This is Everton’s dream January midfield including this key target

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.