It's a brand new season for Toffee Nation as Everton embarks on a quest for Premier League success and a trophy. While the hardware might be extremely difficult to obtain, a chance at playing at a European competition is very realistic. Everything has to go right though for the Blues and with a new manager at the helm, there's still some question marks. With that being said, let's take a look at the team for 2021-22.
Will Jordan Pickford Continue His Form?
Pickford silenced all the doubters last season and was outstanding manning the net for Everton. He was so good he was England's first choice goalkeeper during this summer's Euros. If this is the type of form from Pickford from here on out, then the club is in good shape and should still be to fight for a spot at a European competition and stay competitive in the fight for that coveted Premier League trophy. Asmir Begovic will be a solid backup just in case Pickford deals with injuries, but if Pickford struggles this season then a mid table finish might be more likely.
What To Expect From Rafael Benitez?
Despite the backlash from fans, Benitez is the newly appointed manager for the Blues and the hope is that he brings results. He does have a conservative approach, but it's safe to say that Benitez should get points. However, many feel like it was an uninspiring hire, not ambitious enough, and too "safe" of a selection. Regardless, it will be interesting to see what Benitez does and how well hsi scheme plays out.
What Will The New Signings Do?
Already mentioned was Begovic, but he also brings experience and is a capable back up to Pickford if needed. Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend will play out on the wings as that means more pace and more options on the attack. The hope is that they all bring quality and depth, but it remains to be seen what happens. There's still time for the club to bring in more players as the transfer deadline has not yet ended, but with recent fair financial play rules, it's become difficult to find some and has caused changes to their recruitment strategy.
Will The Club Stay Healthy?
The big concern last season was the injury bug hit them hard. Allan, James Rodriguez, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Andre Gomes, and even some of the rest of the squad missed a lot of time. Gomes has seemingly lost his form after that serious ankle dislocation, but hopefully he can get that back. Gbamin seemingly can never not be healthy, but if he can finally get back out on the pitch then that would be great depth. If the injury bug seemingly can be avoided this season, then the team should hopefully be in good shape to compete at the highest level possible.
What Is Going To Happen With Moise Kean And James Rodriguez?
This has been the biggest storyline in recent weeks, but has seemingly hung over like a dark cloud. Both James and Kean have been linked to departures, but each one has a bit of a different situation. It is evident Kean is very unhappy with Everton as he has taken down any social media post regarding the club citing his desires to move on. Kean is a talented player, but with his mind-boggling disdain for the team, it might be best to sell an unhappy athlete than to have him be a waste of money not playing at his potential. James has cited that he loves playing for former manager Carlo Ancelotti as that was the reason for his move to Everton, but hasn't said that he wants to leave either. However, if the right offer comes, the club should seriously consider selling him.
Hope Key Players Perform
Like what the key point says, hopefully those players click and help bring results. Players like Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ben Godfrey, Lucas Digne, and Gylfi Sigurdsson need to play consistently well if the team wants to have any sort of good results. If one isn't playing at their best then another one needs to step up. Otherwise, the hope is that the depth is there for them to compete
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