It gets better and better for Evertonians

Everton fans are excited, they were excited before kick off on Saturday and even more so after the full time whistle. There is a buzz around the club at the moment due to Moshiri, money and the manager, and it’s a buzz that is growing and growing.

The comparisons with John Stones and Mason Holgate were made as soon as we’d signed him, just by the simple fact they were both defenders bought from Barnsley, but now the comparisons have become a lot more than that due to the comparisons in talent. Hopefully soon we’ll be talking about Holgate, without mentioning Stones, as if he continues performances like this then he’ll soon become an important member of the team. He shown his versatility on Saturday by playing the first 30 minutes at centre back before playing the last hour at right back. It will be interesting to see how Ronald Koeman lines up for the next league match as it’s possible he has started with a back three twice due to the injury to Seamus Coleman and not having a natural right back to replace him, instead playing McCarthy at wing back. That wasn’t working vs West Brom and it now seems likely that Koeman will start with four at the back, trusting Holgate to hold the right-back fort until Coleman comes back. What it does question, is that do Everton need another centre back? It could be argued that we only have three at the club with Jagielka, Funes Mori and Williams, but we’ve shown that we have plenty of youngsters good enough to step up should two of those should be injured. Everton have been heavily linked with Lamine Kone, which would add further depth, but isn’t really needed now we have Williams. That’s unless Koeman plans to play three centre backs on a more permanent basis, it’s a matter of trusting the manager and the players he brings in on that one.

Talking of two of those, which ones should start? It’s a debate that it going to become quickly into focus if we start playing with two centre backs. I personally think that Williams is now our best defender, so who would be next. I love watching Funes Mori play, and I’d say he’s more talented than our captain, but a little less reliable. It’s a tough choice to leave out your captain out, but our manager is clearly one who isn’t shy to make tough calls. It may be for the best at this stage to go with the experience of Williams and Jagielka, but there are pros and cons to both arguments. What is clear, is that it’s a great problem to have. Everton for too long have had a small squad, with the team at times picking itself. Thankfully now we have quality all over the pitch, and quality on the bench too.

Another one of these selection decisions is Bolasie, Deulofeu or Mirallas. Mirallas was out of favour last year and clearly wasn’t one of Roberto Martinez’ favourite players, but has come back strong seemingly intent on showing everyone just how wrong Martinez was. Bolasie was exciting when he came on and Deulofeu has all the talent is the world, and looks much more suited to being a winger. Whoever Koeman uses it will be exciting, and it’ll also leave a match winner on the bench to change the game.

The good news continued after the match with Koeman confirming that Lukaku will be staying at the club, which is a relief going into the last days of the transfer window. A last week or so that could be hugely important for Everton as we’ll probably be the most active team in it. Everton fans were excited when the investment came in, but got slightly anxious when the money wasn’t being spent. It seems like Koeman and new director of football Steve Walsh were just getting their eye in however as the signings have started coming in and the optimism and excitement around Goodison Park seems to be as high as it’s been for a long, long time.