Everton Transfers: Roberto Martinez recruited youth and experience

Photo: Romelu Lukaku (Everton of facebook)

After 11 years under David Moyes, Everton Football Club was handed over to former Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez. The Spanish manager is a teacher of attractive attacking football and that was evident in a season when Everton mesmerized the Premiership and finished in 5th position securing a place in the Europa League. Martinez struggled early on in his new job but he got his team playing at a high level almost every week and may feel hard done by finishing the season in 5th position.

The Toffees are not a club that has the luxury of spending huge sums of money recruiting players so they depend on the development of youth as well as loan moves. Martinez did all he could to recruit Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea after the striker got 15 goals last season. The 41 year old manager was also able to add Gareth Barry, Muhamed Besic, Samuel Eto’o, David Henen, Brendan Galloway and Cristian Atsu to his squad this summer. Here is a look at what to expect from their additions over the course of the season.

Romelu Lukaku

Since his days at Anderlecht, Romelu Lukaku has been tipped as a star in the making and he is now living up to that billing. After his move to Chelsea in the summer of 2011, he failed to nail down a place at Stamford Bridge and was loaned to West Brom for the 2012/2013 season where he got 17 goals. He followed that up at Goodison Park last season with 15 goals and now looks set to kick on. He is a robust striker with great strength and pace. He has the ability to get past his marker making space for himself and his finishing ability is top notch. He also works extremely hard for the team making a nuisance on himself and his efforts will be appreciated by the fans.

Muhamed Besic

Signed from Hungarian club Ferencvaros, Besic has over 10 caps for his country and was at the 2014 World Cup with Bosnia. He is a defensive midfielder who handles the ball very well and likes to drive forward when he has the ball at his feet. He is quite hard in a challenge and is not afraid to get stuck-in, in the middle of the park. He is a complete midfielder and his comfort on the ball makes him ideal for Martinez’s philosophy. He has a good stamina and always up for a battle and the fans will enjoy watching him. He is an excellent addition to Everton and will surely add quality to their midfield.

Gareth Barry

Gareth Barry adds experience and assurance in the middle of the park for Everton. He is a Premier League champion from his time at Manchester City and his leadership qualities makes him vital not just on the pitch but also in the dressing room. Again, he is a ball playing central midfielder whose passing is quite good and he gets himself in good positions to break-up play. He also has the ability to hit the back of the net from range chipping in with a few goals here and there. With many youngsters at Everton, his experience will be important and he is no doubt an excellent signing on a free deal.

Brendan Galloway

Born in Zimbabwe, Brendan Galloway became the youngest ever first team player for MK Dons at the age of 15 years. The 18 year old is eligible to represent England and Zimbabwe but he is currently an England U19 representative after he was named the 2014 Football League One Apprentice of the Year. Likened to Rio Ferdinand, Galloway is known for his reading of the game and his natural ability to sense danger from very early. His intelligence and timing are his best assets and he is comfortable on the ball. He is one for the future but Martinez will not be afraid to give the youngster some minutes on the pitch this season.

David Henen

Henen is a loan signing who Martinez said will work with the U21 development program. The young Belgian forward is of slim built and has some pace. He has a few tricks in his locker and likes to run in behind the defense. He has a lot of potential and if he works hard and hit the gym then he can become a good striker. He may not get a lot of minutes this season but he is certainly one to look out for in the future.

Cristian Atsu

Signed on loan from Chelsea, Cristian Atsu arrives at Goodison Park with quite a reputation. The 22 year old Ghanaian featured heavily at the 2014 World Cup after spending the 2013/2014 season in Holland. Known for his pace, tricks and goal threat, Atsu is a promising young talent capable of causing problems for any defense. He will get a lot of minutes on the pitch this season and will dazzle his opponents. He should be able to create many goals for his teammates as well as hit the back of the net himself.

Samuel Eto’o

Regarded as one of and even the greatest striker from the African Continent, Samuel Eto’o’s move to Goodison Park sends a strong message from Everton. He has won everything at club level and has played at the highest level of the beautiful game so choosing to represent Everton shows that the club has huge ambitions and a great project. Eto’o guarantees goals as well as hard work in the attacking third. His ability to find space in tight areas and to make space for himself with the ball at his feet is world class. He will add a lot to the dressing room and will also be able to help the young players get better.

With a young squad and the distraction of European Football, Everton may be affected by having to play two to three games for the week. Squad rotation and the contribution from the experience players will be crucial if they are to replicate their performances from last season. Their signings adds depth and quality but their inexperience of juggling Europe with the demands of the BPL could see them finishing further down the table. If they are able to manage Europe and rotate the squad well then they could be in for another great season under this ambitious Spaniard.