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Everton top 5 performers of the 2018/19 season thus far

By Parth Athale

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It has been a mixed season for Everton thus far. The hopes were high at Goodison Park when the campaign commenced.

The Toffees had a new and exciting manager in Marco Silva, who bought new players in to mesh with his philosophy. There was a lot of promise and potential, but it has not materialized into points. Everton are currently in 11th place, in the top half by just one point.

Silva shelled out close to £90 million in the transfer window, and to be fair, he acquired some great players. The new recruits have not gelled perfectly, especially at the back.

But quite a few players have enjoyed successful individual campaigns in the five odd months that have elapsed. On that note, here are the top 5 Everton performers of the season.

1.  Richarlison

The Brazilian winger came over from Watford for £40 million, following Silva to Merseyside. He has been the Toffees star man in front of goal, scoring the most league goals for them with 9. Only five players have scored more. Silva has deployed him as a winger and a striker, but his attacking threat has been constant.

A direct player, Richarlison has no inhibitions about running at defenders. Aside from his dribbling, he always seems to get into goalscoring positions even when he is playing in a wide role. His commitment and work-rate are also important facets of his game and another reason why he is such a key part of Silva’s plans.

2. Lucas Digne

Another summer recruit, Lucas Digne has taken to the Premier League like a duck takes to water. His task seemed tough at the outset, as club legend Leighton Baines was the first-choice left-back. But Digne displaced him against Huddersfield in September, and he has not looked back since.

He is solid defensively and also provides a great outlet for Everton in the final third. Digne has made 2.1 key passes per game in the league and recorded 3 assists, both of which are highs for his side. Still just 25, the Frenchman has been a major success story at Goodison Park this season.

3. Andre Gomes

Fellow ex-Barcelona player, Gomes has found comfort at Goodison Park. His time at the Camp Nou was far from comfortable, where he failed to deliver on the promise he showed in Valencia. Silva acquired him on loan for the season, and it was a shrewd move.

Gomes has excelled, playing in a midfield duo with Idrissa Gueye. His technical ability more than makes up for his lack of pace. The Portugal international is adept at shielding the ball and circulating possession. He has been a crucial player for Everton, who will hope to secure him on a permanent basis.

4. Gylfi Sigurdsson

The Iceland playmaker was signed in 2017 by Everton, but he failed to find his feet. Chemistry and injury issues meant that he could not get into his groove in the first season. But this campaign has been a different story, as he has been back to his best.

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Sigurdsson leads his side in chances created and assists alongside Lucas Digne, and he has scored 8 goals as well. Playing in the ‘number 10’ role, he has kept Everton ticking. His creativity and nous over set pieces have been important. The £45m shelled out for him last summer look to be paying off now.

5. Idrissa Gueye

Perennially underrated, Gueye has been at the heart of the things yet again for Everton. Playing as the deepest midfielder, he has excelled at breaking up the opposition attack. Gueye averages 3.9 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game in the league, tallies which are bettered by few.

His presence allows the likes of Gomes and Sigurdsson to go forward and do their thing. Gueye’s work-rate and defensive positioning are immaculate. This is his third season with the club, and he has been just as good as the previous campaigns.

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