Examining the Qualities of Everton Manager Roberto Martinez

Elimination from the FA Cup leaves Roberto Martinez's first season at Everton in danger of fizzling out.

Silverware can no longer be achieved and, despite games in hand, the top four is looking increasingly far off.

So how exactly has the Catalan manager fared during his first season with the Toffees, and what has he brought to the club?

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In relation to last season, Everton are currently six points better off. This doesn't seem like a staggering return, but compared to similar scenarios, Martinez's first season has been distinguished.

On the rare occasion a long-serving manager departs without being sacked, there's generally a substantial decline.

The following table highlights this, considering recent (non-sacked) managers replaced after a minimum of four Premier League seasons in charge.

New Manager(s)	Replacing	PPG*	Previous PPG*	Diff.
Martinez (2013)	Moyes (Everton)	1.78	1.66	+0.12
Moyes (2013)	Ferguson (Man Utd)	1.71	2.34	-0.63
Hughes (2013)	Pulis (Stoke)	1.07	1.11	-0.04
Villas-Boas (2012)	Redknapp (Spurs)	1.89	1.82	+0.07
MacDonald/Houllier (2010)	O'Neill (Villa)	1.26	1.68	-0.42
Hodgson/Dalglish (2010)	Benitez (Liverpool)	1.53	1.66	-0.13
Ince/Allardyce (2008)	Hughes (Blackburn)	1.09	1.53	-0.44
Lee/Knox/Megson (2007)	Allardyce (Bolton)	0.97	1.53	-0.56
Dowie/Reed/Pardew (2006)	Curbishley (Charlton)	0.89	1.24	-0.35
Southgate (2006)	McClaren (M'boro)	1.21	1.18	+0.03

Almost all of these departures came during the summer, and it reveals the difficulty of having to follow a relatively successful predecessor. 

A period of transition is predominantly needed, and the fact Everton have actually shown immediate progress, despite the sale of a major player in the summer, is clearly impressive.

So what changes have allowed Martinez to do this?

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On the field, the major difference is his progressive approach to the game. He has given the club a vision, an ultimate goal, and luckily for him, his new squad have bought in—Leighton Baines' contract extension underlining this.

Unlike under David Moyes, where Everton were a reactive force geared up to combat each team in a slightly different way, the Toffees have a method to improve upon and perfect. It's now about what they can do instead of how best to nullify an opponent.

Martinez wants his side to master the possession game, to tire teams out with relentless, metronomic passing, while reducing their opponent's time in attack.

This style has by no means been conquered, but glimpses of Martinez's desired end product have been memorable. A win at Old Trafford and periods of play against Arsenal, Newcastle and Chelsea spring to mind.

To fully reach that mark, Martinez will need more transfer windows to add to his desired personnel while spending more time honing the technique of his current roster—two areas he's been productive with so far.

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On the training pitch, there was a new angle to Everton's pre-season work, with far more emphasis on working with the ball.

This has shown immediate results with Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin suddenly confident playing out from the back. Both average around 15 more passes per game under the Catalan.

Martinez's summer transfer window was also a huge success. James McCarthy and Gareth Barry were intelligent additions and vital to his philosophy, while Romelu Lukaku has provided a constant threat up front.

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The Catalan's positive and driven character has also installed a greater belief in players, and particular strides have been made with young players.

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Ross Barkley has thrived under new leadership, being given the freedom to express himself and finally break through. Persistent faith has also been shown in the likes of John Stones and Gerard Deulofeu, which bodes well for future graduates.

This season, 10 academy players have been farmed out on loan, something Moyes was always strangely reluctant to do.

Regardless of the level, experience in a professional environment develops players far quicker than any form of youth-team football. Martinez has absorbed his new club at every level, which will encourage youngsters and lead to more first-team opportunities.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Elsewhere, he has also repaired an often fragile mentality against the top teams. Wins have come over Chelsea and away at Manchester United, but the more impressive displays were perhaps away at Arsenal, Chelsea and, at times, Tottenham.

These matches yielded just one point but Everton were willing to go toe-to-toe with the top teams, something the squad was not accustomed to last year.

Instead of sitting back and looking to disrupt their opponents, Martinez's side played his way.

They reduced their opponents' chances, occupied long periods of possession and, but for some better potency in the final third, would have recorded a better return.

The more Everton develop Martinez's style, the more these performances will lead to results in the future.

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Finally, and most importantly, the Catalan has been on a mission to dispel the underdog tag around Everton, giving his new club ambition.

He hasn't been afraid to target the Champions League and put pressure on himself, something Evertonians have long been missing. 

History suggests this season was never going to set pulses racing. For long periods, Martinez defied that and kept Everton in the hunt for the Champions League.

He will deny that his challenges are over, but even a top-six finish is a hugely commendable effort in his first year in charge.

His positive, meticulous manner has already been a breath of fresh air at Everton, building on the solid foundation of his predecessor. 

The Toffees now have an end goal and getting there should make the next few seasons an enjoyable ride for all Evertonians.

Statistics via WhoScored.com

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