As you look down the Everton team sheet there are some notable names missing that have featured heavily over the past seasons.
Gone is Australian international Tim Cahill, who has been one of Everton’s key players since he joined the club from Milwall in 2004, as well one of club’s brightest young prospects and England international Jack Rodwell, who agreed to a £12m deal with reigning champions Manchester City during the off-season.
In the absence of the big names, it’s time for some of the fringe players of the past, including 24-year-old Belgium international Marouane Fellaini, to step up and fill in the role the former big name players have played.
The 2008/09 Everton young player of the season winner has had his name written in many referees’ notebooks over the seasons for the wrong reasons, but the fiery afro-head has showed his class so far this season with his speed through the middle of the field.
The six-foot-four midfielder has set up many goals for the team and has also scored more goals in the past three months then he did last season.
His decision-making has come on in leaps and bounds this season, and with Stephen Pienaar returning to the club after a short but unsuccessful stint with Tottenham, the pair have given headaches to opposing teams defence, helping Everton to its best start to the season in years – currently sitting in fifth place just six points behind league leader’s, Chelsea.
Beardan
Roar Guru
Ive also been an Everton supporter since 2004 when i went to Goodison with my English Everton supporter mates and the good guys won 1-0 against Middlesbrough that had Schwartzer and Viduka playing for them. Everton on their day can match anyone but with the halves pairing of Osman and Neville they are a long way behind the teams with a better midfield. Phil Neville needs to hang up the boots as soon as possible. Jagielka, Distan and Heitinga give Everton 3 excellent central defenders, however i would go with Jagielka and Distan as the preferred option. Im a big fan of Tony Hibbert, but Coleman can play as well. Lleyton Baines is the third greatest player in the world today after Messi and Ronaldo.
Stefanov
Roar Pro
This is the best Everton team I have ever witnessed in my time following them...since 2004 I have been a Blue and this team is far better than that 2004 side. Our team at full strength is world class and can match any of the top 4 maybe bar Chelsea... Mirallas is a real star and x-factor and is a match winner, as is Fellaini. Just need a fit Jelavic and Gibson and watch out. P.Neville was a good leader but now is a liability...it's sad to see, but it happens. Howard, Baines, Heitinga, Jagielka, Coleman, Gibson, Osman, Fellaini, Pienaar, Mirallas, Jelavic is my preferred XI.
Beardan
Roar Guru
Fellani signed a 5 year contract last year, so although that doesnt mean alot in sport these days he is unlikely to go to Chelsea. Fellani hasnt got a great deal of speed, but he is strong in the air and brings the ball down well. He however has his weaknesses, and his poor discipline especially on the road needs to be improved. Everton have started well, but 3 straight draws, one agianst lowly QPR means they can quickly drop back if they dont start winning again. Evertons strength is their excellent backline. Howard is a good keeper, Jagelka and Distan are both excellent defenders. Everton have the best left back on the planet in Lleyton Baines. For mine the three best players in the world are Messi, Ronaldo and Baines.
George
Guest
He is a gun, but those rumours of him moving to those mugs Chelsea wont go away!
Mantis
Roar Guru
Ive been thinking that as well. Add to that Vertonghen, Lukaku, De Bruyne, Mignolet, Miralas, Benteke.... They are a big dark horse for Rio if they keep going the way theyre going
Mantis
Roar Guru
Fellaini has had a good year. Its up to him and Pienaar in the mid to service Jelavic up front. On a shoestring budget, Moyes has worked wonders for years.
pete4
Guest
This is Belgium's "Golden Generation" with the likes of Fellaini, Hazard, Dembele, Kompany, Van Buyten and Vermaelen. Expecting big things from this team at the World Cup