Everton vs Bournemouth: Combined XI
Ahead of Everton’s trip to face AFC Bournemouth, we take a look at what a combined XI of both teams would be. Now, this isn’t necessarily the correct selection of players or what you’d choose, but rather what we see as the best eleven players.
The Cherries have been unlucky so far this season and have a number of quality players on their books. They can cause the Toffees a number of problems this weekend but can their players crack our Combined XI?
We’ll see but this edition may be fairly one-sided towards Everton. In future editions, there should be a bigger debate on players and who would fit into a combined XI for that week. So, keep an eye out for our new weekly Combined XI’s between Everton and their opponents.
This week’s team and the others that follow it will likely setup in the 4-2-3-1 formation so let us get going.
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Goalkeeper: Maarten Stekelenburg
Now, this one could be a point of contention but I’ll try and persuade you early. Maarten Stekelenburg is a fine goalkeeper and is having a great start to season with Everton. Why? Well, his defence is solid and he’s no longer injured. Throughout his time with Fulham and Southampton, the Dutchman was continually carrying knocks. It’s something that hampered his ability to get low for shots. Now, Stekelenburg looks solid and assured in net once again.
His only competition for this spot is Artur Boruc who is a fine goalkeeper on his day but we’ve decided to go with Stekelenburg this week.
Right Back: Seamus Coleman
Seamus Coleman is one of the best right-backs in the Premier League. He can defend and attack in equal measure and similarly to Stekelenburg, he is fit again. Fitness will be a recurring topic with Everton players. Coleman is looking himself again, fiery and an on-field leader. His goal against was a smart finish into the near corner and he’ll be looking to continue his goalscoring form again this week.
Central defence: Phil Jagielka
Everton’s captain wasn’t a difficult choice for this team, he’s still one of the better central defenders in the Premier League. The 34-year-old is coming to the tail end of his career but is still able to defend to a high standard.
He has suffered in recent years through the style of play that was enforced on the team but now, Jagielka is back to his defending best. No longer being asked to play on the ball, Jagielka clears his lines and sends balls forward in attack to avoid being caught in his own half.
He will be joined by Ashley Williams once again this week as the pair look to develop an understanding. Neither are young players but for what Ronald Koeman wants, they’ll work just fine.
Central defence: Ashley Williams
Like on Saturday, Williams will join Jagielka in our eleven. Why? Quite simply, like Jagielka, he is a brilliant defender but Williams can also play a bit. He’s no John Stones but Williams is able to bring the ball out from the back and even creates chances further up the field.
Between himself, Jagielka, Ramiro Funes Mori and AFC Bournemouth’s central defenders, it’s not too hard to pick a pairing at the back.
Left Back: Leighton Baines
Leighton Baines, a lot of people thought you had tailed off Leighton, how wrong they were. Now, Baines isn’t his usual marauding self just yet but he’s adapting to Ronald Koeman’s new system. Under David Moyes and Roberto Martinez, Baines was well-known for his attacking prowess and less known for his clever defensive awareness.
Baines isn’t perfect and plenty of people could have gone with Bournemouth’s Charlie Daniels, who troubled Everton a few times last season, but it’s Leighton Baines. There is no other option until he hangs up his boots.
Central Midfield: Idrissa Gana Gueye
So far, Idrissa Gana Gueye is the buy of the summer. For seven million pounds, Everton were able to sign a midfield player they’ve been lacking for a number of years. Gueye does everything well, he tackles, he creates chances and he allows Gareth Barry to play his game. The last one may seem inconsequential to the others facets of his game, but having that is key for Everton.
Now, let’s move on to his partner.
Central Midfield: Gareth Barry
Yes, Gareth Barry and his 603 Premier League appearances will partner Gueye in our XI. Yes, you could make a case for Jack Wilshere but until he able to string a run of games together, he’ll have to sit behind Barry.
Barry is one of the Premier League’s most underrated players and probably deserves most recognition for the things he’s done during his career. No, he’s not flashy and he doesn’t regularly chip in with goals but the little things he does in midfield allows Everton to play how they want to.
How Barry goes, Everton goes so he’s a must-start for us.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Gareth Barry of Everton scores his sides first goal on his 600th preimer leauge apperance during the Premier League match between Everton and Middlesbrough at Goodison Park on September 17, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Right Wing: Yannick Bolasie
Before we get into Bolasie, you can make the case for Joshua King here but he has been deployed as a lone striker for Bournemouth so he is being considered for that position.
Now, onto Yannick Bolasie. The 27-year-old winger can play on either side but has been effective on the right for Everton this season. Yes, there have been question marks around his price tag but he brings pace and power to a once brittle Toffees team. Bolasie compliments Everton so well and looks to be a very good fit so far.
Attacking Midfield: Ross Barkley
Now, Ross Barkley is continually deployed as an attacking midfield option for club and country but that isn’t his best position. Barkley thrives when he has the ball at his feet and is putting defenders on their heels as they try to stop him. Barkley hasn’t been himself recently and could even be dropped for Saturday’s game but he’s in our team.
The arguments against Barkley have ranged from his fitness to a lack of footballing intelligence but it’s none of those things, he’s being played incorrectly. Barkley will have to shape up to continually crack Ronald Koeman’s team but he’s a confidence player and just needs to rediscover his self-belief.
Again, Barkley is fantastic with the ball at his feet and if selected on Saturday, he’ll fit space in short supply on a small Dean Court surface. He will have to take his chances or he may find himself on the bench.
Left Wing: Kevin Mirallas
Kevin Mirallas lost a stone during his summer break in an attempt to regain his place in the Everton team. The Belgian was thought to be leaving the Blues after a rocky 18 months where he was getting minimal playing team. Under Ronald Koeman, Mirallas looks a different player.
He is tracking back and helping in defence, he’s being a nuisance around the opposition’s penalty box and he’s already contributed from set-pieces. Mirallas had been a mercurial player earlier in his Everton career but he’s starting to find a bit of consistency.
He will be looking to contribute even further in attack but an improvement in his all round game has benefitted Everton even more.
Striker: Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku, Arouna Kone, Callum Wilson and Joshua King, they are your options for this XI. So, who are you choosing? We thought the same.
The 23-year-old Belgian is out of his rut and looking to get back on the score sheet on a regular basis. He may have picked up a knock in last week’s win over Middlesbrough but he is likely to be fit and ready for this game. Lukaku scored in both the Premier League and FA Cup against Bournemouth last season and we wouldn’t put it past him to do the same this season.
He can float in and out of games, sometimes ending attacks when he is unable to shake his marker but he sticks the ball in the back of the net as good as anyone on his level.
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