MTNFootball

Everton continued to punch above their weight last season, finishing in a respectable seventh place: essentially the best they could manage given their limited resources as compared to the six ‘heavyweight’ clubs who finished above them.

Manager David Moyes continues to do a terrific job on a shoe-string budget, but there is a feeling that the Toffees have hit a glass ceiling under his leadership.

Nonetheless, the fact that Everton continue to outperform clubs such as Aston Villa, Sunderland, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers is a testament to their versatility and competitiveness.

The player who best personifies this is Australian midfielder Tim Cahill, who along with the likes of Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini will once again be key to the Merseysider’s hopes.

Everton also boast some excellent young talent in the shape of Seamus Coleman and Jack Rodwell, who have already been linked with moves to bigger Premier League teams.

The Toffees must aim for a Europa League place this season, even if that seems incredibly optimistic: showing that they can still go to another level under Moyes will be key to their immediate future.

If they can keep key players fit and in form, then they could possibly exceed their expectations.