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

2. Defensive experience

It is not just youth that Ronald Koeman’s side thrives on. There is the perfect balance between young talent and experienced players.

Seamus Coleman may only be 28-years-old, but he has been playing in the first-team ever since his arrival at the club in 2009.

Similarly, Leighton Baines has been at Goodison Park a long time, going on ten years, and knows the Premier League like the back of his hand.

In between them, at centre-back, is Ashley Williams, who is the current captain of his national side, Wales. Any youngster, such as Mason Holgate or Ramiro Funes Mori, sandwiched between these three is sure to learn fast.

This is evident from the fast progression of, now Manchester City defender, John Stones, whose rapid rise to the top must be in large part credited to those surrounding him at Goodison.

There is also experience elsewhere in the side. Gareth Barry in midfield and Romelu Lukaku who, despite being 23-years-old, has been at the very top of his game ever since 2012, jump to mind.

However, it is the experience in defence that forms a solid base for the rest of the side.