Everton Winner and Losers at International Champions Cup

Everton's tour of the United States finished with a slightly disappointing 1-0 defeat to Valencia.

Following victory over Juventus and defeat against Real Madrid, the final result saw the Toffees finish sixth in the International Champions Cup rankings.

Playing in such marquee fixtures will have done wonders for the club on a commercial front, while the high standard of the opposition will have been especially useful for Roberto Martinez and his squad as they prepare for the new season.

Here's a look at some of Everton's winners and losers from this tour.

Winner: John Stones

John Stones' stock has risen more than any other Everton player on this tour.

Brought in from Barnsley in January, the England Under-20 international didn't make his debut last season, spending most of his time in the Toffees' Under-21s.

However, he was thrust into the first-team picture on this trip, featuring in all three games and racking up 143 minutes of match time.

He showed his ability at centre-back, where he may eventually appear in the long-term, and also demonstrated his proficiency at his more familiar right-back spot.

Stones' performance in a three-man defence against Juventus was especially impressive, as was his cheeky Paneka penalty, and his fine contribution in America suggest he will be one to watch this season.

Loser: John Heitinga

While Stones managed to clock up 143 minutes, John Heitinga had to make do with just over an hour on the pitch, which highlights both his diminishing status at the club and his new manager's lack of faith in him.

Martinez preferred to play Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka in defence for every minute of this tour as the Dutchman's 67—rather uncomfortable—minutes came in midfield against Real Madrid.

Now in the final year of his contract, whether he runs it down or is picked up by another club this summer, it's unlikely the Dutchman will be seen many more times in an Everton jersey.

Winner: Steven Naismith

Despite four goals in his inaugural season, many Everton fans had already written Steven Naismith off as not good enough to make their starting lineup.

That may still be the case, but the Scotland international has enjoyed a consistent preseason and was one of his side's better players in both games he featured in during this tour.

He registered an assist in an energetic 90-minute performance against Real Madrid and combined well with Bryan Oviedo on the left against Valencia.

Considering last season was Naismith's first taste of action following a serious cruciate injury, these few games have shown it's perhaps a little premature to disregard him just yet.

Loser: Leon Osman

Leon Osman may have come away from this tour a little uncertain about his place, as he seems the most vulnerable starter from last season.

Martinez clearly favours Darron Gibson and Marouane Fellaini as his first-choice pairing in central midfield. That leaves Osman currently first reserve for those spots and fighting the likes of Ross Barkley, Steven Naismith and Gerard Deulofeu for the more attacking berth behind the striker.

That would be in a 4-2-3-1 system, but if Martinez opts for a 3-4-3 system, Osman would drop out altogether as his place is the one that goes to the extra defender.

He hardly pressed for selection during these fixtures, managing a fairly ordinary 90 minutes against Madrid and two brief cameos including a sloppy performance against Juventus.

Winner: Victor Anichebe

Victor Anichebe is a winner from this tour simply because he was the striker favoured most by Martinez.

His physical 88-minute display against Juventus, in what was Everton's best overall performance of the summer, may have put him ahead in the race to start the Premier League season.

He linked up play better than any other striker in America, which is essential in Martinez's approach, and bullied every defender he came up against.

While he didn't score, which may have secured him the job, two starts and a total of 133 minutes on the pitch can only be seen as a positive for the Nigerian.

Loser: Arouna Kone

By the same measure, Arouna Kone now finds himself behind his team-mates in the race to start the season.

The Ivorian managed just 47 minutes on tour and struggled to make an impression, while Nikica Jelavic managed 88 minutes—scoring against Madrid—and Anichebe led the way with 133 minutes on the field.

Kone's fleeting appearances may have had something to do with the fact he's been fasting for Ramadan this summer, which must have affected his energy reserves.

He will hope to feature in the Toffees' final friendly against Real Betis and attempt to claw his way ahead of his position rivals.

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