Everton have enjoyed an incredibly exciting summer transfer window, spending a significant amount of money due to strengthening in almost all areas of the pitch. As a result, it's not quite clear how David Moyes is going to line up, especially after the deadline day addition of Merlin Rohl from Freiburg.
We've seen multiple changes to Moyes' side in recent weeks, partly due to injuries and also down to new signings coming through the door and needing time to bed in. With the transfer window now closed, GIVEMESPORT takes a look at what Everton's strongest starting XI could be for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford
One of the easiest selections of all. Jordan Pickford has been an exceptional performer for the Toffees over the last few years, playing a crucial role in keeping them in the Premier League. England's number one has rarely let Everton down, and if fit, there's little chance of him being dropped from the starting XI.
Everton brought in both Tom King and Mark Travers as backup goalkeepers in the summer window, but the duo are likely to be watching on from the bench or the stands unless Pickford is unavailable.
Defenders: O'Brien Keeps Right-Back Spot
Everton's Jordan Pickford, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite
Premier League - Chelsea v Everton - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - April 15, 2024 Everton's Jordan Pickford, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite react after Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson scores their fourth goal REUTERS/Toby Melville
Another selection of players that almost picks itself. Jake O'Brien, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Vitalii Mykolenko formed one of the best defences in the Premier League this season when all fit and available, and it seems unlikely that any of them will be dropped. In terms of competition for places, Adam Aznou was brought in as a new left-back, but the 19-year-old is still learning his trade.
Michael Keane has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, but with Branthwaite returns from injury, it feels likely that he will slot straight back into Moyes' starting XI.
Everton failed to sign a right-back in the summer window, and O'Brien has already made that right-back spot his own, despite naturally being a central defender.
Seamus Coleman and Keane, who earn £147,000-a-week combined, both signed new deals in the summer, but they are likely to settle for places on the bench.
Defensive Midfield: New Signing Misses Out
Garner celebrates
This is where things get a little more tricky. Before deadline day, a partnership of James Garner and Idrissa Gueye seemed absolutely nailed on, but a late signing has thrown a spanner into the works. Merlin Rohl arrived through the door on loan from Freiburg, with the German youth international a natural midfielder to provide cover and competition.
It's unclear whether Rohl can quickly adapt to Premier League football and slot straight into the side, while Garner and Gueye have enjoyed impressive starts to the campaign.
Attacking Midfielders: Grealish Starts, Dibling Unfortunate
everton jack grealish
New additions in the final third mean Dwight McNeil, who earns £77,000-a-week, isn't going to be the key player that he was under Sean Dyche last season. Jack Grealish has been fantastic in the opening few games, and an attacking trio behind for the striker of him, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Iliman Ndiaye has a superb balance of trickery, work-rate, and creativity.
Carlos Alcaraz and Tyler Dibling, who also joined the club in the summer transfer window, are unfortunate to miss out, but they are exciting options to come from the bench.
Striker: Beto and Barry Battle for Starting Role
Everton striker Beto applauding
This could be the toughest position to call, with Thierno Barry and Beto both starting games in the Premier League already this season. It has been common for Moyes to switch them at around 60 minutes, and it's unclear which one Moyes truly fancies as his best number nine.
Barry has arguably shown more promise this season and has a higher ceiling due to his age, so sticking with him for the 2025/2026 campaign could be a smart decision. Whether Barry can lead the line for the whole season and keep Beto out the team remains to be seen, but he slightly edges a starting XI place.
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