Things are looking good for Ronald Koeman’s Everton. The Toffees are unbeaten in the Premier League since losing 1-0 to Merseyside rivals Liverpool on December 19 and have collected 21 out of a possible 24 points in fixtures since.

The Toffees are currently in seventh, closing the gap on sixth placed Manchester United, and the future is looking bright.

Koeman has managed to successfully steady the rapidly sinking ship that Roberto Martinez was booted off and the new era of play looks to have, finally, been well and truly ingrained into the squad.

With his managerial skills, remarkable recruiting and trust in youth, the Dutchman has created quite the impressive side.

In fact, it might well be the best squad that Everton have had in years. Here are five reasons why…

1. Youth

If there is one thing that Ronald Koeman has excelled in this season, it is promoting youth to the first-team.

Most recently, midfielder Tom Davies (Above) has taken the Premier League by storm with two assists and a goal since his breakthrough.

He has outplayed some of the best players in the league, such as Yaya Toure, and looks an even hotter prospect than Ross Barkley.

The young talent doesn’t stop here. Mason Holgate in defence looks at ease in the English top-flight, despite being the tender age of 20.

Tyias Browning is a promising full-back, currently on loan at Preston North End, who looks set to take over from Leighton Baines in the future.

In midfield, the supreme Idrissa Gueye has been faultless this term and new signing Ademola Lookman has bags of flair.

Not to forget fan-favourite Muhamed Besic, who is sideline with a knee injury.

These youth stars are taking the Premier League by the scruff of the neck, but will only get better and better in coming 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.

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.

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!

5. Romelu Lukaku

Although Everton’s lack of options up front may be a weak point, when Romelu Lukaku is your first choice striker, it is also a strong one.

Words cannot describe the love and appreciation that Everton fans have for the big Belgian.

He has, single-handedly, won Everton countless matches with 59 goals since his arrival in 2013.

He boasts the highest goals per game ratio of any of Everton’s top 50 goalscorers in history, with 0.46 per match.

The Toffees have never had someone so prolific and won’t find another one for a long time, when Lukaku does seek pastures new.

Having such a talent on the side is such a huge benefit for The Blues.