Everton’s ideal XI following the January window

Ross Barkley

The system Koeman has utilised in recent weeks could be the one that finally gets the best out of Ross Barkley.

Greater central midfield cover means that the England international, who hasn’t made a Three Lions squad since the European Championships last summer, has less responsibility defensively, and that has led to an upturn in form over the last few games.

The 23-year-old bagged his fourth goal of the campaign away at Hull on December 30, before bagging two assists in their 4-0 thumping of Manchester City ten days ago.

Add in a fine display at Crystal Palace last weekend, and Barkley may finally live up to his undoubted potential over the coming months.