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How Koeman revived Everton
- Updated: September 17, 2016
After struggling under Roberto Martinez last season, Everton have made a fast start with Ronald Koeman in charge. Peter Smith looks at how the new boss has turned their fortunes around…
Everton have made their best-ever start to a Premier League season. They hadn’t won four of their first five in the league since 1978 but now sit second in the table after a 3-1 triumph over Middlesbrough took them to 13 points.
Considering their struggles in 2015/16, the impact of new boss Ronald Koeman has been remarkable.
Roberto Martinez’s reign ended in May after a run of one win in 10 Premier League games, a slump which led Everton to a bottom-half finish for the second successive year. They had only managed back-to-back league wins once all season. Five games into the new term and, under Koeman, Everton have won their last four after an opening weekend draw with Spurs.
So, what’s changed?
Personnel is an obvious place to start. As well as Koeman, there have been changes to the playing staff, too, with new director of football Steve Walsh – responsible for some of Leicester City’s shrewdest purchases in recent years – already making his mark.
Idrissa Gueye cost the club just £7m but his performances led Gary Neville to say on Monday Night Football: “I think they’ve found someone really special”. The former Aston Villa midfielder has won 62 per cent more tackles than anyone else in the league, while only Jordan Henderson has completed more successful passes (341). A bargain buy.
Elsewhere on the field, Yannick Bolasie has added pace and creativity out wide, while goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and experienced centre-back Ashley Williams – signed following John Stones’ big-money move to Manchester City – …
