From their record sale to a long-serving unsung hero, The Toffees have used the winter window well over the years.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman and John Stones
Everton and Ronald Koeman may well be looking to right their summer failings when the window opens once again in the New Year, and maybe they can take inspiration from some of The Toffees more astute signings of yesteryear.
John Stones – from Barnsley, 2013
A profit of around £45 million is not bad going for two and a half years of work. When Everton picked up talented teenager Stones from hometown club Barnsley in the winter of 2013, his talent was obvious from the outset. Yet, few could have imagined he would be the second most expensive defender of all time just three seasons later.
Initially deployed as a marauding full-back by Roberto Martinez, Stones’ trademark composure in possession has left him red faced on occasions under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, however, with Ashley Williams looking like a more than decent reinvestment in his place.
Lee Carsley – from Coventry, 2002
While his heralded midfield partners, from Mikel Arteta to Thomas Graverson, hogged the praise, there’s a reason Carsley was a virtual ever-present during seven years at Goodison Park. Plucked from Coventry by Walter Smith in the winter of 2002, the Republic of Ireland international was a pillar of consistency that helped form the formidable spine of David Moyes’ overachieving outfit.
Oh and a stunning winner in the December 2004 Merseyside derby, Everton’s Goal of the Season to boot, didn’t do his reputation too much harm on the blue half of the city.
Steven Pienaar – from Tottenham, 2012
If the selling then immediate resigning of Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe and Younes Kaboul prove anything, it’s that Spurs’ recruitment policy wasn’t planned particularly meticulously in the years prior to Mauricio Pochettino. And, just a year after edging out Chelsea to win the signature of South African schemer Pienaar, Tottenham flogged him back to Goodison for minimal profit.
Pienaar’s telepathic understanding with roving full-back Leighton Baines became a reliable source of goals for Everton during the former Ajax youngster’s second spell although injuries eventually reduced him to a bit-part player.
Landon Donovan – from LA Galaxy, 2010
The bastion of US ‘soccer’, Donovan is a bonafide legend across the Atlantic and with good reason. However, he’s rather well respected here as well on the back of two fruitful short-term loans at Goodison Park.
Winning the club’s Player of the Month award immediately after joining for the first time in 2010, Donovan may have only featured on ten occasions but his skill and stature helped him make a big impact in little time.
Mikel Arteta – from Real Sociedad, 2005
One of the sharpest minds around, there’s a reason why the visionary Spaniard was headhunted by Pep Guardiola to become a key part of his coaching staff at Manchester City. Because, if his on-pitch performances were anything to go by, City should find Arteta’s insight and intelligence rather useful in the coming years.
Everton certainly did. Making an immediate impression when arriving on loan from Real Sociedad, Arteta quickly became a fans favourite and a neutral’s dream with his smooth passing ability and deadly dead-balls.
Everton’s Tim Cahill celebrates with team mate Mikel Arteta after the match
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