Everton have had a lot of success with youngsters

Everton have had a lot of success with youngsters in the last 12 months and this has largely been down to leaders in the group according to defender Seamus Coleman.

The right back has pointed to the leadership skills of Gareth Barry as a major influence on the team. The former Aston Villa midfielder was brought to the club initially on a loan deal, but it was converted into a permanent move in the summer. Despite being 34, he has dominated the centre of the park. Everton may be lying 10th in the table with the season almost approaching Christmas, but there has been a lot of positives.

Young striker Romelu Lukaku has been scoring for fun while there have also been excellent performances from the defenders at the back like Seamus Coleman and John Stones. While most of the players have been linked with moves away from the club, Everton will look to take advantage of the presence. Another midfielder who has shone in the last 12 months is Ross Barkley, who is linked with a move to a Manchester City or Chelsea. The reigning Premier league champions are also expected to come in with an offer for defender Stones.

Barry has featured in 16 appearances this season but is yet to score a goal. His importance comes in other areas of the pitch.“We have four very, very good youngsters – Ross, Stonesy, Rom and Gerry and then we have Gaz Barry in the centre of midfield.I don’t know if the fans or the media see it, but when we’re on the pitch with someone like Gaz Barry in your team, you know you’re doing something right.Any time you get the ball, you can see why he has played at such a high level because he always wants the ball, no matter what,” saidColeman.