How does Koeman’s sacking affect the Everton players?

With Ronald Koeman getting the sack earlier today, the fortunes of a few players currently on the Everton squad are likely to change, especially if David Unsworth steps in as the interim caretaker of the team until the end of the season.

Among the players who will be happy that the Dutchman is gone are:

Kevin Mirallas

The Belgian forward loves to run at the defence both with the ball and getting into spaces. He was even ready to leave the club over the summer as he saw the writing on the wall from Koeman. One can only assume he starts playing immediately.

Ross Barkley

The Wavertree-born lad has got to be thrilled right now, because Koeman’s criticism was one of the main factors in the player refusing to sign a new deal with the Blues. We’ll also find out right away if he’s indeed injured or just not interested in playing for the Dutchman.

The wingers

Koeman’s insistence on a narrow formation and playing three #10s in a row in the 4-2-3-1 is something that continued to befuddle us here, and that should change now. Ademola Lookman and Aaron Lennon will likely get drafted into action sooner than later.

Gylfi Sigurdsson

Poor Gylfi, thrown out onto the left wing and expected to control the game from there. The few times we’ve seen him operate as the sole #10 with the play going through him, he has looked decent. Expect that to continue.

Jonjoe Kenny

The youngster made his first Premier League start yesterday as the right wing back - can only imagine that he will continue to be in the conversation for the right back spot as well going forward.

Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

With Koeman leaving though, this could also mean extended breaks and less gametime for certain players like:

Wayne Rooney

The veteran forward has been Koeman’s Man Friday so far, with the former manager insisting on using him in every role up top. Roo needs to only play in spot duty, with a very specific role in mind - he does not have the legs to carry this team game in and game out.

Mason Holgate

Have we seen the last of Holgate playing at full back with Koeman gone? We can only hope so. As far as playing at center back, the youngster still needs to get better but for the time being he needs to not start.

Ashley Williams

His drastic deterioration this seen was one of the bigger contributors to Koeman’s demise. Expect the next manager to give the Welshman’s tired legs longer resting periods between games.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The youngster is undergoing a dry spell and part of that has been because Koeman has expected him to play at just about every position up top. DCL has had some issues hitting the target lately, and could do with a break for now.

Nikola Vlasic

This might be somewhat controversial, because Vlasic has arguably been Everton’s best player so far. The problem is, he’s not been that good but on an abysmal and confused Toffees team, that’s been good enough. If Vlasic was to go back out to the wings, then he might not be starting for the Blues every game, yet.