The Top Flight
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Everton are a major problem in this year’s Premier League

By Larry Henry

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Romelu Lukaku (C) celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on September 30, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Romelu Lukaku (C) celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on September 30, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images) /
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After a fast start in the 2016-17 Barclays Premier League campaign, Everton should easily be looked at as European contenders.

Ronald Koeman was brought in over the summer to lead Everton in the right direction after a poor season under Roberto Martinez. The former Southampton boss already has Everton playing under a different style, as the club sits fifth in the league table. Scoring 14 points from their opening seven matches, the Toffees are definitely under the radar two months into the season.

With convincing victories over West Brom, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough, Everton are taking care of business much easier than in years past. The problem with Everton in the last couple seasons was the failure to finish matches off, especially at home.

Belgian international Romelu Lukaku is a top-class striker, who already has five goals in six matches so far this campaign. Ross Barkley is another key player that brings skill and flare every time he is on the pitch.

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Gerard Deulofeu is a 22-year-old winger that is always a joy to watch as he toys with opposing defenders with the ball at his feet. Yannick Bolasie joined on deadline day from Crystal Palace, and brings raw pace and a ripping right foot to Merseyside.

Midfielders Gareth Barry and Tom Cleverley offer valuable Premier League experience, while James McCarthy brings a brilliant and tough work-ethic to the bunch. Idrissa Gana Gueye was a steal of a signing from relegated Aston Villa for just £8 million, and is an exact clone of Chelsea‘s N’Golo Kante.

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Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines are attacking wing-backs who are always dangerous down their respective flanks. The duo are also two of the most underrated defenders at their positions too.

Welsh international Ashley Williams was another steal of a signing for Koeman this summer. Williams brings grit to the back line, partnering with either Phil Jagielka or Ramiro Funes Mori. With the departure of Tim Howard to MLS, most fans and observers believed Joel Robles would step in as the number one goalkeeper.

However, the signing of Maarten Stekelenburg has paid off in big dividends. The former Fulham and Southampton keeper has made some clutch saves for his new side already. Lukaku, however, is the real gem for Koeman so far this season.

Since joining Everton from Chelsea in 2013, the striker has netted 56 goals in all competitions, including 48 in the Premier League. After fading in the last campaign, Everton were able to keep Lukaku at Goodison Park for another season, despite speculation the Belgian would leave for a Champions League side.

With the amount of talent gathered on this Everton team, there’s no reason why they cannot fight for a spot in Europe. A top-four placing might be a bit of a stretch with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all re-loading.

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But Koeman did a wonderful job with Southampton and he can easily do the same with Everton now. Following a two-week international break, Everton travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to face league leaders Manchester City.

One thing is for sure, Premier League sides need to be wary of both the red and the blue sides of Merseyside this season.

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