Ronald Koeman’s have stuttered in recent weeks having made a fine start to the Premier League season back in August.

The Toffees won four of their first five league games under their new boss, who took over from the sacked Roberto Martinez in the summer after a frustrating campaign last time around.

However, that early season optimism seems to have evaporated as Koeman’s men have won just one of their last seven games, and have slipped to six points behind fourth place Arsenal, and nine points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.

Defeats at Burnley, Bournemouth, and Chelsea, the latter a particularly woeful display, have questioned Everton’s credentials for reaching a European spot, but in Romelu Lukaku and Yannick Bolasie, they will always carry a goal threat.

Despite a disappointing few weeks, Everton are seventh in the Premier League, level on points with Manchester United, and travel to Koeman’s old club Southampton on Sunday in a bid to secure a first victory in four games.

However, the Toffees’ recent struggles have thrown into doubt their ability to battle for a European spot, and many are speculating on who Koeman should sign to keep them challenging come May.

The Dutchman has utilised a 4-3-3 formation at times this season, so here is Everton’s dream midfield three, including one key January target…

CM – Idrissa Gueye

Idrissa Gueye has been a revelation in the Everton midfield this season following his £7 million move from relegated Aston Villa in the summer.

The 27-year-old has been likened to Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, such is the way he gets about the pitch, intercepts everything, breaks up play, and helps to control the game in the middle of the park.

Only Kante made more tackles and interceptions than Gueye in last season’s top-flight, yet the Everton man has the upper hand in the early stages of this campaign, making more tackles than anybody in the division so far.

Gueye is a pivotal part of the Everton midfield, be it a three-man midfield or two in the defensive midfield position, and his form in the middle could determine how well the Toffees fare this season.

CM – Gareth Barry

Much in the same way as Michael Carrick is for Manchester United, 35-year-old Gareth Barry is integral to the Everton team.

The former Aston Villa and Manchester City midfielder made his 600th Premier League appearance in the Toffees’ 3-1 win over Middlesbrough back in September, and marked the occasion with his 51st top-flight goal.

However, it’s his importance to the team and indeed the Everton midfield which is supremely impressive, given that Barry can control the game and the tempo from the middle, and still gets about the pitch in an efficient way.

At 35, Everton must be thinking of a long-term replacement but, for now, Koeman will try and get the best out of the former England international.

CM – Sebastian Rudy

Everton have recently been linked with Hoffenheim midfielder and German international Sebastian Rudy, as Koeman looks to strengthen his midfield options.

The 26-year-old has appeared 12 times for his country since his debut in 2014, and has been an important part of a Hoffenhiem side that have made an unbeaten start to the Bundesliga this season.

Rudy has netted once and laid on four assists to help his side win five and draw six of their opening 11 games, and he has appeared in every single one of them.

At 26, he will be entering his peak years shortly, and Koeman must attempt to strike a deal to bring Rudy to Goodison Park.