Roberto Martinez - Can he really be a success at Everton FC?

On the day of my last summer exam, I heard the news that I'm sure most Wigan Athletic fans didn't want to hear; Roberto Martinez has joined Everton. Immediately a sinking feeling hit me, because I new the era of total football was over at Wigan Athletic.

When I say 'most' Wigan fans, I say that as a dig at the complete morons who from the very beginning didn't believe in (or understand) the system that Roberto had installed and tried, stubbornly sometimes, to make perfect. The 3-5-2 formation was the preferred formation towards the end of the 2011-2012 season that left us top of the form table from the last 8 games. 'The Great Escape' unfortunately, could not be repeated last season and despite FA Cup glory, we were relegated. Some would argue it was down to a lack of signings in the transfer window... for me though, it down to the injuries, which left us vulnerable in defence.

Me and Roberto at AFC Fylde vs Wigan

Anyway, back to Roberto. I think the club will miss him, and depending on how the season goes under Owen Coyle, even the Roberto Martinez haters will regret the way they were so openly disgusted at the way we were trying to play. 

These points pose some questions. First of all, can the Everton fans be patient with Roberto and try to embrace the style of play better than a lot of our fans? I've had many arguments with people sat around me about some of the ridiculous things they shouted at Roberto. Will Everton fans be the same? That remains to be seen, after two games in the premier league and two draws, there may well be some doubters.

The main question though, is can the Spanish style be replicated with better quality players than Roberto had available at Wigan? We struggled mainly with our defenders. Mainly the captain Gary Caldwell who had a huge heart but lacked quality... The idea is to build from the back, and get the wing backs charging forward. I believe with a fully fit Ivan Ramis, Maynor Figeruoa and Antolin Alcaraz we would've been fine last year, but injuries plagued our back three. Comparing these players with Everton's potential back three of Distin, Jagielka and Heitinga may also highlight a problem for 'the Toffees'; Again, we'll have to wait and see. Everton's potential five man midfield could be very threatening however with Leon Osman, Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman, and if they can keep them, Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines, could be very good indeed! Also, with Victor Anichebe and the acquisition of Arouna Kone, there should be guaranteed goals up front.

What do you think? Feel free to comment.

James