Everton tactics: Ushering the winds of change at Goodison Park

The second formation is a 4-2-3-1 line up, a more ‘secure’ option that Everton fans could become accustomed to. It uses Fellaini in that False 10 role where he is most effective, successfully bringing the striker ahead of him into the game and prevent the opposition midfield from taking control.

Though I haven’t thought of reinforcements, I have used Pienaar / Deulofeu on the wings with Mirallas on the other side. Most likely, Pienaar would start on the left, and thereby Deulofeu would be on the bench. Gibson and Osman would be the double pivot and the crux of the setup. Expect Ross Barkley to get a lot of games as well.

The next question would be: Will there be less of a focus on youth under Martinez? Will Kenwright be more willing to splash sums to Martinez or the Moyes policy of ‘sell before you buy’ continue? If at all the latter happens, expect the likes of John Stones, Apostolos Vellios, Connor Grant being give quite some run outs over the course of the season.

Ross Barkley

One youngster though, I would love to witness on the pitch would be Ross Barkley in centre midfield. This 19-year-old can play either as an attacking midfielder, right or centre of midfield. He’s a typical hard hitting scouse midfielder.

Martinez has already lauded the youngster and is full of praise of the 19-year-old, dubbing him as something special. Barkley, over the course of the season, might get chances to enhance his reputation in front of the home faithful, but needs to grab opportunities and chances with both hands.

As far as chances are concerned, they will come to Martinez, let’s hope he makes Everton a pleasant side to watch going back to their revered philosophy. With the tactical acumen that the Spaniard has at his disposal, expect the Toffees to set the field on fire.

Silverwares might come in the very first season itself, but as Everton’s fierce neighbours, Liverpool have in their anthem, “At the end of the storm, there is always a Golden Sky”.

Let’s hope the Blue half of Merseyside is in for a treat this coming campaign and years to come.