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GK: Vito Mannone
The Italian keeper earns his spot in this XI. Jordan Pickford is a raw talent and will no doubt exceed Mannone in the coming months, whilst Everton’s keepers Joel and Stekelenburg don’t really pose a threat, with the keeper position possibly Everton’s weak link.
RB: Seamus Coleman
One of David Moyes’ best signings during his time on Merseyside, Coleman has gone on to become one of the league's best full-backs. Javier Manquillo is still very much unproven at this level and Billy Jones is Billy Jones.
CB: Lamine Kone
Arguably Sunderland’s best player, Kone, was a target for Everton and it is rather surprising to still see him on Wearside after the transfer window has closed. The Ivorian was Koeman’s prime defensive target this summer and proves that he would not only walk into the Everton side but also this XI.
CB: Ashley Williams
A former Sunderland target, Williams is as solid as they come and is a superb addition to the Everton side. The Welshman arrived at Goodison this summer for £10m from Swansea where he enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom.
LB: Leighton Baines
Another former Sunderland target during Roy Keane’s time at the club, Baines is a fine player who is quality both defensively and at set-pieces. He may not be getting any younger but still gets into this XI ahead of Patrick Van Aanholt.
RM: Adnan Januzaj
Sunderland’s tricky winger is clearly a cut-above the rest of the squad, and will no doubt have a future at Manchester United. Januzaj has already bagged his first Sunderland goal and is always looking to create. He get’s in this XI ahead of Gerard Deulofeu, Enner Valencia and Arouna Kone.
CM: Ross Barkley
One of England’s finest young talents, Barkley has established himself in the Everton side as one of their most influential players. He can create and score goals and also chip in defensively too if needed, moulding himself into an all-round midfielder.
CM: Jan Kirchhoff
The German maestro is the Black Cats’ best midfielder and has been a huge miss in the side so far this season. Kirchhoff oozes class and controls the game no matter the opposition – just look at the Manchester City game last year.
LM: Yannick Bolasie
The £25-million winger signed for Everton last month from Crystal Palace. Bolasie, perhaps remembered on Wearside for his quick-fire hat trick for Palace, is a skilful player who could be even better if more consistent.
ST: Romelu Lukaku
The strong striker clearly wants to test himself at the highest level after his move to Chelsea didn’t work out. A subsequent move to Everton has put Lukaku back on the radar of the big clubs after notching 61 goals so far during his spell on Merseyside.
ST: Jermain Defoe
What a partnership this would be, the large Lukaku and the little Defoe would score goals for fun! There was very little completion for the two spots in the XI, with Victor Anichebe, Fabio Borini and Omar Niasse nowhere near the same level of Defoe and Lukaku.
