Everton are the Dark Horse of the Premier League
The motto I will live by this upcoming Premier League season: don't sleep on Everton.
You may call me crazy but hear me out first. This upcoming Everton squad for the 2017/2018 season will be one of the best they've had in as long as I can remember. Why is that? Because manager Ronald Koeman has shown a clear shift in agenda, focusing on bringing in young, proven talent.
That has already been shown by the two big signings the Toffees have made in early June, still two months before the season.
The signing of 24-year-old attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen from Ajax and the signing of 23-year-old goalkeeper Jordan Pickford shows that the Blues are dedicated to finding that young talent that has a high ceiling.
Klaassen was an absolute beast with the Dutch powerhouse Ajax this past season scoring 14 goals and picking up 9 assists in 33 league games.
Pickford was impressive as well for recently relegated side Sunderland, making 29 appearances and registering 135 total saves.
These aren't the only young players Everton will have going forward. With Ross Barkley developing into a solid talent, Idrissa Gueye showing some flashes of attacking ability, and the young center back Ramiro Funes Mori playing well, this team is full of potential.
And, with M'Baye Niang rumored to be a transfer target, this is going to be a young, scary team in the future.
The biggest if, is IF Romelu Lukaku stays. If the Belgium beast stays, then Everton has the chance to be a top four team in England without a doubt. If Lukaku leaves, I can still see them finishing in a European spot (all this despite having a terribly difficult start to the season).
I have faith in the system Koeman put in place last season and now with a full year at the club behind him, the team will only get better.
This season wasn't a good one by any means this year for Everton, finishing 7th with 61 points. This year should only get better for the Toffees. If your'e a betting man, I would go ahead and throw money on Everton to finish in the top 5 of the table. They are the true dark horse of England.
