Everton’s old guard back to their rugged best under Koeman

WHILE the football industry obsesses with youth, Everton have tightened up this season due to four battle-hardened stalwarts, all in their 30s.

Captain Phil Jagielka, 34, and his 32-year-old centrehalf partner Ashley Williams have Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, 34, behind them and 35-year-old midfield holder Gareth Barry in front as insurance.

This new defensive policy has the approval of veteran Jagielka and hopes it will continue against West Ham today.

‘The manager has not tried to reinvent the wheel. But we have tightened things up, we are not giving too many chances away apart from the Manchester City game,’ says Jagielka, the club’s longest-serving player.

‘He (Ronald Koeman) came in and explained that we are at the back to defend first and foremost, and look pretty afterwards if that makes sense.

‘We all enjoy playing football and making it interesting, but the bottom line is when you’re a defender you like to be in a good shape which makes it a little bit easier.

‘That’s what we have been for the majority of season. It’s been simpler than it has been previously.’

The irony is that Everton have improved since John Stones left for Manchester City in a £47million deal that made him the most expensive English defender ever signed in the Premier League.

Much of that is due to the relationship between Jagielka and Wales skipper Williams.

‘It is always nice to know what the player next to you is going to do.

‘Ashley has a wealth of experience, is flying high as captain of his country and is great to speak to off the pitch,’ added Jagielka.