Three goalkeepers who could succeed Tim Howard at Everton

Credit: Calcio Mercato/Flickr

After slipping from the hovering benchmark they set for themselves last season so abominably, Everton’s fall from grace has compelled fans and pundits alike to mull over the reason which has resulted in such a cataclysmic downturn. After securing a hard-fought draw against reigning champions Manchester City at Goodison Park, the Everton faithful began to look at that result as as a potential recuperation; a point which could galvanize the side and spur them on to at least attempt to achieve the heights they scaled last year.

Martinez’s sides plummeting form has put question marks over the long-term futures of some first team player’s, and has also exposed their over-reliance on a particular bunch in the process too.

One crucial factor which has been overlooked is the presence of a solid goalkeeper in between the sticks, marshalling his troops at the back – a task which Tim Howard performed with absolute aplomb last term. Nevertheless, this time around, his absence from the first team fold due to injury has hit Everton hard and has affected their defensive record substantially.

A retail therapy in the transfer market has been beckoning and it’s time for Martinez to embark on a journey to discover a worthy successor for his American veteran. Here are three picks from our side:

1. Asmir Begović:

Begović has performed at the highest level with an unreal amount of consistency ever since he joined Stoke City from Portsmouth in 2010, and his exploits need no introduction. The Bosnian is considered one of the finest ‘keepers in the Premier League and is being courted by a number of clubs, including Everton’s cross-town rivals Liverpool.

Begović is out of contract at the Britannia in the summer and has not pledged his allegiance to Mark Hughes’ side yet.

As things stand, the 27-year old will be eligible to leave on a Bosman in the summer, and his addition to the Everton squad could add unprecedented solidity to the stuttering backline.

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2. Guillermo Ochoa:

The Mexican shot-stopper’s transmutation from a relative unknown to a household name was opulent, to say the least.

After keeping out a barrage of Brazilian efforts on that eventful evening at Fortaleza at last summer’s World Cup, Ochoa was tipped for a summer move to a big club. However, he ended up in Spain at Malaga. The 29-year old didn’t play his first game for the club until December, with Carlos Kameni being the preferred choice of manager Javi Garcia.

Everton could swoop in and provide an escape route for the Malaga man and thereby end their quest for Howard’s successor. What benefits Ochoa’s case is his style of play. He packs in tonnes of experience, a fearless approach, agility, dynamism and an ability to withstand tremendous amount of pressure.

Ochoa won’t cost the Goodison Park outfit a significant transfer fee too and would be the first Mexican goalkeeper in the Premier League if makes the switch.

3. Neto:

Brazilian international Neto has been sublime for Serie A outfit Fiorentina this season, and has understandably, grabbed eyeballs all around the continent.

The 25-year old has been linked with a switch to a string of Premier League clubs and Everton will have to fend off interest from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Italian champions Juventus if they are to land his signature.

La Viola will not keep Neto after his contract expires, as reported by ESPN.

Which adds to the possibility that he could join Everton.

According to the report, Juventus see Neto as the ideal successor for Gianluigi Buffon and are keen to get him on-board. In such a situation, Everton really don’t stand a chance to sign him unless he decides to reject an offer from the Bianconeri.

Which goalkeeper do you think Everton should sign?