Immediately from the first whistle of the opening game of the Premier League 2013/14 season, it was evident that this season was was going to be one of the most closely contested ever. With plenty of new managers and players coming in, many teams would have to adapt and evolve around their set play style.
One new manager was Roberto Martinez, replacing David Moyes, who had spent a monumental 11 years in charge at Everton. With fans ambitious for a Europa League position, Martinez had huge boots to fill, whilst under a considerable amount of pressure. Now, half way through the season, Martinez has guided the toffees into a position where they’re currently playing to secure a Champions league spot, in 4th place. But how has he managed it?
Although Everton lack depth within their squad, the key to sustaining a Champions/Europa league spot, even bearing injuries, is the versatility of their players. Capable of playing many positions, the likes of Kevin Mirallas, Steven Pienaar, Gareth Barry, Leon Osman and Bryan Oviedo are almost the foundation of Everton’s success. For example; if Lukaku picks up an injury, Mirallas can play up front, Barkley picks up an injury and Osman can play out wide whilst Pienaar comes into a more central position, Baines or Pienaar are injured and Barry or Distin can drop into left back. This system can also limit the amount of injuries the players pick up, as Martinez can rotate the squad efficiently.
The versatility of Everton’s players also benefits the way they play. With Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman being 2 of the most attack minded full backs in the league, when they push up in support of the wingers, Gareth Barry and James McCarthy can play as temporary defenders, covering the flanks.
Coleman is highlighted here. He is the furthest man up the pitch, showing how attacking the full backs are. The arrow indicates where McCarthy is. Dropping back out wide, allowing Coleman to roam forward, in search of support.
Playing the ball out wide is an essential part in Everton’s play. Defending against Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar’s renowned link up play is futile, and almost impossible. However, the often upraised central midfielder (Barkley or Osman) plays a pivotal role in the attacking moves.
This triangle opens up various opportunities for each player; Baines could make a darting overlap or underlap, resulting in a threatening cross, Osman could recieve the ball, run at the defence and dispatch a decisive pass to the front men. This separates and perplexes the opposing defence.
These tactics combined can also improve the development of young players such as Ross Barkley and John Stones. The mixture of experienced and developing players works smoothly all around the pitch. With the functional and versatile players proficient in covering the youngsters, they are entitled to make mistakes, as, hopefully, someone will be covering.
However, teams like Liverpool and Tottenham are only just behind Everton, also challenging for a Champions league spot. It’s set to be an explosive finale, it’s just up to ‘who can keep their nerves’.