MIDFIELDERS
Darron Gibson
Injuries have hampered the midfielder but Gibson has quality in abundance. Forward thinking, the midfielder gives Everton real attacking impetus with his incisive range of passing.
Taking the game by the scruff of the neck, Gibson is capable of pulling the strings and dictating tempo – a quality which pleases Martinez greatly.
VERDICT: KEEP – If he can stay fit, and it is a big if, Gibson should be a regular starter for the Toffees.
Aiden McGeady
Often guilty of taking seven touches too many, McGeady is just too hit and miss down the wing.
The Republic of Ireland international has some silky skills and can beat a man with ease but the end product leaves a lot to be desired. The former Celtic man’s performances have irked large sections of the fanbase and the moments of quality he is capable of just aren’t seen enough.
VERDICT: LET GO – If an offer comes in, move him on.
Bryan Oviedo
Forever engrained in Everton folklore after his winner at Old Trafford against Manchester United, Oviedo missed much of the current campaign through injury and will be chomping at the bit next season.
The Costa Rica international is able to play in defence and midfield and boasts great energy and a neat delivery.
VERDICT: KEEP – The 2015/16 campaign is a huge one for Oviedo following his injury setback.
Kevin Mirallas
Now this is tricky. Do the moments of magic Mirallas is capable of producing outweigh the selfish side to his game which could have had a detrimental effect on the team? Probably, but only just.
Quoted in the Belgian press as saying ‘I am ready for a new challenge’ earlier this season, Mirallas has been quick to reassure fans he is happy with life at Everton.
However, while the forward may now intend to stay at Goodison, his actions against West Brom – robbing the ball from regular penalty taker Baines and missing his spot-kick – showed a clear disregard for his team-mates and could have had a hugely negative impact on the spirit in the camp.
It was disrespectful. Can Everton afford to maintain and pander to such a player in their hunt to reach the top? Mirallas has scored 11 goals this term but has lost the trust of some supporters.
Is Mirallas a top quality marksman or just a player whose tricks and flicks make for a good YouTube showreel?
VERDICT: JURY STILL OUT – On his day Mirallas is unplayable but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if he was to move on this summer.
James McCarthy
McCarthy often puts in Man of the Match performances and is a vital cog in the Martinez machine.
With added license to bomb forward and score goals in the last month or so, the 24-year-old could fast become the complete midfielder all top sides need.
Appearing to cover the entire pitch, McCarthy just does not stop running and knits everything together linking defence to attack.
VERDICT: KEEP – One of the club’s most influential players, McCarthy can become an Everton legend.
Muhamed Besic
A huge fans’ favourite, Martinez’s decision to regularly substitute Besic has annoyed many supporters who feel the Bosnia international’s performances warrant much more playing time.
Extremely immaculate on the ball and tenacious in his pursuit of halting the opposition, Besic has followed in the footsteps of Thomas Gravesen and Duncan Ferguson as an Everton hardman – perhaps owing to his knuckle duster tattoo.
VERDICT: KEEP – With a full season under his belt, expect Besic to feature much more next term. The boy has real quality.
Gareth Barry
One of the biggest disappointments of the season, the high standards Barry set last term slipped considerably this year.
However, the veteran midfielder has improved in recent months and has the experience needed to push the club on. Barry’s know-how can still be hugely beneficial to the younger members of the squad.
A good professional but persistent fouling does let him down and is a real cause of frustration for supporters.
VERDICT: JURY STILL OUT – Barry has been there and done it. His knowledge and expertise can be key but can he play regularly and maintain a high level of performance?
Christian Atsu
The Chelsea winger arrived with a good reputation but it just hasn’t happened for him on Merseyside during a season-long loan.
Barely featuring after some uninspiring displays, his start in Kiev was curious and he has not played since.
Starring for Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations had buoyed supporters but the former Porto man couldn’t replicate that form in the Premier League.
VERDICT: LET GO – This decision was made long ago. A real disappointment.
Ross Barkley
With technical ability in abundance, Barkley just doesn’t seem to have the football brain to go with it.
Boasting skill, control and touch to match fellow boyhood Blue Wayne Rooney, the young Evertonian must improve his decision-making.
Often conceding possession in the final third with careless flicks and misplaced passes, Barkley must also increase his assists tally, having barely created any goals over the last two seasons from the No 10 position – an area of the field Everton are looking to strengthen.
Despite the need for improvement Barkley is still learning the game and has the talent to become one of the best players in the country.
Should the England international fulfil his potential, Barkley can be world-class and prove pivotal in Everton’s future success. However, if a huge bid comes in from a rival, Everton should seriously consider a deal if it would help strengthen the rest of the squad.
With Manchester City desperate for English players to meet the homegrown quota, one would assume a bid is more likely than not.
VERDICT: KEEP – Enormous potential but if a mega offer is made – upwards of £40million – cash in
Leon Osman
Osman is part of the furniture at Goodison and still has a part to play. The midfielder splits opinion in the stands but is tricky on the ball and pops up with some crucial goals.
By no means a starter, Osman is a decent option when injuries hit.
The club must improve on the 34-year-old’s quality in the seasons to come, however. Players like Osman do not win you silverware.
VERDICT: KEEP – Useful squad player and knows the club inside out. Give him one more year.
Steven Pienaar
The 62 minutes Pienaar played against Swansea in April highlighted just how much the South African has been missed this term and what he brings to the Toffees.
Missing the majority of the campaign through injury, Pienaar’s introduction immediately gave Everton the balance which had been lacking all season and gave Baines licence to venture forward.
The former Ajax star’s almost telepathic relationship with Baines can still produce plenty of chances if Pienaar can regain full fitness
VERDICT: KEEP – The hour in south Wales reminded us of what Pienaar can offer.
Aaron Lennon
Lennon has impressed and received plenty of plaudits during his loan spell from Tottenham. The former England man’s lightning pace has improved Everton’s forward play which was pedestrian at times before his arrival.
As well as showing plenty of purpose going forward and drawing mistakes from the opposition, Lennon has also performed his defensive duties admirably. The wideman does not stop running and often tracks back to help out; much to the delight of the Goodison faithful.
VERDICT: KEEP – Sign him up, Bobby – providing Tottenham don’t increase his value too much.