Everton 2015-16 season in review: Kevin Mirallas, Gerard Deulofeu and Leon Osman

It doesn't get more inconsistent and confusing in the world of football/soccer than Everton's 2015-16 season. Three of the most confusing men to talk about are a trio of midfielders: Kevin Mirallas, Gerard Deulofeu and Leon Osman. Three men at different junctures in the careers, but all still left looking for answers.

Kevin Mirallas

What he did well

Mirallas is a difference maker. Many times, the moments following his first touch of the ball off the bench were commonly the brightest that Everton would see in an entire game. Over 30 games (13 starts), the Belgian scored six goals and three assists. When he is at his best, he is a clear starter.

What he could improve upon

You cannot trust him. Stop being a jerk sometimes, Kev! Mirallas was the only guy on Everton to be sent off more than once. The first time, he came on as a substitute in stoppage time. The second time came in the 35th minute of a game he started, putting the Toffees on the back foot for the rest of the day.

And he needs to show up on a more regular basis. It seems clear that he and former manager Roberto Martinez were at odds. Ok, understandable, but have a little respect for the badge over your heart, man. Mirallas makes a lot of money to play football. He needs to come ready and willing to play every, single day, no matter whether he is a starter or a bench guy.

The summer ahead

Belgium will have high expectations for the upcoming Euros as they have made the tournament for the first time since 2000, but Mirallas will be watching from home with the rest of us. His recent signing of a contract extension with Everton would seem to hint that he plans to earn his way back into the starting picture for the blues once a new manager is named.

Final grade: D+

There may not be a more frustrating player than Mirallas. His talent is obvious and there are days where he dominates the run of play. But there are other moments where he seems to have no interest in playing that day. His passion can be both his biggest advantage and his fatal flaw. If the new gaffer could find someway to tame that, Kev could be an X-factor for 2016-17. At 28 years of age, the prime part of his career is closing fast. Can EFC catch what is left of it?

Gerard Deulofeu

What he did well

Remember early season Deulofeu? Wow! It felt like he was getting a goal or an assist every other game despite not always being the first choice on one of the wing positions. Despite playing in only about half of the team's games, he led Everton with eight assists in the league.

On top of that, he may be the most electrifying guy on the team. His speed and skills on the ball are game-changers. And there is something about the way he puts a ball in the box that is tough to deal with for opposing defenders. You just gotta love it!

What he could improve upon

Why the heck can't he play past an hour, like ever? Sure, he puts in a good effort for the time he is on the pitch, but in games that he starts he is almost always the first sub-off decision.

And the diving and pouting! It needs to stop. It's not a good look and he is just not good at it. Deulofeu is not a prestigious enough player yet to have his yelling at the ref get him anywhere, and the dives seem to result in yellow cards for himself rather than a foul against the opposing team.

The summer ahead

The winger will spend the offseason nursing a knee ligament injury that he picked up in training near the end of the season. Even without that, he wasn't in the plans for Spain at the summer's Euros. If you want to keep up with him, check out his Twitter. He posts something new about every five minutes!

Final grade: C+

Those first couple of months were really impressive and, considering he is still a young player, it feels like he should only continue to get better. But he, along with the rest of the team, fell apart in the second half of the season.

Leon Osman

What he did well

Look around the Premier League, there aren't too many 35-year-olds getting substantial minutes in their club's first team. Osman was no different, but he is blue to the core. There were no complaints from him. You have to imagine the locker room still loves him, as he was named captain for a game against Southampton in April. Those are features you want in one of your team's elder statesman: don't rock the boat and maintain the respect of your, mostly younger, teammates.

What he could improve upon

There is no getting around it; he is old and it is showing. Across all competitions, Osman made just 16 appearances (six starts) and scored only one goal. But based on his performances in those games, he may have been lucky to get that much game time. Most times out, he was a step or two slower than every one else on the pitch.

The summer ahead

There is a very good possibility that Osman has played his last game in an Everton shirt. He is out of contract now and awaits what the Toffees do at the managerial position to make his next career move. It would be odd to see him in another kit considering he has been Everton property since 1997, when he was 16 years old. There were two loan spells (Carlisle United, Derby County) in between then and now but apart from that he is as blue as they come. Surely, a new manager would want him back, but if he wants to actually play, he needs to go elsewhere.

Final grade: D+

Playing time was at a premium in the center of midfield and Osman was likely the low man on the totem pole. There are better options than the club legend now. Unfortunately, he is to that point in his career where he is not the producer he used to be.