Goodison Park will say farewell to European football on Thursday as Everton host Atalanta in the Europa League. But how should Everton line-up?
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
He’s not had the best of times in the Europa League, and Everton are bottom of their group having conceded a staggering 10 goals. But Pickford has always shown himself a wondrous shot-stopper and a big performance, even in a dead rubber, could reinvigorate him.
Right-back: Jonjoe Kenny
Kenny has already played some this season, and should retain his place because he’s an incredible young talent who could do so much (his performances for England in the u20 World Cup prove that) when developed.
Centre-back: Mason Holgate
Holgate has struggled at times, but that’s largely because he’s been shuttled from centre-back to right-back with alarming frequency. An extended run at centre-back, starting here, could be exactly what he needs to get his career on track.
Centre-back: Michael Keane
Keane’s struggles this season are down to being constantly paired with injury-prone and frankly past-it veterans. By making him the leader of a young back-line, Everton can bring out of him the magic that Burnley did.
Left-back: Leighton Baines
The veteran of the team has to play because the club destroyed Brendan Galloway with a couple of bad loans last season when the youngster had been developing as a clear heir for Baines. Still, the Englishman is a reliable performer and set-piece wizard.
Defensive midfield: Idrissa Gueye
Gueye is a supreme defensive midfielder. Since the start of last season, no midfielder has won more tackles in the Premier League than Idrissa Gueye’s 134. In this side he would protect the young defence.
Defensive midfield: Beni Baningime
Baningime has shown a great potential in his displays so far for Everton. By bringing him in next to Gueye, the youngster will have a great protector next to him and the freedom to express himself.
Attacking midfield: Wayne Rooney
With qualification lost, this game is mostly symbolic. Therefore Everton must play their greatest symbol. Place Wayne Rooney at the heart of a young side where all he has to do is play passes and take shots. The cover will allow his skill to come to the fore.
Right-wing: Nikola Vlasic
Vlasic (who already has one heroic moment in the Europa League this season) is a dynamic dribbler who offers pace and potency in the final third. A must-start for the slow Toffees.
Left-wing: Ademola Lookman
Lookman has one goal in one game for Everton u23’s this season, and whilst he’s yet to score for the first-team this season, he still has so much to offer the Toffees.
Striker: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
For so long this season, Calvert-Lewin was the only bright spark in a dull and dreary Everton side. His verve, dynamism and intent to threaten opponents was so key. But he couldn’t play with any real consistency because he didn’t get consistent minutes up-front (despite proving he’s a big game goalscorer with his u20 World Cup final heroics). Atalanta should be the first in a long line for games where Calvert-Lewin leads the line for Everton.
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