Everton: Player-by-Player Guide to Their 2013-14 Premier League Squad

The 2013/14 campaign sees Everton begin a new era under Roberto Martinez's watch.

The Spaniard will be looking to build on the solid foundation laid by David Moyes and take the club forward with a fresh identity.

In terms of the squad he now inherits, Phil Neville is the only major absentee from last season. Coming in, he's added Gerard Deulofeu on loan, as well as a trio of former charges—Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz and Joel Robles.

Here's a complete guide to Everton's current roster for the 2013/14 season, including one or two telling statistics about each player.

All statistics via EPL Index, Squawka and WhoScored? 

Follow @Matt_Cheetham

No. 1: Joel Robles

Position: Goalkeeper

EPL Return Last Year: Nine games, one clean sheet

Key 2012/13 Stat: 96 percent claim success at crosses (Tim Howard: 94 percent)

Joel Robles arrives at Goodison Park from Atletico Madrid, via Wigan. By signing a five-year contract, the Spaniard clearly has eyes for Tim Howard's starting gloves, although he won't feature immediately.

Still an improving prospect, he thrives on one-on-one situations, regularly saves with his feet and is an imposing presence at 1.95m tall. He will look to impress during a few cup outings this season and show he's ready to compete with Howard.

No. 2: Tony Hibbert

Position: Right-back

EPL Return Last Year: Six games, zero goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: Missed 32 out of 38 EPL games

These are testing times for Tony Hibbert. Another injury-ravaged season allowed Seamus Coleman to establish himself as Everton's premier right-back last year, while John Stones' fine preseason form may have already made him Coleman's deputy.

While Hibbert is still the best defensive full-back at the club, his lack of contribution in the final third could see him preserved solely for the odd away trip to top-four clubs. Other than that, the veteran may struggle for game time.

No. 3: Leighton Baines

Position: Left-back

EPL Return Last Year: 38 games, five goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: 116 chances created—most in the EPL

Baines became his side's heartbeat under David Moyes, and it will be interesting to see how Martinez uses him. For example, will he be asked to pepper the penalty area as frequently as last season, when he sent in a mammoth 353 crosses—61 more than any other Premier League player? 

Aside from his elite creative production and consistent delivery, Baines was also top tackler at the club last year and had more touches than any other player. He was the Toffees' leading performer and rounded off the year by deservedly picking up the club's Player of the Season award once again.

No. 4: Darron Gibson

Position: Midfield

EPL Return Last Year: 23 games, one goal

Key 2012/13 Stat: Most Everton passes in a game—88 vs. West Ham (h)

One of the more underrated men on the roster, Gibson mops up after others, sprays the ball around accurately and with pace, and keeps his side moving forward from the heart of midfield.

He's rarely been fully fit in 2013, and maintaining fitness may prove one of his biggest challenges going forward. The Irishman renewed his effective partnership with Marouane Fellaini late last season, which looks to be Martinez's favoured approach going forward.

No. 5: John Heitinga

Position: Centre-back/midfield

EPL Return Last Year: 26 games, zero goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: 63 percent tackle success—lowest among Everton defenders

Heitinga suffered a dramatic decline in form last season. Gone were the fierce, imposing displays that earned him the 2011/12 Fans' Player of the Season award; replaced by hesitant, disinterested showings punctuated by errors.

The Dutchman's now in the final year of his contract, and Everton have presumably tried moving him on this summer, without much joy. If he remains, it seems unlikely he'll feature a great deal under Martinez.

No. 6: Phil Jagielka

Position: Centre-back

EPL Return Last Year: 36 games, two goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: 82 interceptions, 33 blocked shots—most at Everton.

Jagielka was back to his best last year, leading by example with some exceptional individual displays, especially during the early part of the season. He starts this campaign as new club captain.

Under his influence, Everton have finished with a defence ranked in the top four over the past two seasons. Jagielka will be expected to prolong his own fine form and maintain his side's defensive resilience, regardless of Martinez's more attacking bias.

No. 7: Nikica Jelavic

Position: Striker

EPL Return Last Year: 37 games, seven goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: Offside 46 times—second most in EPL

After 11 goals in his first 13 starts at Everton, Jelavic's 2012/13 campaign can only be described as a colossal disappointment. It was one of the key reasons behind the Toffees' failure to make Europe.

Confidence issues and a detrimental direct style seem the biggest contributors to a slump that's hopefully behind him. The Croatian's place is no longer assured this year, but four goals during preseason suggest he's showing positive signs of recovery. 

No. 8: Bryan Oviedo

Position: Left-back/winger

EPL Return Last Year: 15 games, zero goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: One start

Oviedo's versatility provides Everton with strong depth down the left. The Costa Rican is a fans' favourite who wasn't seen enough last year. He managed an assist during his one Premier League start but predominantly had to settle for short cameo appearances.

As with most modern full-backs his strengths lie in his attacking contribution, although his preseason form suggests he has the game to become an efficient Premier League left-back.

No. 9: Arouna Kone

Position: Forward

EPL Return Last Year: 34 games, 11 goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: 84 percent passing accuracy (Jelavic/Anichebe: under 70 percent)

Approaching 30 and signed for £5 million, Kone has something to prove in his first season at Everton. While the Toffees need additional goals this year, his price raised a number of eyebrows.

Martinez will clearly look to utilise his ball-retention skills, and his passing ability should give Everton extended spells of possession in the final third. Replicating last year's goal return would also boost his cause.

No. 10: Gerard Deulofeu

Position: Attacking midfield/forward

EPL Return Last Year: n/a

Key 2012/13 Stat: 18 goals in the Spanish second division

Signing a player from Barcelona is always going to create considerable hype. Regardless of the loan status of his deal, that's certainly the case with the Toffees' newest recruit, Gerard Deulofeu.

While prodigiously talented, the Spanish youngster will need a bedding-in period to acclimatise to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. If he's given that time, expect a large dose of intricate skill and devilish trickery during the second half of the season. 

No. 11: Kevin Mirallas

Position: Attacking midfield/forward

EPL Return Last Year: 27 games, six goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: 84 dribble attempts—most at Everton

Mirallas has quickly established himself as a key player at Everton. After minor injuries hampered his first few months at the club, the Belgian produced several stunning individual displays from the turn of the year.

He can often seem curiously quiet in games before bursting into life with a deft touch or a sharp turn. If Martinez can find a way of increasing his involvement, Mirallas has the explosive qualities to win his side numerous games on his own. He may just finish the year regarded as the Toffees' most important weapon.

No. 14: Steven Naismith

Position: Forward

EPL Return Last Year: 31 games, four goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: 86 percent tackle success—best at Everton

Naismith struggled to make an impression during his first season at Everton, and many fans were perhaps ready to write him off. However, he's been one of the Toffees' best performers this preseason, and it's worth remembering that last year was his first back after a serious cruciate injury.

Primarily a forward, Naismith is durable enough to offer a defensive contribution on the flanks. Moyes utilised this, and the Scotland international appeared a little too focused on those defensive duties last term. Released of these shackles under Martinez, he seems ready to make a bigger impact 12 months on.

No. 15: Sylvain Distin

Position: Centre-back

EPL Return Last Year: 34 games, zero goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: 327 clearances—fifth most in EPL

Left centre-back is arguably Everton's most important position at the back, and Sylvain Distin has continued to produce another underrated return. Leighton Baines' constant attacking leave Distin's pace and awareness as essential needs for his position.

He may struggle under Martinez's play-from-the-back system, but Distin remains a vital selection at Everton that will be tough to eventually replace.

No. 20: Ross Barkley

Position: Attacking midfield

EPL Return Last Year: Seven games, zero goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: 17 games, four goals at Sheffield Wednesday (on loan)

This should finally be the year Ross Barkley announces himself on the Premier League stage. Armed with copious amounts of talent, confidence issues and a lack of competitive action halted the 19-year-old's progression.

He was criminally underused last season, but Martinez appears willing to accept the occasional blunder while his young prodigy unlocks his immense potential. Whisper it quietly, but expect big things this season. The sky's the limit.

No. 21: Leon Osman

Position: Midfield

EPL Return Last Year: 36 games, five goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: Dribbled past 58 times—second most in EPL

Osman began last season in the form of his life, earning a long overdue England call. He also registered eight goals during the year (in all competitions), which was his best return at Everton. 

However, his form began fading toward the end of the year, and with Martinez looking to favour Gibson and Marouane Fellaini in midfield, Osman's position seems less assured. In a three-man defence, his role seems to be the one sacrificed, while in a three-man midfield, Barkley, Deulofeu and Naismith are all pressing for the same position.

No. 22: Steven Pienaar

Position: Attacking midfield

EPL Return Last Year: 35 games, six goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: Won 86 free-kicks—fourth most in EPL

Not always at his best last season, Pienaar remains a key operator in Everton's offence. Despite the national acclaim for Baines over last year's creative production, Pienaar actually created the most chances via open play for the Toffees.

He will continue orchestrating Everton's forays into the final third, and it will be interesting to see where he lines up under Martinez. Mirallas seems more effective cutting in from the left, which saw Pienaar floating around a bit more last season.

No. 23: Seamus Coleman

Position: Right-back

EPL Return Last Year: 26 games, zero goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: 84 percent tackle success—best among Everton defenders

Coleman was Everton's most improved player last season and has arguably been his side's most consistent player of 2013. After a slow start, he ironed out the defensive lapses that were holding him back and gave Everton new attacking potency on the right.

With the Irishman lining up opposite Baines, Martinez has one of the best full-back tandems in the division, with both men capable wing-backs should the manager opt for a three-man defence. Expect a strong season from the Irishman and ever-increasing national appreciation.

No. 24: Tim Howard

Position: Goalkeeper

EPL Return Last Year: 36 starts, 10 clean sheets

Key 2012/13 Stat: Five defensive errors—his most in the past five seasons.

There's no doubt that Howard's form wavered over the first half of last season. All his individual errors came in that time—four of which led to a goal—and he seemed especially vulnerable at crosses.

Seven clean sheets during his final 10 games rectified his statistics somewhat, but Robles adds genuine competition for his position. Another poor start to the season would put an unfamiliar amount of pressure on the American, although he's responded well so far with an impressive preseason.

No. 25: Marouane Fellaini

Position: Midfield/forward

EPL Return Last Year: 31 games, 11 goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: Won 151 aerial duels—fourth most in EPL

Returning to an attacking role, Fellaini was one of the Premier League's leading performers over the first few months of last season. Eight of his 11 goals came during his first 13 games, as opponents struggled to cope with his physical approach.

However, his position in attack had an adverse reaction on the Toffees' style, and they became overly direct and increasingly predictable as the season wore on. Fellaini's production began to decline, and he ended the season reverting to his more favoured role in defensive midfield—where Martinez seems keen to play him this year.

No. 26: John Stones

Position: Right-back/defender

EPL Return Last Year: Unused substitute

Key 2012/13 Stat: n/a

Stones is poised for a breakout year. One of the brightest points of preseason, the England Under-21 international starred against Juventus with his cheeky, Pirlo-esq Paneka and thoroughly confident display at the back.

The youngster will prove an able deputy to Seamus Coleman and, as demonstrated against Juventus, is an effective option to include in a three-man defence.

No. 28: Victor Anichebe

Position: Striker

EPL Return Last Year: 26 games, six goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: Eight assists in all competitions—most at Everton

Anichebe hit the net eight times in all competitions last season, almost doubling his previous best return of five and making it the most productive campaign of his career. When fully engaged, his blend of pace, aggression and formidable strength is a difficult combination for defenders to suppress.

The Nigerian came in for the stuttering Jelavic and produced several high-energy displays, greatly improving his reputation among fans. He faded slightly toward the end, but if preseason is anything to go by, Martinez appears to be a big fan of his physicality and presence in the final third.

No. 32: Antolin Alcaraz

Position: Centre-back

EPL Return Last Year: 10 games, zero goals

Key 2012/13 Stat: 11 goals conceded in eight Wigan starts

Alcaraz comes in to bolster Everton's defensive core. Though he played in an abysmal defence at Wigan, the experienced Paraguay international seemed to improve the Latics when selected.

Over the past two years, Wigan shipped a more respectable 49 goals in the 35 games he played in, compared to 86 goals in the 41 games he missed. Clearly he made some kind of impact, and given that he arrived on a free deal and is familiar with Martinez's defensive system, he seems a low-risk addition.

A Few Words on the Rest

No. 19: Magaye Gueye: Attacking midfield

On loan last season at Brest, Gueye has looked short of form during preseason. He's rapidly fallen down the pecking order and seems to be running out of time to prove himself.

No. 27: Apostolos Vellios: Striker

Three goals in 2011/12 showed promise, but Vellios was restricted to just six substitute appearances last season. He failed to push for selection, scoring just five times in 21 games for the Under-21s.

No. 29: Luke Garbutt: Left-back

Garbutt made his Everton debut in the League Cup before writing off much of the season with injury. A gifted technician, he still seems slightly fallible at the back and could do with a loan this year.

No. 30: Francisco Junior: Midfield

Another to make a League Cup debut, Junior had a difficult game against Leeds and was substituted at half-time. He will feel closer to the first-team picture with Phil Neville and Thomas Hitzlsperger moving on this summer.

No. 31: Matthew Kennedy: Winger

Kennedy is a diminutive young Scottish prospect who found himself on the bench for a few matches last season. He's more likely to spend this year honing his game with the Under-21s but seems one to keep tabs on.

No. 33: John Lundstram: Midfield

Lundstrum greatly improved from a loan spell at Doncaster last season. As with Junior, he finds himself closer to the first-team picture with Hitzlsperger and Neville leaving, but may benefit more from another loan.

No. 34: Shane Duffy: Centre-back

Duffy was a peripheral figure last season who sat on the bench most of the year, only coming on for a handful of late appearances. He needs competitive football this campaign, one way or another.

No. 41: Chris Long: Striker

Probably the most promising young striker on Everton's books, Long was part of England's Under-20s squad at the World Cup this summer. Still just 18, he will look to establish himself with Everton's Under-21s this season.

All statistics via EPL Index, Squawka and WhoScored? 

Follow @Matt_Cheetham