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Current Players: Aiden McGeady and Kevin Mirallas are Everton's two right midfield options for the upcoming season.
Name |
Appearances |
Goals |
Assists |
Crosses |
Kevin Mirallas |
32 |
8 |
8 |
98 |
Aiden McGeady |
16 |
0 |
1 |
36 |
Key Departures: None.
Arrivals: None.
Returning Players: Aiden McGeady and Kevin Mirallas. Belgian winger Mirallas returns after a somewhat indifferent World Cup, where he performed well but his Belgian side and himself could have done better as a whole. Mirallas was excellent last year in Martinez's new look attacking side, scoring some excellent goals including free kicks, which was a welcome addition to his game. However, with only eight goals and eight assists to his name, it would be nice to see him getting at least ten plus in both departments this season. If he works on his finishing, he has the potential to be a 15+ goals winger easily.
Aiden McGeady showed flashes of what he has to offer after arriving from Spartak Moscow in January. Unfortunately for him, he was severely unfit and looked overweight, leading to his effectiveness being somewhat diminished. With a proper pre-season now under his belt, he could be a real player for Everton next season, especially in the Europa League where his European knowhow will be vital in a youthful Everton side. Would like to see him bagging plenty of assists for Lukaku this year also.
Tactics: Wide players in Martinez's team player more like forwards than traditional wingers, often cutting inside to form a front three with the main striker with full backs Coleman and Baines providing the width. Although Mirallas had 98 crosses to his name last year, he is far more effective cutting inside and trying to provide assists to the striker or scoring himself. As mentioned, Coleman and Baines are the ones that provide Everton with the width to stretch teams. In order to assess how effective this position is, look at the wingers' number of goals and assists for a real perception of their success this season.
Summary: With Mirallas continuing to improve in this side, and a fully fit and ready McGeady providing healthy competition, Everton are well covered in this position. Martinez has not looked for reinforcements to this side of midfield, with the left wing garnering more attention. Though this may change before the transfer window shuts later this month.