Ronald Koeman is overseeing his first season in charge of Everton and the Toffees have made a good start to the Dutchman’s tenure.

His side have won four of their opening eight Premier League matches, and have lost just once so far this season, which was a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth.

Koeman’s side produced a stubborn and resilient performance to draw 1-1 with Manchester City last weekend, the kind of defensively solidarity unseen at Everton during the reign of Koeman’s predecessor Roberto Martinez, who was sacked in the summer.

The Toffees currently sit sixth in the table, four points adrift of City at the top, going into their trip to Burnley on Saturday.

Despite a tricky few years, with Everton finishing a poor 11th in the Premier League last season, there have been a number of good performers in blue during that period, and some that seem to go unnoticed by fans of other clubs.

Here are THREE underrated Everton players…

Gareth Barry

Even at the age of 35, Gareth Barry is just as important to Everton now as he was for Aston Villa between 1997 and 2009, and Manchester City from 2009 to 2014.

The England international knows everything about playing in the centre of midfield, and it rubs off brilliantly on this Everton side who are trying to tighten up defensively after a poor few seasons at the back.

Barry’s influence in the midfield cannot be understated, as he is able to control the tempo of the match, retain but also move on possession, as well as impact both ends of the pitch.

He is relishing the role in Koeman’s midfield, and is a player that, even throughout his career, doesn’t get the respect he ultimately deserves.

Bryan Oviedo

A lot is made of Everton full-backs Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines, and about how great and energetic they are both getting forward and defensively.

But Bryan Oviedo also deserves a mention.

Not in the headlines like the other two, the 26-year-old has recovered brilliantly from a nasty injury in 2014, and provided much needed support to Baines as he himself deals with a few injury concerns.

The Costa Rican international is currently deputising at left-back for the injured Baines, and played well against Crystal Palace a few weeks ago.

Another player who is not often in the spotlight, but quietly goes about his business when on the football field.

Tom Cleverley

A tricky choice this, but Tom Cleverley has admirably rebuilt his career after being sent on loan to Aston Villa, and falling out of favour at Manchester United.

He has always had potential – we saw that at United and a few times for England – but it went missing for a time. Yet, he appears to be getting back to that level now at Everton.

The 27-year-old is an important part of the Toffees midfield, be it in the starting eleven or from the bench, in helping Gareth Barry and Idrissa Gueye control the game from the middle.

His range of passing is good and he is strong in the tackle. People are still rating him from his late United days, but he’s a much better player now, and deserves more plaudits than he receives.