Everton FC : Three hopes, one fear
By Sean Maslin
Hope #1: That Everton can find a replacement for Tim Howard.
After ten seasons at Goodison Park Tim Howard has finally left the building. The United States Men’s National Team goalkeeper finally bid adieu to Everton in the offseason (although his move had been planned since February) leaving a rather large hole to be filled.
Although one has to always be careful when measuring the value of U.S. players who play in the Premier League or in Europe (their efforts are often conflated to help pump a soccer culture that requires a pat on the back) make no mistake about it:
Howard was a very good Premier League player. His 414 appearances for Everton puts him in thirteenth place all-time in the club’s history and his 387 clean sheets is only best in the club’s record books by Neville Southall and Gordon West. If your work is being compared to Southall and West chances are that means you are a pretty good player.
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So who will replace Howard between the pipes? As of right now it looks like Stekelenberg is Koeman’s first choice. The Dutch international made the start in Everton’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham last week and did not disappoint, making three critical saves to preserve the point. Stekelenberg is a good hand, a proven veteran who has experience at some of the top clubs in the world and should prove to be an asset for a club still trying to find itself.
Also keep an eye on Joel Robles during the League and FA Cup. Robles served as Howard’s backup for the past three seasons and despite some nervy moments showed his value for the Toffees in 2015-2016. Despite his impressive C/V (he won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2011-2012, the FA Cup with Wigan 2012-2013, and the under-21 European title with Spain in 2013) he has yet to really make an impression with a senior club side. With Koeman likely to rest Stekelenberg for club tournaments Robles will get his chance to shine and possibly earn a transfer out of Goodison.
Next: Hope #2: That Ashley Williams will fit seamlessly into the Everton back four.