da fezbet: [long_read]
da betcris: Everton turned to Marco Silva to head a transition period that would see Everton compete financially and competitively with the big six of English football.
They made a decent start to life under the Portuguese manager, who himself had a mixed reputation after decent spells at Watford and Hull that ultimately ended badly. He arrived bringing with him Richarlison for £40m from the Hornets, before acquiring Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes, Bernard among others.
Everton suffered a tricky run of form between December and March, but things did start to improve for the Toffees after a well-earned draw against rivals Liverpool.
That proved to be the catalyst for an end-of-season revival in form, energy and confidence. Everton ended the season strong with wins against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. So, overall, did the players earn their wages this season?
[snack_break title=”Goalkeepers”]
Jordan Pickford (£5,200,000 p/y)
He’s made errors this season but overall he’s done ok. Sometimes he looks a bit manic and lacking composure, but he’s doing alright overall.
Has he earned his wage? Just about.
Maarten Stekelenburg (£1,560,000 p/y)
He’s a good back-up option and does ok when called upon.
Has he earned his wage? Just about.
[snack_break title=”Defenders”]
Seamus Coleman (£3,640,000 p/y)
Always an attacking threat down the right-hand side, always committed and always passionate. He’s a real asset for Everton.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Leighton Baines (£3,640,000 p/y)
His best days are behind him and he’s been replaced by Lucas Digne.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Michael Keane (£3,120,000 p/y)
He’s found his best form in the final months of the season and looks an accomplished, reliable defender for Everton.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Kurt Zouma (£2,080,000 p/y)
After a really promising start to life at Chelsea, opportunities haven’t come for Zouma. It didn’t work out for him at Stoke, but at Everton, he’s rediscovered some of his best form.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Phil Jagielka (£2,600,000 p/y)
When needed he steps up and does a very good job considering he’s an ageing centre-back who rarely gets a run in the team.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Yerry Mina (£6,240,000 p/y)
There were high hopes for Mina when he came to Everton from Barcelona but it hasn’t worked out for him. He’s been outclassed by better players this season.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Lucas Digne (£4,680,000 p/y)
One of Everton’s most exciting attacking options – from left-back! Has a wicked cross, great striker of the ball and gets forward well. What a signing he’s been.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
[snack_break title=”Midfielders”]
Andre Gomes (£5,800,000 p/y)
It will be such a shame for Everton if they can’t keep hold of the Barcelona loanee because he’s been immense for them. Gifted on the ball, powerful when he strides forward and a very intelligent all-around midfielder.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (£5,200,000 p/y)
Everton’s most gifted playmaker has provided a cutting edge this season and gone some way to justifying his mammoth price tag. He’s got the ability to score great goals, to assist, and even when he’s struggling on the ball you know he’ll work hard off it.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
James McCarthy (£2,600,000 p/y)
Hasn’t played enough unfortunately. Though on form he’s a tenacious and classy midfielder.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Idrissa Gueye (£3,640,000 p/y)
Always one of Everton’s best players. Tenacious, good on the ball and reliable. He’s been linked with a move away and he might just fancy himself at a Champions League club.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Morgan Schneiderlin (£5,200,000 p/y)
Hasn’t been the signing everyone hoped, and hasn’t truly kicked on since his time at Manchester United. Southampton might have been the best place for him all along. He’s a neat and committed player though and does well from time to time.
Has he earned his wage? Just about.
Tom Davies (£1,300,000 p/y)
Hasn’t developed into the player fans hoped he would, but he’s still young and has a lot to learn.
Has he earned his wage? Just about.
[snack_break title=”Forwards”]
Theo Walcott (£5,200,000 p/y)
Struggled in his final season at Arsenal and he’s struggling at Everton. Always got the ability to score a goal, whip in a good cross and use his pace to be dangerous, but overall he doesn’t do enough.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Bernard (£6,240,000 p/y)
On a free transfer, he’s been an amazing signing. He’s quick, skilful, direct and very intelligent as well. He’s unpredictable and can be that player who makes a difference in a tight game.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Cenk Tosun (£3,120,000 p/y)
Hasn’t worked for him since his move to the Premier League. He tries hard but he’s quite a static forward and Premier League football is evolving past the era where those types of players succeed.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Oumar Niasse (£2,860,000 p/y)
Didn’t play much before disappointing in Cardiff as well.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£1,040,000 p/y)
Not everyone rates the youngster but he works hard, is strong in the air, can play with the ball on the ground as well and loves to run in behind. He’s versatile and helps wherever needed.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Richarlison (£4,680,000 p/y)
Everton spent big money on the Brazilian and he’s done very well since arriving. He’s scored 13 Premier League goals this year and poses a threat whenever he plays. Can only see him improving more with each year that passes.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Ademola Lookman (£1,196,000 p/y)
Lookman has never been an Everton regular, but he’s got the skill and talent to suggest he could be one day. Hasn’t been trusted to start much under Silva, but with a space needing filling down the right wing, perhaps he’ll be ready to step up next season.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
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