Many Everton fans would likely have taken mid-table obscurity before the start of the season, given the last few years they had been forced to endure.
Having finished four, and most recently just two points from the drop, the Toffees had danced with the devil and somehow come out unscathed. However, for many, they would not be so lucky at the third time of asking.
And yet, those who made such unruly predictions have since been made to look foolish, even if the Premier League table still has them sat 17th.
Sean Dyche has revolutionised Everton during his short tenure in charge, with this term marking a particularly revolutionary one that has helped assuage fans’ fears.
Whilst they are not safe yet, this is a squad more than capable of avoiding relegation with ease, especially if it is bolstered this January.
Although supporters were warned to not expect much, alternative reports have since emerged linking them with a move for Manchester United’s Hannibal Mejbri on loan.
However, if Kevin Thelwell and Dyche are intent on bringing in a central midfielder on a temporary basis, perhaps it is the other side of Manchester they should be focusing on, instead diverting their attention towards Kalvin Phillip’s availability.
Would Kalvin Phillips thrive at Everton?
Given how impressive the £150k-per-week maestro was with Leeds United, as a combative yet classy enforcer in the engine room, it is fair to say that the 28-year-old would thrive at Goodison Park.
After all, he has all the attributes needed to instantly endear himself to Evertonians, and yet boasts the technical excellence to become one of their most influential stars too.
Mejbri, for all his relentless running, is yet to showcase a similar level of talent at the top level.
Meanwhile, just three years ago saw Phillips reach the pinnacle of his career thus far, starring at Elland Road in the Whites’ first season back in the Premier League for nearly two decades.
He was the heartbeat of Marcelo Bielsa’s all-action outfit, and whilst he would manage 1.2 key passes per game alongside an 85% pass accuracy, he blended that with 2.6 tackles and 1.7 clearances to emphasise his defensive credentials too, via Sofascore.
It is no surprise that such form led to him becoming a mainstay for his national side too, with journalist Phil Hay branding him an ‘animal‘ before seeing his chances dwindle as he has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City.
Given Everton have registered an interest in Phillips in the past, perhaps it might mark a more intelligent move to stump up a little extra cash to snub Hannibal, who only has enjoyed one full campaign within senior football, in favour of a more reliable and impressive operator.
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