against Sevilla was poor, especially the first half. We were like a Championship club in the first half, when it was starting 11 against starting 1. I'm just happy that Koeman has come out and said we are still short in attack by at least two players. Now what is the Board going to do about it?

Positives were: we played with more intensity (still not enough but more than previous games).

Keane looked solid in defence.

Sandro can hold the ball and scored an excellent goal, but needs more support.

Jagielka played well, as did Besic when he came on.

Calvert-Lewin works hard and could be a key player coming off the bench.

Lookman should be played more, as he added pace when he came on.

Davies was impressive in his preferred position.

Gueye was miles better than Schneiderlin, who hasn't had a great pre-season. And we should be playing with one defensive midfielder.

Pickford is a quality keeper and could do nothing about the 2 goals.

Kenny should be starting as right-back

Negatives for me were:

Williams was poor when he came on (again); we need a better defender signed. Or play Holgate there.

Rooney was too slow, and didn't link up well with Klaassen (who looks to be improving each game).

Mirallas offers a bit of pace but that's about it.

Barry is finished, never really rated him anyway. Too slow, and doesn't push us on like Gueye.

We need a top striker to play with Sandro. A left-back to cover or maybe start over Baines.

Undefeated in pre-season is still good though.

John I am not condemning the Sigurdsson deal I just don't think its genius and to the other comments saying he has signed good players too, I can't believe so many people miss the point.

It was about not giving a patronising comment on a fan page.

I posted on another thread that Koeman should now get his time, as this is now "his" team. There have already been wholesale changes, all his the with exception of Lukaku leaving. He's had access to funds that half of the managers in this league would kill for.

Maybe he made that statement to correct the questioner, for the sake of accuracy. If he made it to lever even more funds, it might be time he employed a little subtlety. Otherwise, he'll look like he can't improve anything without buying a whole team.

Everton have invested heavily in Koeman, too.

Route One football to Calvert-Lewin stinks. We need more than water carriers in midfield... we need class – which is clearly not there.

Young and rapid. He beat full backs on either side with ease, worked hard and got the assist for their first and could have had another one or two.

That's what we need. Someone who can beat their man and find end product. Or play Lookman.

Well that may well be the case but watching the Charity Shield we are miles behind Arsenal and Chelsea so somethings not quite right!

I am happy to be criticized, I don't pretend to have the answers, we all have different perspectives on things!

Ever has had a chequered career. It has been very stop start. Two or three years ago he was on the scrap heap and headed back to South America on loan. Then he joined Seville after finding some form. The fee was either free or peanuts. He produced his best and then got a move to Inter which didn't work out and now he's back at Seville. When he first moved to Seville he was again linked heavily to us, but it never came off. Obviously Martinez was in charge this time.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/everton/8209088.stm

Banega is an infuriating player. Maybe he was up for this game because he was playing a team who he was close to joining twice. When he's on it, he's a joy to watch, but too often he goes missing and when he's bad, he's really bad. I would also expect him to get kicked out of games or just simply bullied. That said, he's a lovely player to watch and for free we should have done more to get him.

His off-the-field antics are interesting to say the least. This is the guy who left his Ferrari filling up at a Petrol Station, the handbrake was off and it rolled over his foot putting him out for a lengthy spell. He also had another incident where his Ferrari caught fire and burnt itself out. I think this was the period that led him to go home to Argentina.

An excellent player on his day, but the guy I always wanted ahead of Banega was Joao Moutinho.

Perhaps someone could have put him in touch with Darren Gibson, prior to considering a move to Everton, he could have given him sound advice about filling up your sports car in petrol stations. I'll get my coat.

Here's mine 4-3-3

Pickford
Kenny Keane Holgate Baines
Davies Gana Klaassen
Lookman Sandro Calvert-Lewin

That's from the squad we have now.

With wishful thinking:-
Van Dijk could replace Holgate.
World class striker could replace Calvert-Lewin.

Losing interest in Sigurdsson now, do we really need him? Who would be start ahead of? Any thoughts

It is fair to say, there are not many people on TW who have won 78 caps for the Netherlands. It is probably also fair to say there are not too many earning 6 million quid a season either.

I admire your optimism but there is nothing wrong with people pointing out the shortcomings of the team ahead of a pretty crucial season. We may be on the outside looking in but we are also the customers (if you will) to Ronald's 'project' and nobody wants to be sold a shiny bollock with malfunctioning parts.

Pickford
Kenny, Keane, Williams, Baines
Gana, Besic, Klaassen
Lookman, Sandro, Mirallas

According to my calculations that would mean leaving out – Schneiderlin, Rooney, Davies, Martina, Calvert-Lewin, Holgate, Jagielka, Barry, Lennon, McCarthy, Barkley, Stekelenburg, Robles, (and Barkley for obvious reasons).

My reason for including Besic? Not only can he tackle as well as control and pass a football, he also has a mad glint in his eye – and I have always thought you need one of them in your team.

On the transfer front I do think Giroud would be a terrific acquisition but only if we get Sigurdsson. They would replace Mirallas and Klaassen in the starting eleven with Lookman going to the left and Sandro on the right.

Footnote – if he loans Lookman out he needs his head testing. That kid was is a yard ahead of everyone on the pitch when he came on. What a footballer.

I don't have a particular hate for Schneiderlin but he's not going to improve as a player and no way should we build a team around any one player. They should be earning a place in the team.

I like Mirallas, but think recently, he does not justify a starting slot, besides, the boss wouldn't leave Rooney on the bench.

I totally agree, with a lot, who have said there is no room for Schneiderlin and Gana in the same team at home, and besides again, although a class act, Schneiderlin hasn't justified inclusion from what I've seen pre-season or competitive games to date, he is too slow, or slows play down.

Only my opinion, but who am I, like most on here, we see things, that the manager does/doesn't, we have no influence, only support, but that can become strained at times.

Probably the best left back I've seen here since Ray Wilson, on balance,with a great left foot. His partnership with Pienaar was a thing of beauty.

He still has much to offer.

Besic would be good, but he's a defensive midfielder same as Gana and we should be only playing 1 at home really, so that we can play another attacking midfield player such as Davies.

But we're all entitled to have our opinion on the starting 11, and it's nice to have so many options to choose from (in midfield).

Pickford
Kenny Keane Williams Baines
Gana
Davies Rooney
Sandro Calvert-Lewin (or new no 9) Mirallas or Lookman

Sigurdsson is a class act but were seriously bloated with midfielders now and yet the striker situation is getting laughable.

Koeman and Walsh have had 18 months to identify a striker .yet the wait goes on.

To leave such a crucial purchase to the last minute is simply criminal in my view.

Colin, obviously the ones you mentioned plus Hinchcliffe and Van den Hauwe were fine players for us, but going way back we had Meagan, Tommy Jones, Thomson, Sandy Brown and an out of position Newton, McLaughlin who were okay at best. We often seemed to ask players to fill in there.

Leighton though is definitely number one in his own era, and that's pretty good.

Sorry, no idea what that means. Once more with clarity?

Koeman and Walsh HAVE identified their targets. Three weeks is not exactly leaving "such a crucial purchase to the last minute"... and it's not like they're off playing golf somewhere. They've targeted players whose clubs don't want to sell (Giroud, Dzeko), and I'm quite certain there are offers and negotiations going on behind the scenes.

When you're going for top strikers, it takes time, doesn't it? The Lukaku adventure took months, and he openly wanted to go.

I've got no problem with 'tackling machines' as long as they can tackle legally. I tend to prefer quality players to cult heroes.

He ain't good enough for a start. Squad player at best.

Sadly, every game with him now makes me cringe in fear of a slip up.

The lack of pace and inventiveness in that squad is terrifying. There's not one player who can drop his shoulder, skip past a player, and curl or bang one in the top corner. In other words, not one player who can get you off your seat.

He's filling the side with industrious hard-working midfielders... Sigurdsson is another one. 㿞 mil for a player who is a set-piece merchant but lacks serious pace is folly in my view.

I hope to God we don't sign Giroud as has been mooted because, if people on here thought Lukaku was lazy, wait until they get a load of him! Hopefully he'll want to stay in The Smoke.

I'm worried for us because we look disjointed, unbalanced, and don't look like we've got a lot of goals in us... As if the start we've got isn't bad enough!

And remember, it was not certain until five weeks ago that Rom was leaving. You can't just call Dzeko on June 1 and say "Hey, Edin, want to come play for us if Rom leaves?"

I'm quite sure we have "sourced" several elite strikers, but bringing in the class of player we are looking for takes time. Got to convince the selling club AND the player.

Besic doesn't look great I admit but who does look great around him? I see his flaws but, having watched Schneiderlin and 7-stone Gana together often enough I am not afraid to see their flaws either.

We seem to be building a team around Schneiderlin who has been okay and seems to be a crowd favourite for his tackles but he isn't great either. He's anonymous away from home.

After the farcical claim from his agent that a new contract would be signed and it was 99.99% done. Wasn't Rom stating everywhere and anywhere that his future was decided, publicly distancing himself from that statement?

The balance of the midfield is wrong and Koeman is looking to get the blend right. It is the one area of the pitch where he actually has some choices, with a plethora of options.

Numerous TW posters have said that their either too similar to each other or they just don't mix well together on the pitch. I'm starting to sway in that direction myself, unless they just simply need more time of course.

At this point in time, Gana, for me is the form player. Maybe then we should look to use just one defensive midfielder and a change in formation?

Gana roams, is a firefighter, a runner essentially. He aint the disciplined anchor that the role requires.

Schniederlin has a better passing range, holds his position and rarely loses possession. He gets in even time over Gana.

Gana gives the appearance of the better influence in the games because of Schniederlin' s discipline. He is allow to piss about the place knowing whats behind him. Add to Gana's lack of output it makes him a less injury prone McCarthy.

Get a proper midfielder in there

I think Paul probably understands Barkley is going, whereas you love it.

Paul A (#184)... if 20 minutes of decent play against a sub-par and tiring opponent is enough to convince you and Laurie that Besic -- a midfielder who contributes absolute zero in attack -- deserves a start in our league opener instead of Schneiderlin, Rooney, Davies, Barry or McCarthay... all I can do is ask what planet you're orbiting, because it certainly isn't this one.

Who is this proper midfielder you mention?

Nobody suggested Besic was for attack anyway.

Schneiderlin is the better option, far less variation in performance even when not at it. He starts Saturday.

I'd say we don't have the proper midfielder to go along side him. The nearest we have is Davies. The lad does a bit of everything. Absolutely adds to us going forward, but like Ghana has a tendency to roam, often drifting out of games.

Actually a little cross thread pollination, Davies should believe in his ability and not get pushed into playing anywhere. It damages not helps a players development.

Take Rooney, so open to helping the team, compromising his game by playing out of position. His career was still like Ronaldo's, littered with trophies, but he's knackered, Ronaldo ultimately selfish, is not and thriving.

Baines was very good but Wilson was the best left-back in world football for a few years bar none. Pienaar made Baines the player he was and he hasn't been the same since Pienaar declined.

Pickford,
Kenny, Jagielka, Keane, Baines, Gana doing the dirty work as needed behind a central 2 of Davies (legs) & Rooney (vision etc) with Lookman & Mirallas on the flanks supporting Sandro up top.

Fairly positive I think with plenty of options from the bench of needed.

Defensively Wilson was excellent his positioning and tackling were brilliant. Very rarely did Wilson tackle and not come away with the ball. He had a knack of sliding his leading leg in front of the ball, the attacker would go over and Wilson was up and away.

As for Wilson's attacking and crossing brilliant!

Jay maybe the years have softened your memories of Wilson but he was truly the best left back Everton and England have had in living memory

Just on current form Gana, IMO, deserves to be playing if one were to be rested. If we could get a proper midfielder in though John, who would you suggest?

A midfielder who cannot contribute anything in attack had better be absolutely spectacular in other areas. Besic has zero goals, zero assists for us. (In fact he has exactly one goal in his entire senior career.) So what is he good at? Tackling. That's it.

And Gana is better at it. Way better. In fact he was the #1 ballwinner in the Premier League last season and #2 across all the top European leagues.

As for Schneiderlin, he has consistently scored a goal every ten games or so throughout his Premier League career and often triggers attacks with his passes from deep.

But if you think Besic is better, rock on, son. You're pretty much alone on that island.

I am not a fan of having him back. If he isn't up front though, playing off another striker, it is pointless trying to show horn him into the team.

I was at the game yesterday and Mo Besic looked ok for the short time he was on. Besides the tackle that got him booked, I don't recall him doing anything much wrong. I do like Mo (particularly his attitude) so am a little biased but you clearly see a different version.

He has had very few games for us and I don't know when you have seen him but watch this vid of one match from early last year (another of the few games I have managed to get along to, actually) and get back to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NRNYSyYvVg

Nobody is saying Besic is better than anyone but he is different to both of them and done no worse in pre-season unless you want to count his yellow cards which don't bother me if he doesn't get another in the same game.

You talk about Lookman in the thread who has played about the same minutes as Besic and again is different.

I like seeing that in players, I'd also like to see more of him but couldn't somebody give all the same reasons you give for Schneiderlin to say, Mirallas for starting him rather than Lookman?

What I saw in the highlights before Besic came on was a lack of agression in midfield. Besic always brings this quality with him. In addition, and as I posted above, he is a skillfull footballer. Kim Vivian's you tube link at post 206 will give you an insight as to what I am on about.

As far as the rest of the midfield is concerned, apart from Gana who is a cracking player, they couldn't lace Gareth Barry's boots as far as football nous and attitude go. Pity time is catching up with him.

The demand for a proper midfielder is high and they are rare, rarer still to convince them to come Everton.

I think that the suggestions I have are a stretch but might be worth a go.

Modric, 31, still absolutely a belter of a player. Lots of transfer stuff at Real yet to happen, he might be left hanging.

Fabregas, in and out last year, over his peak but is excellent from deep. Again could be left behind in Conte's craziness.

I stress very unlikely but that the type of all round player we need.

Absolutely. We've been crying out for something similar for years

I would have liked him to stay. But I can also see he can offer us something however he flatters to deceive on too many occasions so if he goes I'm not bothered.

Some people can't understand he wants to leave. I can and is no longer in my thoughts as an Everton player. Doesn't make me love that he's leaving. Just means I'm ambivalent to it.

Baines has been a good club player but any direct comparison between him and Wilson that suggests that Baines is better is, quite frankly, severely deluded.

As things stand, we have certainly made some good buys, but we are playing football as tedious and disjointed as any I can remember, we have failed to replace our main source of goals and, most disastrously of all, we have acquired in Rooney a dead weight.

Always darkest before the dawn.

My personal favourite blue of all time. What a footballer ! Possible rival for best left back in the world, at the time, was Djalmar Santos of Brazil. Who knows.

Ray has now retired and is not in the best of health but I have such great memories.

However, Mike hardly stands corrected. I've got a massive soft spot for Mo because he always brings fire to a team of drips but all he amounts to is potential. Even in that vid, his best game, 90% of his contribution going forward doesn't quite come off. I'm a believer that over time he could have really developed into a decent player but injuries never gave him a chance.

I suppose the question is, do we need to develop Besic's nascent talents for ball-winning when we already have the absolute prince of ball-winning in Gana? Gana also offers about as much going forward but is probably more aware of his own limitations and keeps it simple.

Besic is a great lad, love his attitude but in this age of many midfielders he is way down the pecking order I'm afraid.

I'm afraid I haven't seen the maestro that Schneiderlin is supposed to be and understand now why he was shelved at Man Utd. I didn't notice any howlers but he didn't really do anything much out of the ordinary on Sunday with, I fairness, Seville and Banega bossing the midfield for most of the game but perhaps his strength is a sort of quiet efficiency about the way he goes about his job.

I thought the Sevilla left back seemed pretty useful (Clement Lenglet -). Never heard of him but only 22 and set to break into the French senior squad before long I'd wager. (Already has played for France at U16, U17, U18, U19 U20 and U21.

Don't take it personally now...

From what I have seen of him Besic is more than a ball winner – he is good in that department but he also has terrific close control, spatial awareness, and looks for a forward pass.

I like particularly the part of your post where you said – I've got a massive soft spot for Mo because he always brings fire to a team of drips drips.

I have a feeling we will see quite a bit of Besic this year – I think Koeman likes him.

He wears his heart (of stone) on his sleeve and likes to "mix it", à la Reidy.

Good luck to him!

We had some quite good individual performances, but as with most on this thread – I don't think many were overly enthusiastic, there didn't seem to be much team cohesion yet.

Clearly however Pickford and Keane are top quality; other standout players: Baines, Davies, Rooney, Lookman & Sandro, but they are the only players I would say are sure of their places.

Adding to that I guess Schneiderlin over Gana for more creativity; Kenny should definitely get his chance – he can cross a ball (not Holgate, future centre-back); then Williams & Calvert-Lewin, but not at all happy with these last two I'm afraid. Calvert-Lewin looks like he could be one for the future though.

I think this midfield will create chances - but need a top class experienced striker to hold up play, distribute and score! (Bony, anyone?)