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Ranking The Top Three Everton Players In 2015-16

By Steve Nicholls

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With the international break upon us and news at a premium for the next fortnight, bar some ludicrous rumours here and there that are barely worthy of any mention, there is no better time to explore some subjective and thought-provoking issues regarding all things Everton.

With that in mind these pages will be dedicated to various opinion topics over the next few days, beginning with my picks for Everton’s best three players so far this season.

Here are my choices – see if you agree.

3 – John Stones

Following intense speculation that Stones was set to leave the club for Chelsea in what was a protracted and drawn-out transfer saga that dominated the summer, the youngster has responded admirably since committing himself to Everton, for now at least.

After handing in a transfer request as the speculation continued to mount with the transfer window quickly coming to a close, which was quickly dismissed, the only way for the former Barnsley man to get the irked Evertonians back onside was to put in some commanding displays at the heart of the Blues’ defence.

Thankfully, that is exactly what Stones has done, for the most part of least. Some costly lapses in concentration have crept into his play, but overall the youngster has been classy and composed in the Toffees’ backline so far this season.

2 – Romelu Lukaku

When Roberto Martinez splashed out nearly £30m on the big striker following his successful loan spell in 2013-14, many eyebrows were raised and those doubts weren’t eased following a largely hit and miss campaign in 2014-15.

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However, after a steady pre-season and a run in the side without injuries, Lukaku has hit the ground running so far in the current campaign and the heavy sum is starting to become justified. He hit 20 goals in all competitions in the last term, and that included a plethora of Europa League fixtures, and he’s already well on his way to bettering that target in less games this season – it is nine and counting for the Belgian so far.

It has not just been the goals though, as the striker has improved his all-round game significantly, with his link-up play and range of passing showing massive signs of improvement.

The biggest compliment you can give him is that he truly is indispensable for Martinez’s side.

1 – Gerard Deulofeu

The Spaniard’s loan spell was considered a success two years ago, but there was an element of what could have been as injuries and selfish tendencies coupled with immaturity held the winger’s true potential back somewhat.

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When the 21-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season, there was a thought that the same could be true second time around, but ever since his first appearance of any note in the second half against Barnsley (where he tormented them and helped Everton come back from two goals down) the former Barcelona man has gone on from strength to strength.

He still possesses the electric pace and dazzling one-on-one ability that he had in his loan spell, but he has added a cultured element to his game, with some of his many assists this season looking like they could just as easily have come off the skilled boot of Barca’s Andres Iniesta.

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Deulofeu has come back with the same levels of talent, thrown in with an increased level of maturity, more composure in his finishing, a less selfish attitude and a passing ability most never knew he possessed. When you add all those factors up it is clear to see that in Gerard Deulofeu Everton have got a player of the highest quality on their hands.

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