Strength and depth. Two adjectives that generally dovetail with success, when used in the context of a teams robustness. At present, it is a blessing that Ronald Koeman has at his disposal at Everton.
On the crest of a wave of sustained progress, the Dutchman knows he has the enviable scenario of a midfield bustling with options.
Senegal, one of the Africa Cup of Nations favorites, were knocked out on penalties to eventual winners Cameroon, by virtue of a penalty shoot-out at the quarter finals stage. What it meant for Everton was a more immediate than expected return for Idrissa Gana Gueye to Goodison Park. But the former Aston Villa and Lille player was by no means sauntering back into the side.
He had to settle for a sedentary afternoon on the substitutes bench in the emphatic victory over Bournemouth last weekend. Such is the competition for places. This also takes into consideration the high profile exits in January.
Speaking to Evertontv, Koeman acknowledged the strong position he finds himself in.
“That’s the competition what we have. With that competition, we have the detail that we need every opponent.
“We can change and we don’t drop quality. And in detail, all the midfield players are different. It’s difficult sometimes because you get some people disappointed and frustrated but it’s business and the most important thing is to get the results.”
With a visit north to Middlesbrough this weekend, their hosts will be looking to capitalize on their brief training sojourn to Spain with a view to seeking retribution for the last time the two sides met in mid-September. A Gareth Barry equalizer on his 600th Premier League appearance, an adroit Seamus Coleman finish and an unorthodox Romelu Lukaku finish saw Koeman’s side finish with all three points.
Koeman reflected on the weeks preparations, stating: “We have had a good week of training. There’s a little bit of stiffness from the last week but everybody will normally be available for the weekend.
“What you need to do is recover the players and give them some rest. Then you start to prepare for the next games, and that’s what we have done.”