Everton play newly promoted side Leicester City today as the English Premier League kicks off on match day 1. With the transfer window still open for another week, Roberto Martinez should take the time to consider a few additional reinforcements to ensure his squad has enough depth to battle domestically as well as in Europe.
This dream starting XI is made up of Everton players with an added twist, taking into account the possibility of any last minute signings that can step in and aid the Toffees in their opening day match up.
So, here is the DREAM STARTING XI for Everton when they face Leicester.
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CLICK ON ROBERTO MARTINEZ TO SEE THE FULL LIST
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Goalkeeper
Name: Tim Howard
Age: 35
Nationality: USA
Last season Tim Howard was part of a very strong Everton side that was on the verge of Champions League football, but lost out to Arsenal to finish in 5th place.
He became one of the most talked about goalkeepers at the World Cup against Belgium after making 16 saves in one match, a tournament record. If he can bring back his summer form, Roberto Martinez will be in very good hands.
Right Back
Name: Seamus Coleman
Age: 25
Nationality: Ireland
Seamus Coleman was a top performer in the league last season with six goals as well as two assist, capping off an impressive campaign. With Ireland not taking part in the World Cup, he will return fully rested and ready to replicate his previous form.
He was the only Everton player to be named in the 2014 Premier League Team of the Year and will now need to aid his team domestically as well as in Europe.
Right Centre Back
Name: John Stones
Age: 20
Nationality: England
John Stones recently extended his contract at the club after impressive last season in place of Phil Jagielka, who was hit with a long-term injury. Although he is very young, he was able to keep up to the pace of the Premier League by aiding Everton with their great defending.
He made 21 league appearances and looks very likely to be given a bigger role in place of regular centre back Sylvain Distin, who played 33 matches last time around.
Left Centre Back
Name: Phil Jagielka
Age: 31
Nationality: England
Although Phil Jagielka missed have the season for Everton, the times he had a chance to play, he did very well, earning him a place in Roy Hodgson’s England squad. At the World Cup, he was the first choice centre-back even though the Three Lions didn’t do too well.
At 31, he will need to continue to impress in order to hopefully get another national call up ahead of the Euro 2016.
Left Back
Name: Leighton Baines
Age: 29
Nationality: England
Leighton Baines was considered another top performer for Everton the last season and was linked with a big money move to Manchester United over the start of the summer.
He was given the hard task of replacing Ashley Cole at left back for the English national team, but found it hard to reproduce his club form on the world stage. However, it is very likely that Baines will be a season regular with his five goals and four assist in the previous campaign.
Right Defensive Midfield
Name: Muhamed Besic
Age: 21
Nationality: Bosnia-Herzegovina
New signing Muhamed Besic may be quite young, but he has bags of potential to fill the defensive midfield role and add some extra pace and stability into the middle of the park.
His team mate, Gareth Barry, who is a guaranteed starter, can offer him so much experience as the pair prepares to work alongside one another throughout the upcoming season.
Left Defensive Midfield
Name: Gareth Barry
Age: 33
Nationality: England
Having been on loan at Everton last season, Gareth Barry has now made his move permanent as he is seen as a first team regular at the club. With enough time to adapt to the style of football under Roberto Martinez, it’s time for him to return back to his best as the holding midfielder.
Playing alongside Besic, he may lack the speed and pace he once had, but he can certainly make up for that with his composure and ability to dictate play. The Toffees bought him for this reason so there’s no way they are going to start without him.
Right Wing
Name: Kevin Mirallas
Age: 26
Nationality: Belgium
Kevin Mirallas is Everton’s best choice right winger with eight goals from 32 matches last season and also played well for Belgium at the World Cup.
With Romelu Lukaku leading the front lines, any types of cross going into the box are sure to be met by his fellow countryman. He was a season regular in the previous campaign and is highly likely to retain his place under Roberto Martinez.
Attacking Midfield
Name: Ross Barkley
Age: 20
Nationality: England
The England starlet had a breakthrough first season for Everton the previous year, managing six goals with some sensational solo efforts. His speed and pace cannot be overlooked as he plans to have an even bigger impact in the upcoming season.
Despite his age, it is highly likely that Roberto Martinez will hand Ross Barkley a regular team role as he is sure to cause problems for any of the defenders going head on against him.
Left Wing
Name: Danny Welbeck
Age: 23
Nationality: England
This is where the twist comes in because with Danny Welbeck a possibility after being told he will have very limited playing time at Manchester United, Roberto Martinez should snap him up to play on the left wing.
Being a so-called dream team, having Welbeck down the left flank will not only add huge pace into the squad, but also another attacking outlet with the England international able to create goals as well as score his own.
Striker
Name: Romelu Lukaku
Age: 21
Nationality: Belgium
Record signing Romelu Lukaku doesn’t need any time to adapt as he recently had a loan spell with the club last season. With the move made permanent, he is sure to add to his 15 goals in 31 appearances in the previous campaign.
Already a proven goal-scorer at Goodison, it is very likely that Lukaku will look to score even more this time around. With the big Belgium man up front, they have a very strong chance to battle it out in Europe as well.