Top 5: Reasons why this is the strongest Everton squad in years

4. Holding midfielders

Defensive midfielders have become a very popular and very important part of the modern game.

They both protect the back line and are the first to turn defence into attack having won the ball.

Everton are fortunate enough to boast some of the best holding midfielders in the league in Idrissa Gueye, Gareth Barry, Muhamed Besic and January signing Morgan Schneiderlin.

Gueye arrived from Aston Villa in the summer and could well be the league’s signing of the summer.

His form never fluctuates, he is always first to win the ball back and is capable of pinpoint passing.

Barry may be a no-frills player, but what he does, he does incredibly effectively.

Elsewhere, the injured Besic is yet to claim a permanent first-team role, but when he has played, his passion and effort are second to none.

Finally, new boy Schneiderlin has impressed for years at Southampton and, despite only starting three matches for the Toffees, looks a perfect fit.

Quite the formidable first line of defence!