Everton preseason 2013

EVERTON13/14

NEW SEASON NEW BOSS

NEW ERA

Greg O’Keeffe on the Martinez revolution

P

Deulofeu and Mirallas

THE ENTERTAINERS

THE SKIPPER ‘We all want to win things’

Pl qu us iz ful an l fi m d xt or m ur e uc es h ,

S U L

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Everton FC 2013/14

Inside...

4/5 New full-time skipper Phil Jagielka on taking the armband

Roberto Martinez is unveiled as Everton manager by Bill Kenwright (above) and holds court on the touchline (right)

6/7 Out

w i t h 8/9 t h e 10/ 11 o l d . . .

12/13 Martinez’s backroom staff look to build a squad packed with character

Pullout Blues poster – with up-to-date fixtures

The prodigious talent that is Gerard Deulofeu

We’re going to turn on the style, says Kevin Mirallas

14/15

In case you missed it... every Blues pre-season game reviewed

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Become a pub bore with Blues stats galore

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EW SEASON, new manager, new era. It’s all change at Everton this term as the club undergoes its biggest transitional period in more than a decade.

The first foreign manager in Goodison history, Roberto Martinez, is set to steer the Blues into a forthcoming campaign where hiatus is rife across the Premier League.

David Moyes (right) will be in the dug-out at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, and Manuel Pellegrini at Eastlands – but it is the Catalan who will prowl the touchline at The Old Lady who matters most for Evertonians.

The Moyes era ended with plenty of fond memories but sadly no silverware to show for it, and a

IN WITH manager who had just lifted the FA Cup was selected to succeed him.

Martinez’s appointment was Y greeted with mixed feelings by many supporters who respected his Wembley success but also feared for the way his former club Wigan dropped into the Championship in a deluge of conceded goals.

The main concern was that the Latics, often so exciting in attack, had a fundamental defensive paucity which ultimately cost them their top-flight status.

Wigan supporters were quick to defend their much-loved former manager, insisting that a succession of costly injuries to defensive

personnel, most damagingly Antolin Alcaraz, had scuppered them.

At least everyone could agree that Martinez has the luxury of a better quality back four on Merseyside, with a clutch of top-class internationals at his disposal.

And although a ball is yet to be kicked in serious competitive action, the positivity which the new man has generated around the club has proved infectious.

Martinez has been decisive in the transfer market; quickly doing deals for four quality additions to the squad which overall cost the Blues just £5.5m.

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While his belief in how football should be played is already filtering through to his players, with Everton’s style of player set to undergo major changes.

The Catalan is a disciple of the Barcelona way; of playing from the back and keeping the ball with mesmeric passing, as his team work the ball up the pitch into goal-scoring positions. Without possession they will be charged with relentless pressing to win it back.

While Moyes’ Blues played some eminently entertaining football, there will still be a culture change under the new man which will require patience from both players and fans.

Everton could well concede more goals as they begin to get to grips with the new thinking, and that will need to be tolerated to a degree by

Everton FC 2013/14

THE BLUE the Goodison faithful in the hope that they score more too.

There have been tantalising glimpses of their potential under the new manager during the pre-season USA tour.

Champions League contenders Juventus were matched and then defeated on penalties in San Francisco, while Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid were given a tough test in Los Angeles.

Martinez has already captured, even if for only a season, the exciting talent of Camp Nou starlet Gerard Deulofeu, and will give a new lease of life to attack-minded midfielders like Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas.

In attack he has the strongest band of strikers Everton have amassed in some time, with new signing Arouna Kone hoping to repeat his first

“The positivity Martinez generated has proved infectious.”

successful season in the Premier League, Nikica Jelavic determined to recapture his best, and an ever-improving Victor Anichebe hoping to force his way into a regular starting spot.

They are likely to be ably supported down the flanks by wing-backs in the shape of the irrepressible Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman.

And Martinez is hoping to bring the best out of talented pass-master Darron Gibson, while coaxing further artistry from skilful veteran Leon Osman.

In goal he has already introduced arguably the strongest element of competition that Tim Howard has faced during his Everton tenure, by the capture of Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Joel Robles.

The Spaniard was good enough to oust the accomplished Ali Al-Habsi from the number one spot at the DW Stadium, and has already suggested with his early appearances that he has not signed on to make up the numbers.

While his squad has quality, it does not mean Martinez faces a straightforward task in improving on Moyes’ tenure. Far from it. The Scot made Everton a competitive top six side on a budget which was less than those of clubs scrabbling to over-take them every year.

Moyes was a master in the art of amassing Premier League points, even if he did not regularly go and take the scalps of top four contenders in their own back yards.

His achievements should not be overlooked, and neither should the

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Everton’s pre-season tour of the USA was enjoyed by players and fans alike

difficulty of emulating them be for the man who has recently moved into his Finch Farm office.

There will be challenges aplenty along the way for Martinez; whether it is richer clubs coveting his top players, or a difficulty in manoeuvring at the top end of the transfer market.

But the Catalan is no fool. He has done his homework on his role, and has ambitions beyond the top six.

Just as at his previous clubs, Martinez will dream big. Swansea were in League One when he took over as manager, and his talk of guiding them to the Premier League raised eyebrows, and eventually – as he proved his merit – expectations.

The 40-year-old does not believe in putting self-enforced barriers against

what is possible in football.

The stylish Swansea side which won a trophy last term and thrived in the top flight was his legacy.

On the day of his unveiling at Goodison, Bill Kenwright revealed that Martinez aims to propel Everton into the Champions League. Again eyebrows were raised at such lofty opening aims. Martinez just smiled.

It is perhaps not something he will be able to deliver this season, or even the following one.

But the man who wore a lapel badge which simply said ‘Believe’ when he carried off the remarkable feat of guiding Wigan to victory over Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup final, isn’t about to stop dreaming big anytime soon.

There will be no limits on ambition in the Martinez era.

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m o r f Leading the Everton FC 2013/14

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IKE most Evertonians, Phil Jagielka was sat at home watching Roberto Martinez’s introduction as Everton manager on June 5.

And like most Evertonians, his eyebrows raised when the camera panned onto chairman Bill Kenwright and he revealed his new manager’s pre-season pledge.

“When David (Moyes) first came to see me, he sat down 11 years ago and said ‘we’re not going down.’

Roberto’s first words were ‘I’ll get you in the Champions League!’ ” Jagielka smiled at the recent memory.

“Nothing like putting a bit of pressure on yourself is there?” he said. “But if the manager thinks that positively why not?

“I’ve often been asked what my expectations for the season are and I like to play them down.

“But we all want to win things, we all want to finish as high up the league as possible – but if you asked someone honestly what were their expectations, they won’t want them to come back to haunt them, but they also want to finish in the top four, they want to win a Cup, so he’s not saying anything we don’t agree with.

“He’s just been big enough and bold enough in his first press conference to come out with it.

“If he thinks he can get the squad together and playing the way he wants to then we’ll back him to the hilt.”

There were signs last season when Everton really did look like breaking through the Premier League’s glass ceiling and securing a top-four place which could transform a football club’s short-term fortunes.

After Boxing Day’s victory over Roberto Martinez’s Wigan – a game in which Jagielka scored a rare match-winner – the Blues were level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham and three clear of Arsene Wenger’s labouring Arsenal team.

But an undeserved home defeat

by Chelsea – their only Goodison reverse of the season – heralded a run of costly home draws.

“Round about Christmas we dipped and we didn’t have a very good February when the fixtures weren’t too kind to us and we just ran out of a little bit of steam,” explained Jagielka.

“Unfortunately results didn’t go our way for three or four weeks and before you knew it we were just a little bit too far away.

“We were still in with a chance and the month after I think the manager got the manager of the month award, but we were probably just one or two players short when we needed that game changer to come on.

The consumate captain... Phil Jagielka is confident in front of the press (above), diligent in training (below) and committed on the pitch (right)

Phil Jagielka 2012/13 3,155 Minutes played: 0 25 : es nc Cleara 33 : ed ck Shots blo in n wo n Possessio defence: 104

ID AV CE D TI Y B REN P

“But if you look at last season and the massive amount of time we spent in there with the big boys rather than down at the bottom, slow starting and coming back and trying our best for Europe, it could be considered a good season.

“It was one of those seasons when it might have been for us, but the margins were too big in the end and that gives the manager

something to think about this season.

“It’s probably why he’s brought players in early on who he thinks will make a difference.

“Hopefully the squad will be bigger and the bench will be more aggressive if we need to make substitutions and they can make a difference.”

Two of those game changers could

be two striking additions added to the squad very early in the summer

by Roberto Martinez.

Arouna Kone advertised his threat to Evertonians last season with a vibrant performance in the DW Stadium draw in October and another goal in that Goodison return on Boxing Day. “Yeah, but that goal at Goodison was handball!” smiled Jagielka

ruefully. “He knows a lot about the manager so he shouldn’t take any time to settle in.

“He’s probably more settled than anybody in a strange way and possibly the same goes for Anton (Alcaraz) and Joel (Robles), so it’s important that the manager’s got good players in who know his style of play.

“Sometimes they can help us out if

BACK

Everton FC 2013/14

Jagielka is fit to wear the armband STEVEN NAISMITH claimed that Phil Jagielka was one of the fittest players at the club in a pre-season interview.

But the new skipper played down the tribute.

“If you were talking running the fittest fella would be Felli, or maybe Bainesy.

“He said me? He must have been talking about the bike rides. I’m okay on the bike because I spend so long on it rehabbing my knee!

“Me and Victor are probably up there as the best cyclists.

“Maybe he was just trying to be nice to the captain!

“You try and come back in as good a shape as possible and I think pre-season is as much about mental as physical attitude. If you’re tired you don’t want to keep going and you stop then you’re letting yourself down, but if you’re tired and you keep going even if you can hardly move you’ll gain more respect off the

we’re a little bit unsure on the pitch.”

Jagielka knows less about Barcelona teenager Gerard Deulofeu, but he’s hoping he will live up to the hype which greeted his arrival.

“I’ve had loads of texts telling me he’s this, that and all sorts,” added the Blues skipper. “I very rarely look at YouTube and videos of people

because I think they can make anyone look extra special, so I’m just going to hold comment on that – but I’ve heard great things about him.

“I’ve heard defensively he doesn’t do too much, but that’s not what we’ve got him there for.

“We’ve got him there to give us that little bit more attacking flair when he comes in.

The SQUAD 2013/14

1. Joel Robles 2. Tony Hibbert 3. Leighton Baines 4. Darron Gibson 5. John Heitinga 6. Phil Jagielka 7. Nikica Jelavic 8. Bryan Oviedo 9. Arouna Kone 10. Gerard Deulofeu 11. Kevin Mirallas 14. Steven Naismith 15. Sylvain Distin 19. Magaye Gueye 20. Ross Barkley 21. Leon Osman 22. Steven Pienaar 23. Seamus Coleman

GK DF DF MF DF DF FW DF FW FW FW FW DF FW MF MF FW DF

24. Tim Howard GK 25. Marouane Fellaini MF 26. John Stones DF 27. Apostolos Vellios FW 28. Victor Anichebe FW 29. Luke Garbutt DF 30. Francisco Junior MF 31. Matthew Kennedy FW 32. Antolin Alcaraz DF 33. John Lundstram MF 34. Shane Duffy DF 36. Tyias Browning DF 37. Hallam Hope FW 38. Matthew Pennington DF 39. Conor Grant MF 40. Ibou Touray DF 41. Chris Long FW 46. Mason Springthorpe GK

A NEW ERA AT EVERTON? Everton to finish above Liverpool Everton to finish in the Top 6 players and coaches.

“Thankfully most of our players, if not all of them, are that way inclined rather than ‘I’ve had enough, see you later!’ ”

Rob’s the right choice EVERTON’S skipper was delighted to hear his captaincy confirmed by Roberto Martinez at his introductory press conference – ‘otherwise it might have been the shortest reign in the world!’

Jagielka explained: “It was nice. It was good. The chairman spoke positively, the manager spoke positively and speaking to the manager on the phone you couldn’t get a more positive person. He

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knew everything about everyone, he has his ways and he doesn’t mind people asking questions. It’s going to be exciting times.

“I thought it would have been done a lot quicker if he was going to get the job because I thought it was quite simple, but obviously the chairman decided to take his time and interviewed quite a few people. To me it was definitely the right choice from the candidates that were available.”

“The more the merrier for me. It gives us more options to come on and change games and win games which is something we’ve not had for a long time.

“The manager likes him, I know a lot of other clubs were interested in him so it’s a big coup for us.”

Hopefully a top-four reaching coup.

Everton to win any major trophy Including the Premier League, FA Cup or Capital One Cup

Everton to finish in the Top 4

9/4 7/2 12/1 20/1

Who will be Everton’s top goalscorer?

11/4 4/1 6/1 6/1 9/1

Arouna Kone Nikica Jelavic Kevin Mirallas Marouane Fellaini Leighton Baines

Victor Anichebe Steven Pienaar Apostolos Vellios Steven Naismith Leon Osman

9/1 10/1 14/1 20/1 33/1

Dead heat rules apply.

All above markets are for the EPL 2013/2014 season

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CHARACTER Everton FC 2013/14

New signing Antolin Alcaraz in action for Everton

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VERTON’S strength this season could come from the experience and familiarity of their squad, reckons Roberto Martinez.

Previous Blues boss David Moyes had spoken of his concern about the overall ageing of his side, but the Catalan believes that could lend them a vital edge in the short-term.

And Martinez insists he has felt no reason to be prolific in the transfer market because he is loathe to upset the balance of his side.

“There are very strong partnerships in the team,” he said.

“In the last three or four years there has been a real continuity in the dressing room.

“We have senior players who reach a really good level year after year, and now is the time to make them more tested and bring an extra dimension to what we do.

“Pre-season has been about the competitive edge we already had in this dressing room. After the first week when there was adaptation to do, now everything we do is a real sign of players competing for starting positions.

“People aren’t talking about speculation, they are thinking about how they can get into the team.

“I am very happy with the squad so far and I don’t want to bring in players for the sake of it. It is important that to assess exactly what we need and what type of

The backroom boys: Martinez’s coaching staff RICHARD EVANS joined Everton in the summer – one of a number of former Wigan staff brought to the club by Roberto Martinez.

The physiotherapy and sports science graduate is responsible for preparing and maintaining the fitness of the Everton squad.

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character we need in the dressing room because the standards are really, really high.

“It was very important that we brought those four players in as early as we could so they could integrate and could work and understand what it means to be an Everton player. But we can take our time now to find what is needed – if anything is needed – for the start of the season.

Also making the move from the DW Stadium is assistant manager GRAEME JONES. Jones and Martinez were first in tandem when the Spaniard was Wigan’s midfield ball-winner and Jones was their prolific striker. He then followed the manager to Wigan.

“All I’m focusing on is working day-to-day, seeing players fighting to get in the starting team in August.”

Martinez is relaxed about speculation on transfers in and out of Goodison, something he knows will continue until the window closes at the end of the month.

“I wouldn’t want to stop the speculation. Speculation is healthy,” he said. “Speculation of trying to

Former Trinidad and Tobago international DENNIS LAWRENCE is the Blues’ new first-team development coach.

He played under Martinez at Swansea from 2006, going on to win the League One title in 2007/08.

The pair now will work together for a third time on Merseyside.

be as good as we can before the window closes, at this club that will always be the case.

“If we have clubs talking about our players, I will take it as a compliment because the players have been impressing.

“We are in a great position financially, we are really strong and we want to start this season with the best squad we have.

“That’s the only focus that I have.

Any speculation from the outside is just speculation and a compliment to the players and the football club.

There’s nothing we have to tell our fans.

“The last concern I have is what the other clubs do.”

Martinez will continue to scrutinise the market right up until deadline day. He added: “There is always a potential to bring in more players. We will take our time.

b u i ld i n g

Everton FC 2013/14

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QUIZ Part I The 2012/13 season

1 2 3 4 “It was important to bring four players straight away to make sure the group was strong but we will take our time and use our day-to-day to assess our reaction to work and how we want to play.

“That fine tuning is going to be trying to bring the right characters – people who can help the group.

We have a strong group and the last thing I want to do is disturb that.”

But the new manager’s focus has largely been on working with the players he has at his disposal already, and making sure they have had the right mix of pre-season challenges.

“We have been trying to get rid of the fatigue and now we are working on getting the minds and the dynamics of the group ready for the start of the season,” he said.

“We need to find out things about yourself and you don’t get that from opposition where you are clearly superior.

“The USA tour was the best way to find out where we are before the start of the campaign.

“But I’m very excited, the squad is very strong. We have some good youngsters who I feel can come in and help the first team.”

From which club did Everton sign defender John Stones during the January transfer window?

Which club did the Blues defeat 5-0 in the second round of the Capital One Cup?

How many Premier League goals did Nikica Jelavic score for the Blues last season?

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Name the Blues player who made the most appearances in the last campaign with a total of 44 games.

1 Steven Pienaar; 2 Barnsley; 3 Leyton Orient; 4 Seven; 5 Leighton Baines

Roberto Martinez in Vienna with, left to right, Richard Evans, Graeme Jones and Dennis Lawrence

Marouane Fellaini got the Blues off to a flyer with the club’s first goal of the season in that famous 1-0 win over Manchester United on that Monday night under the Goodison Park lights. But who scored Everton’s second goal of their 2012-13 Premier League campaign?

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Everton FC 2013/14 Fixtures 2013/14

August

17 24 31

3pm 3pm 3pm

Norwich City West Brom Cardiff City

14 21 30

5.30pm Chelsea H 3pm West Ham United A 8pm Newcastle United H

05 19 26

12.45pm Manchester City 3pm Hull City 3pm Aston Villa

A H A

1.30pm Tottenham Hotspur 3pm Crystal Palace 12.45pm Liverpool 3pm Stoke City

H A H H

7.45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm

Manchester United Arsenal Fulham Swansea City Sunderland Southampton

A A H A H H

3pm 3pm 3pm 8pm

Stoke City Norwich City West Brom Liverpool

A H A A

3pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm

Aston Villa Tottenham Hotspur Crystal Palace Chelsea

H A H A

01 08 15 22 29

3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm

West Ham United Newcastle United Cardiff City Swansea City Fulham

H A H H A

05 12 19 26

3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm

Arsenal Sunderland Manchester United Southampton

H A H A

03 11

3pm 3pm

Manchester City Hull City

H A

September

03 09 23 30

03 07 14 21 26 28

01 11 18 28

01 08 12 22

October

November December January

February March April May

A H A

Everton FC 2013/14

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Th e Y G I D O R P Everton FC 2013/14

What they say...

“You must understand he is one of the better talents at Barcelona and in La Liga. I would say I was proud for Roberto that Everton got him but, honestly, also a bit surprised.” Jordi Cruyff

“Gerard is a real diamond of Spanish football and a boy with incredible talent. I am delighted that he has chosen to take the next step with us.” Roberto Martinez “Deulofeu is different from the rest, that’s what defines him. He was very individualistic, but is learning to be more of a team player. He is lethal in one on one’s and unpredictable.” Francisco Sanchez “The players are happy for Gerard, he deserves it.”

Eusebio, Barcelona B coach.

Gerard Deulofeu gives the Valencia defence the runaround and, above left, gets some instructions from Roberto Martinez; takes on Tony Hibbert in training (left); and shows his skills as a Barcelona player (far left)

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RE YOU not entertained?, asked Russell Crowe of a cheering Colosseum in Gladiator.

The Goodison crowd will answer the same query with a resounding yes this season, according to a Catalan football expert who believes Roberto Martinez and his young protege Gerard Deulofeu are set to delight the Blue half of Merseyside.

Indeed such are the hypnotising

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dribbling skills of the Barcelona starlet, he has every chance of becoming a future regular in the Spanish giants’ first team That’s the verdict of David Ruiz Marull, a Barcelona reporter for the popular Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia.

Everton’s capture of the 19-year-old forward in July has already excited Bluenoses, and Marull – a keen follower of the teenager’s progress – reckons they will be even happier when they

have seen him perform at Goodison.

“There is no doubt that, if he wants, he will be one of Barcelona’s key players for many years to come,” he said.

“Gerard has a huge amount of talent, excellent physical qualities and he is technically gifted too.”

Ruiz Marull also believes that Deulofeu, who recorded 18 goals and six assists in 33 games in the Spanish Second Division with Barcelona B last season, can

surprise Premier League opponents with his unpredictable talent.

“I really enjoy seeing Gerard play because he is a different player, one that does unexpected, unpredictable things,” he added. “I think there will be some very entertaining afternoons for the Everton fans watching him.

“Gerard has a real ability when it comes to dribbling, either in a one-on-one race or from a static position.

“He is a player who can draw in

many of the opposition before hypnotising them with his skills and overcoming the situation with extreme ease.

“It is like the ball is always hooked to his foot.

“We are talking about a technically complete player, who is an excellent shooter too.”

Marull believes that Deulofeu’s time at Everton will not only serve to aid his development but mature him as a person too.

He also reserved special praise

Everton FC 2013/14

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Fab four QUIZ Part II to watch Roberto Martinez

1 2

John Lundstram Age: 19 Position: Midfield LIVERPOOL-BORN Lundstram will be hoping last season will act as a springboard into the first-team picture at Everton.

He impressed on loan at Doncaster and helped them to the League One title in May. He was then called up to Peter Taylor’s England squad for the under-20s World Cup in Turkey this summer.

And the teenager has started the new campaign well, helping Everton U21s to a 2-0 win over Wolves in the opening game of the new Premier League season.

Tyias Browning Age: 19 Position: Full-back BROWNING received a major boost this summer when he started in Everton’s opening pre-season game against Austria Vienna.

The teenage defender was rewarded for this fine form in Alan Stubbs’ U21s last year, in which he played more times than anyone else.

Conor Grant

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In which year did Roberto Martinez leave Spain to sign for Wigan Athletic?

Martinez made a handful of appearances for which Scottish Premier Division team in the 2001-02 season?

Who did Martinez replace as manager of Swansea City in February 2007?

Age: 18 Position: Midfield THE 18-year-old has already been given a taste of first-team football this summer after Roberto Martinez called him up for pre-season.

Grant featured in friendlies with Austria Vienna and Accrington Stanley and received praise from assistant manager Graeme Jones, who said: “He’s a young man with exceptional technical ability.

“One long switch of play tonight when the angles were against him and he found his man was great.”

Matthew Pennington Age: 18 Position: Defender THE highly-rated Pennington was an integral part of the Everton under-18 side that reached the semi-finals of the Premier League play-offs last season.

Coach Kevin Sheedy talks about Warrington-born Pennington in glowing terms. The defender – who can play at right-back or centre-half – featured nine times for Alan Stubbs’ U21s last season.

And he played the full 90 minutes for the young Blues against Wolves in the opening game of the U21s Premier League season.

“He is a technically complete player, and an excellent shooter too.”

join the club. Martinez is a Catalan coach who for years has shown that he likes to dominate the game with possession of the ball and that is perfectly suited to Deulofeu’s characteristics as a footballer.

“He is a coach that has put faith in young, skilful wingers before as shown with the cases of Callum McManaman and Victor Moses, who he managed at Wigan Athletic.”

The La Vanguardia reporter said the decision to loan the Spanish

Under-20 international, who is equally at home on either wing or through the middle as a striker, to Goodison Park was very well received back in Spain.

“In Spain it was understood that the move was the right thing,” he revealed. “At Everton he will have a chance to earn a starting place in the first team and to showcase all his qualities. In the Premier League the teams play with a style that is open and there will be many spaces that Gerard can exploit.”

4 5 Which honour did Martinez win as a player with Real Zaragoza?

Martinez ended his playing career in 2007 with which team?

1 1995; 2 Motherwell; 3 Kenny Jackett; 4 Copa Del Rey; 5Chester City

for Blues boss Roberto Martinez for his style of play and track record of working with young players of big potential.

“The Premier League is a strong league and Everton are a team destined to fight for a European place. This will help Deulofeu to increase his competitiveness and to mature as a person and as a footballer,” he continued.

“I think the presence of Roberto Martinez at Everton was very important in Gerard’s decision to

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Everton FC 2013/14

Blues will keep their star men, says Mirallas

Leighton Baines congratulates Kevin Mirallas on his goal against Real Betis

K

EVIN Mirallas is confident Everton can keep hold of their top players this summer. The forward’s Belgium international team-mate Marouane Fellaini has been the subject of much transfer speculation over the close-season, with Leighton Baines also pursued by Manchester United.

But with a World Cup year approaching, Mirallas insists it is important for players to have stability at club level in order to make the trip to Brazil 2014 – and therefore he is not worried that anyone will be heading for the Goodison exit.

He said: “I think I’m pretty certain that although the manager has brought players in, they’re not as long-term replacements for anyone. I’m certain the manager wants to keep everyone and I’m pretty confident everyone will be staying.

“I think that personally speaking a World Cup year is very important and it’s vital that we shine as individuals when the Belgian coach is selecting his team. We need to be putting in good performances.

“It’s important that everyone does stay so that each individual and the team can benefit. From a personal point of view my performances will improve, given that we’ve got top players around us.”

The former Olympiacos attacker missed out on qualifying for European football during his first season on Merseyside, but insists that must be the aim this time around.

“First and foremost we want to improve on last season,” he added. “For long periods we were battling it out in the top five with a chance of getting into Europe.

“Towards the end of the season maybe things got a little difficult and we didn’t quite get the target of European football, but this season that’s got to be the aim. Qualification for either of the European trophies is the aim.”

We’ll turn on the STYLE

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EVIN Mirallas hopes the Roberto Martinez evolution will be swiftly evident in Everton’s style of play Y this season.

The Belgium international winger is excited about the passing game his new manager will implement, and although he knows the Toffees will not become Barcelona overnight – he is nevertheless confident they will entertain and has already noticed

the difference in training.

He said: “With a new manager you’re always G to see one or RE FE going two changes. We F know that he likes us EE to be comfortable on the ball. He wants a passing game.

“Maybe under David Moyes from time to time we did play the long ball as an option, but it’s hard to say until the league campaign starts whether there’s going to be a big change but we’ve noticed little things.

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Kevin Mirallas, who opened the scoring in the Blues’ win over Juventus in pre-season, is confident the style of play under Roberto Martinez will be a crowd pleaser – much like he was last season

Everton FC 2013/14

Minutes played: 1,831

Goals: 6 Pass completion: 81%

Assists: 3 Chances created: 43 Dribble attempts: 84

“We’ve got some quality players. Maybe not the strength in depth of a club like Barcelona but we’ll try to play our own style, whether it’s the way Barcelona play or not.

“We know the accent is going to be on keeping the ball, and getting it down and passing it as much as we can. That’ll be great. Whether it’s something that can be kept up all season is another thing but we’ll see.

“Training has been going really well. We worked really hard in Austria and even though we were a

“We know that he likes us to be comfortable on the ball.

He wants a passing game.”

few players light at that stage the group felt very close knit and united.

“We’ve noticed a difference with the new manager. There has been a bit more emphasis on work with the ball and a little bit less physical, but that’s not to say we haven’t been working hard. It’s been non-stop. So there have been different methods but it’s going very well at the moment.”

Mirallas, 25, is pleased with the players Martinez has brought to the club, in particular the potential of Spanish youngster Gerard

Deulofeu. “Obviously the manager has brought one or two players with him from Wigan and they are quality players too,” he said.

“Then we’ve got the young hope from Barcelona who has a good reputation. Things are coming together.

“Gerard has not played that many times for the first team at Barca yet but he’s got quality written all over him from what we’ve heard.

“Let’s hope he can fit in really well here and fulfil the hopes of people back in Spain as well as Everton fans.”

QUIZ Part III The new boys

1 2

5

Striker Arouna Kone played football for two Dutch sides – name them.

In which year did Kone make his full international debut for Ivory Coast?

3 4

Paraguayan defender Antolin Alcaraz played for which Belgian team?

Goalkeeper Joel Robles made his professional debut with which Spanish side?

Gerard Deulofeu was a product of Barcelona's youth academy.

At what age did he join it?

1 Roda JC & PSV Eindhoven; 2 2004; 3 Club Brugge; 4 Atletico Madrid; 5 Nine

Kevin Mirallas 2012/13

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Everton FC 2013/14 v Accrington Stanley (A) July 17 4-1

A

v Austria Vienna (A) July 14 1-2

LIVELY first-half performance from Kevin Mirallas helped Roberto Martinez secure his first win.

The Belgium international provided the assist for Darron Gibson and Victor Anichebe to score before curling home a free-kick to give Everton a 3-0 lead.

Although Accrington reduced the deficit just before half-time when

Peter Murphy completed a flowing move, Martinez’s men swiftly regained control of the friendly.

Everton handed a debut to Antolin Alcaraz as part of a raft of changes at the break and added a fourth goal through Leon Osman, who converted Seamus Coleman’s cross with a neat header.

Robles, Hibbert (Coleman, 46), Jagielka, Distin (Alcaraz, 46), Oviedo (Baines, 46) Osman, Gibson (Junior, 87) , Mirallas (Pienaar, 46, Grant, 77), Naismith (Gueye, 46), Fellaini, Anichebe (Vellios, 46). Subs not used: Springthorpe, Duffy, Kone, Heitinga, Jelavic.

v Blackburn Rovers (A) July 27 3-1

M

ORE than 4,000 Evertonians made the trip to Ewood Park to watch the latest game of the Blues’ new era.

After Kevin Mirallas opened the scoring, substitute Nikica Jelavic – who replaced debutant Arouna Kone – bagged a double in the second half to make it 3-0.

Scott Dann ruined any hopes of

a clean sheet after he capitalised on a misjudgement from goalkeeper Joel Robles with four minutes left.

As Roberto Martinez’s squad flew out for the start of their US tour the following day, much of the talk was of Ross Barkley’s man-of-the-match display in Lancashire.

Howard (Joel 46), Hibbert (Coleman 46), Jagielka (Stones 46), Distin, Oviedo (Garbutt 88), Gibson, Fellaini (Heitinga 46), Barkley (Naismith 46), Mirallas (Osman 46), Pienaar, Kone (Jelavic 46). Not used: Anichebe, Vellios.

R

OBERTO MARTINEZ’S reign as Everton manager officially began in Vienna. But the result on his debut at the Generali Arena was always going to be of secondary importance to the new Blues boss.

Twenty-one players were utilised in the early evening heat as Martinez (above) used the fixture as a training exercise and a chance to watch his new players in action for the first time.

Nevertheless, Everton did their best to record a win on Martinez’s opening game in charge and Apostolos Vellios’ header just before the break gave them hope of a comeback after two goals from Marco Stankovic put Vienna ahead.

Everton introduced several players at half-time, including Marouane Fellaini, Kevin Mirallas and Victor Anichebe, but were unable to find the equaliser.

Robles, Browning (Hibbert 46), Jagielka (c) (Distin 46), Duffy, Baines (Oviedo 46), Osman (Grant 46 (McAleny 68)), Gibson (Junior 68), Pienaar (Fellaini 46), Naismith (Kennedy 46), Vellios (Anichebe 46), Gueye (Mirallas 46). Not used: Springthorpe.

Blues go t o

Everton in pre-season Played: 7

Won: 3 (plus one on penalties) Drawn: 1 Lost: 3 Goals scored: 12 Goals conceded: 9 Top scorers: Mirallas, Jelavic (4)

HOLLYWOOD Nikica Jelavic hooks home Everton’s goal against Real Madrid in Los Angeles

(and Accrington, and Vienna, and a few other places...)

Everton FC 2013/14 v Juventus (N) July 31 1-1 (won 6-5)

v Valencia (N) August 6 0-1

T

I

v Real Madrid (N) August 3 1-2

T

WO goals in eight ruthless minutes sealed the win for star-studded Real Madrid in Los Angeles.

But Everton manager Roberto Martinez took heart from the Blues’ second half performance as they addressed their defensive issues and registered through Nikica Jelavic.

A clutch of baffling decisions denied Everton with Sylvain Distin’s header wrongly ruled out and Kevin Mirallas’ awarded a free-kick when fouled in the area.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Mezut Ozil did the damage for Madrid as they exposed Everton’s high defensive line.

Howard, Coleman (Stones 83), Jagielka, Distin, Baines (Oviedo 83); Osman, Heitinga (Gibson 68), Fellaini (Barkley 68); Naismith, Kone (Jelavic 46), Mirallas (Deulofeu 83). Not used: Robles, Anichebe, Vellios.

John Stones ‘does a Pirlo’ from the spot in San Francisco

HE demands of a gruelling coast to coast US tour caught up with Everton in the second half against Valencia.

Michel Herrero bagged the only goal of the game in Miami to hand the negative La Liga side the win and to leave Everton in sixth position in the International Champions Cup. Blues manager Roberto Martinez was disappointed to be leaving America on the back of a second successive defeat but was heartened by the performances of a number of the club’s young players.

Ross Barkley and John Stones again impressed with Martinez also handing a first start to the on loan Gerard Deulofeu.

Robles, Stones (Coleman 46), Jagielka, Distin, Oviedo, Gibson (Osman 83), Fellaini, Naismith (Baines 56), Barkley, Deulofeu (Mirallas 56), Anichebe (Kone 88). Not used: Heitinga, Howard, Vellios, Duffy.

QUIZ Part IV

Ten years ago

1 2 Which club knocked Everton out of the 2003/4 FA Cup after a fourth round replay?

Out of their 38 Premier League matches, how many did the Blues win that season?

v Real Betis (H) August 11 2-1

R

A half-time laser show wows Blues fans in Miami

Back at home, Steven Pienaar takes on Real Betis

New

OBERTO MARTINEZ spoke of his first game at Goodison Park as being ‘special’ after marking it with a win.

Everton rounded off their pre-season schedule with a low-key victory over Real Betis – the third La Liga side they had played in succession.

Having only arrived back in England 48 hours earlier, Everton were feeling the affects of jet-lag early on but against the run of play scored through Nikica Jelavic.

Betis remained the more threatening but a blunder from goalkeeper Stephan Andersen saw Everton double their lead through Kevin Mirallas.

The Spanish side grabbed one back in stoppage time but the Blues held onto the lead.

Howard, Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Gibson (Heitinga 45), Osman, Mirallas (Deulofeu 86), Barkley (Naismith 86), Pienaar, Jelavic (Kone 78).

Not used: Robles, Oviedo, Stones, Anichebe.

3 4 5 What was Wayne Rooney’s squad shirt number for the season?

Everton’s interest in the Carling Cup ended when they were knocked out on penalties by which team at the fourth round stage?

Magazine

ON SALE NOW

Nigel Martyn made the most appearances for the Blues in the 2003-04 campaign.

How many, in all competitions?

1 Roda JC & PSV Eindhoven; 2 2004; 3 Club Brugge; 4 Atletico Madrid; 5 Nine

CE-COOL John Stones deftly chipped spot-kick helped Everton to a win over Juventus in the opening game of the International Champions Cup in San Francisco.

Kevin Mirallas found the net for the third pre-season game running as he twisted and turned the Juve defence before firing past Marco Storari.

Roberto Martinez’s men were on course for a win but Kwadwo Asamoah’s fierce strike nine minutes from time forced the game to a penalty shoot-out.

Although Leon Osman had the Blues’ first spot-kick saved, Ross Barkley, Mirallas, Phil Jagielka and Bryan Oviedo would all score to keep the pressure on.

And it was Andrea Pirlo who cracked, flashing his penalty wide.

Stones made Storari look stupid with his dinked effort before Seamus Coleman drilled in Everton’s sixth.

And then goalkeeper Tim Howard secured the win when he saved Federico Peluso’s strike.

Howard; Baines (Oviedo 64), Stones, Jagielka; Gibson (Osman 64), Distin, Coleman, Pienaar; Mirallas, Fellaini, Anichebe (Barkley 88). Not used: Robles, Hibbert, Jelavic, Deulofeu, Naismith.

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Everton FC 2013/14

22.5 The magic

Sylvain Distin won an aerial duel every 22.5 minutes last season – the fourth highest rate among defenders

3

Distin’s record of a headed clearance every 13.5 minutes was the league’s third highest

2 3 .

5 NUMBERS Victor Anichebe won an aerial duel every 23.5 minutes last season – the seventh highest rate among forwards

890

Steven Pienaar’s total passes in the attacking third were the league’s fourth highest... and the highest by a non-Spaniard (after Silva, Mata and Cazorla)

33 35.7

6

Phil Jagielka’s 33 blocks put him 10th in the league

Of players with 10+ goals last season, Arouna Kone is one of only six to have scored them all inside the box...

Steven Pienaar was fouled every 35.7 minutes – the seventh highest in the league

9% 1 ... and Kone scored 9% of his goals with ‘other body parts’ – the highest of all players with 10+ goals

3 8 .

8 34.8

Marouane Fellaini was the league’s fourth most frequent fouler – every 34.8 minutes

Marouane Fellaini’s six handballs were the league’s joint highest – Arouna Kone and Leon Osman, with five each, were joint second

5

Pienaar created a chance from open play every 38.8 minutes – the third highest rate in the league

Arouna Kone played five through-balls last season, all of them successful – the most in the league for anyone with a 100% success rate