Everton have easily been the busiest club in the transfer window. Their talisman from the last couple of seasons has followed the well-trodden path of players to and from Everton and Manchester United. This summer, backed by the new owners, Ronald Koeman is truly looking to put his own stamp on the squad and has wasted little time in getting the deals done, as we all know, this much change in personnel could result in a longer period for the team to gel. All this transfer activity and excitement surrounding Everton certainly makes them a port of call for us draft fantasy managers.

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Goalkeepers

Last season it was a bit of a toss-up between Joel Robles and Maarten Stekelenburg as to who would be Everton’s first choice in goal for the upcoming season, this season, however, the choice is easy. Jordan Pickford is Everton’s new first choice goalkeeper, Pickford was one of the few, alongside van Aanholt and Jermain Defoe, who enamoured themselves to fans and pundits alike during Sunderland’s relegation season.

Jordan Pickford will probably sit behind Courtois, Lloris, de Gea and Cech in many lists but I do see him being picked up early on. It’s hard to predict when managers will go in for their goalkeepers (I’m guessing about round 4 or 5) but once one goes, the others will follow suit and Pickford will be one to go straight away.

Defenders

Another area in which Everton have strengthened their team. Another £30mil signing from Everton, this time for standout Burnley defender from the 16/17 season, Michael Keane. Keane could well better his points tally this season now that he’s playing alongside a much more experienced Premier League player in Ashley Williams. Williams himself who is also good for the occasional goal.

Seamus Coleman’s horrible leg break will keep him out until the New Year so Mason Holgate has the chance to really make the right back position his after a strong finish to the season for himself personally. The left back position at Everton is still firmly Leighton Baines’. Baines racked up 2 goals and 5 assists last season and still appears to be the set piece taker going into the new season.

As to when to pick, Leighton Baines will surely be the first to go for Everton, on top of the clean sheets he does offer goals and assists. Expect a 4th or 5th round pick up for him while Keane and Williams could go within seconds of each other but maybe a little later on, rounds 7 or 8, I feel.

Midfielders

Everton’s midfield is an interesting one. Ross Barkley is surely on his way out of Everton, especially with the signing of Ajax’s midfield maestro from the last few seasons Davy Klaassen. Klaassen is unproven in the Premier League but he was a star in Eredivisie, frequently getting into the double digits for goals and assists. He could prove to be a great pick up but the league has been burnt before with players from the Dutch league **cough**Alves**cough**.

Klaassen should slot into midfield in the role just behind the striker which, if Everton continue with one up top will leave Schneiderlin and Gueye in the middle of the park. These two could very well benefit from the introduction of the Kante Rule. Last season turned out to be a breakout season for Tom Davies in midfield. The youngster will be looking to establish his place in the first team and if his performances steadily improve, he may even force his way into contention for a World Cup squad place.

Everton also have a good collection of wingers at their disposal. Deulofeu has now gone but Everton can call on Mirallas, Lookman, Lennon and come the new year, Bolasie. Lookman looked good in his performances last season and had an amazing tournament, helping England Under 19’s win the U19 World Cup.

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In regards as to when to draft these players, I’m sticking my neck out and saying that Davy Klaassen could be a fine early pickup, no later than round 3 for him. As for the rest of Everton’s midfield, Gueye could be called upon in the later rounds for those playing with the Kante Rule, while Lookman, who I feel will get more game time and Mirallas maybe around the 8th and 9th rounds.

Forwards

Manchester United’s highest goal scorer in their history was a Scouser and that Scouser is back on the Mersey and back in the blue of Everton. Wayne Rooney back at his boyhood club offers us draft managers an interesting conundrum. We’ve all seen and criticised the ever-slowing Rooney of the last couple years but could playing for Everton reinvigorate him? As of writing, Everton only have 3 listed forwards on the draft site so right now, you’d expect him to be starting but the way Everton are splashing the cash this summer, a younger, more proven striker in the league could still be brought in.

Speaking of younger strikers, Everton signed Sandro Ramirez from Malaga where in his debut season for them, he notched up 14 goals in 30 games. Still only 22, this signing looks to be one for the future but if he settles quickly, then he could well be a surprise package in the Premier League.

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Another young forward for Everton, Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It was Calvert-Lewin’s goal that won the Under 19 World Cup for England and he’ll be looking for more game time in this coming season.

I still see Everton buying another striker but for now, with strikers being as in demand as they are, I do see Rooney being taken by the 3rd round. To me, he’s a gamble but he could well be a gamble worth taking. Ramirez and Calvert-Lewin though, quite possibly still available after your drafts have ended, if not, then possibly good 3 choice striker pickups.

Wildcard

I realise that so far, all my wild card picks have been midfielders and I was actually thinking of plumping for Wayne Rooney as I feel it’s 50/50 on which way his season will go but I am going for another midfielder, Ademola Lookman.

I like him, I thought he showed some tremendous skill last season and he’s only bettered his reputation with his performances for England’s U19 team. Lookman will get more game time this season and could prove to be a real asset for your draft team.

Conclusion

There are some really great options for Everton this season. Pickford and Klaassen will soon find homes early in the draft, same can be said for Williams, Baines and Keane when it comes down to grabbing defenders. Everton look set-up for a big season which could benefit us draft managers who get in there quick for some of their stars.