David Moyes applauding alongside a circle inset of the Everton team celebrating a goal.
Credit: Imago
Samuel Fabre
Fri 10 October 2025 11:40, UK
Everton’s fast start to the season has left supporters dreaming of a return to European action.
Following Everton’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, the Toffees sit eighth in the Premier League table.
The last time European football was played in the blue half of Merseyside was during the 2017-18 season, when the Toffees were knocked out of the Europa League in the group stage.
Since Moyes’ return to Everton in January, he has only tasted defeat seven times in his 29 games at the helm, and he is looking towards building his team around three key players.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford running with his water bottle in hand
Credit: Imago
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Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite make up the core spine that Moyes wants, with both players proving to be among Everton’s most valuable assets.
As reported by The Mirror’s print edition on 10 October, Moyes is planning towards the success of the club in the long term, with these three stars all set to play a crucial role.
Tarkowski will remain at Everton until 2028
Branthwaite signed a five-year deal in the summer
Pickford’s contract runs out in June 2027, although the Toffees are confident of renewing his deal
Since joining from Sunderland in 2017, Pickford has been excellent, and he has gone on to become one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.
Pickford also made England history in the 3-0 win over Wales by breaking Gordon Banks’ record of keeping the most consecutive clean sheets in a Three Lions shirt.
As for Branthwaite, he is sidelined until November due to a hamstring injury, yet the 23-year-old centre-back has a bright career ahead of him.
Everton have repeatedly turned down Man United’s interest in Branthwaite, and his value has now doubled after he signed his new contract in July.
Jarrad Branthwaite in Everton FC v AS Roma, Pre-Season Friendly
Credit: Imago
However, once Pickford commits his future to Everton, James Garner could be the next man that Moyes plans to build his team around.
James Garner is also expected to stay at Everton
Garner has been brilliant in Everton’s midfield this season, and he has started to add attacking threat to his game.
His fantastic long-range effort against Brighton sent the Hill Dickinson Stadium into delirium, whilst he provided an assist for Michael Keane’s goal versus West Ham.
The 24-year-old is the heartbeat of this purring Everton side, and he has played every minute of the season so far.
James Garner’s 2025-26 Premier League stats
His role to the team has been invaluable as he’s deputised for Vitalii Mykolenko on a number of occasions this season.
Garner’s deal runs out at the end of this season, and Moyes will be desperate to pen him down too, as clubs will be allowed to open talks with the midfielder in January.
Moyes is building something special at Everton, and these key players could be pivotal for their future success after many years of languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
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