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

3. Competition for places

Every good side needs competition for places. Over the last few years there hasn’t really been that at Goodison. Now, it is a different story.

Maarten Stekelenburg and Joel Robles have spent an even amount of time in between the sticks so far this season.

Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman may have cemented their roles for years, but the likes of Funes Mori and Mason Holgate are breathing down their necks.

Furthermore, there are four centre-backs all capable of being in the starting XI.

In midfield, all of Ross Barkley, Idrissa Gueye, Tom Davies, James McCarthy and Morgan Schneiderlin are capable of playing central roles, whilst Kevin Mirallas, Yannick Bolasie (currently injured), Aaron Lennon and Ademola Lookman are vying for the two wing positions.

Granted, the side are incredibly short of options for the striker role. However, if there is only one position that needs strengthening, that is surely a positive rather than a negative.