In the 2010’s, over 100 players have put on the Blue Shirt of Everton. Some 300 times, some just the once, but out of those, who would make an Everton XI of the decade?
We ciphered through all of the players who have played for Everton since January 1st 2010, to now. The XI is based on longevity and what they did for Everton this decade, meaning stalwarts like Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill haven’t made the cut.
Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford
A close call to begin with sees England’s number one don the gloves in our side, just ahead of Everton and American hero Tim Howard.
Pickford arrived at Everton in June 2017 for £30m, making him the world’s third most expensive goalkeeper at the time. Crucial saves, an excellent penalty saving record and his fantastic distribution see Pickford take his place between the sticks.
Right-back – Seamus Coleman
Everton’s club captain burst onto the scene during a pulsating game against Tottenham in late 2009, and after converting into a right-back from a winger in 2012, he’s made the position his own.
During the 2013/14 season, the Irishman was one of the best full-backs around as he made the Premier League Team of The Season. Several solid seasons have followed, with Coleman now closing in on 300 appearance in blue.
Centre-back – Phil Jagielka
After signing for Everton in 2007, Phil Jagielka went on to play more than 370 times for The Toffees, earn 40 England caps, play at a World Cup and score the winning penalty in an FA Cup semi-final shootout.
The Mancunian was renowned for his consistency whilst at Goodison Park, turning out 7/10 displays or higher every week as he went on to become Everton’s club captain in 2013, before returning to Sheffield United in 2019.
Centre-back – Sylvain Distin
The aforementioned Jagielka would spend his prime years dovetailing excellently with French defender Sylvain Distin, whom Everton signed from Portsmouth in 2009 to replace Joleon Lescott.
Distin, like Jagielka, was a pillar of consistency at the heart of The Toffees’ rearguard, making at least 33 appearances in five of his six seasons on Merseyside.
Left-back – Leighton Baines
Leighton Baines has been an excellent servant to Everton, whilst also being one of the club’s greatest defenders.
Signed from Wigan in 2007, Baines has played over 400 times for Everton, scored 38 goals and made 57 assists. During the 2010/11 season, Baines was perhaps the best left-back in world football after notching 16 goals and assists in the league alone for David Moyes’ men.
Central midfield – Leon Osman
Another long-serving Toffee, Osman spent his entire career at Everton, before retiring in 2016 at the age of 35.
Osman was never a prolific scorer, but he was the quintessential David Moyes player – somebody who gave 100% in whatever position he was asked. Magnificent goals against Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle this decade will live long in the memory.
Central midfield – Idrissa Gana Gueye
Idrissa Gueye is one of the best ‘modern’ defensive midfielders in world football right now, fulfilling the role of winning the ball back, recycling possession and stifling opposition attacks as good as anybody.
The Senegalese international spent four seasons in the Premier League, finishing in the top two for tackles in each of those before leaving for PSG in the summer, with The Toffees making a £27m profit on the 30-year-old.
Central midfield – Marouane Fellaini
It feels like a very long time ago since Marouane Fellaini played for Everton, but the Belgian spent the best years of his career at Goodison during the 2010’s, before leaving for Manchester United in 2013 for £27.5m.
The big Belgian became a fan favourite at the club for his eccentric hair, important goals and versatility, as David Moyes deployed him as a holding-midfielder, centre-forward and everywhere in between.
Left-winger – Steven Pienaar
Perhaps fittingly, Steven Pienaar links up down the left with Leighton Baines once more as the South African is the first of our front three.
Pienaar was another fan’s favourite at Goodison, as he dazzled the Gwladys Street with elegant touches and flicks, but also scored his fair share of goals whilst on Merseyside. He signed for Everton on four separate occasions, most recently in July 2012.
Right-winger – Richarlison
Everton certainly haven’t been blessed in this position, but whilst Richarlison hasn’t been at Goodison long, he’s made a sizeable impact since joining from Watford in the Summer of 2018.
22 goal involvements in 51 appearances in blue shouldn’t be sniffed at, whilst his work rate and aerial ability show that the young Brazilian is much more than just a flair player. There’s a lot more to come from Everton’s number seven.
Courtesy of Everton FC
Striker – Romelu Lukaku
Perhaps the most predictable inclusion in this list, Romelu Lukaku is easily the best striker Everton have had in the Premier League era – nevermind this decade.
The Belgian joined in September of 2013 originally on loan, going on to bag 87 goals in 155 games, making him the club’s all-time record Premier League goalscorer with 68.
Honourable mentions: Lucas Digne, Gareth Barry, Kevin Mirallas, Ross Barkley and Tim Howard.
Pictures courtesy of The Bohs under CC Licence and BuildLineup.com
