Phil Neville says Ronald Koeman can take Everton to ‘the next level’ after 4-2 victory against Leicester City.
Television pundit and former footballer Phil Neville
Phil Neville has made the bold claim that his former club Everton secured the ‘signing of the summer’ in the Premier League by securing Ronald Koeman as manager.
Koeman has guided the Toffees to a record-equalling seven successive home league victories with a 4-2 triumph over Leicester City – a result which also moves them level with sixth-placed Arsenal.
The Dutchman was tempted to Goodison Park from Southampton at the end of last season and Neville believes the 54-year-old is the man who can get Everton competing with the division’s so-called ‘big six’.
“For me he is the signing of the summer, Ronald Koeman,” the pundit said on Sky Sports’ live broadcast following the win over Leicester.
“Clubs will be sniffing around him and he has the confidence and experience to take Everton to the next level.”
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Koeman has a good chance of securing a European place for the Merseysiders this term, with both domestic cups likely to go to teams already in qualification places. That would mean up to seventh (the Toffees’ current position) in the table would get an Europa League spot.
Not only that but Koeman is getting the best out of a young and talented Everton squad, with Romelu Lukaku on course to secure the golden boot, Ross Barkley impressing and Tom Davies having progressed from the youth academy.
If the club can hold on to both their boss and their best players, then perhaps Neville’s prediction of going to ‘the next level’ will come to fruition.
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