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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Adam Jones

Rafa Benitez's strongest Everton XI after the international break as Dominic Calvert-Lewin returns

The current international break arguably has come at a very good time for Everton.

Rafa Benitez has been dealing with a number of injuries across his squad over the last few weeks, with key players missing vital matches both in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup.

However, for the most part, those who have been taking to the pitch in that time have been performing admirably - not least in securing a hard-fought point against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

With the current international break, though, Everton could have a chance to recover some of their injured stars and hand rests to those who have put their heart and soul into their performances in recent weeks.

The Blues will return to action against West Ham United at Goodison Park later this month, and they could potentially welcome back some key players to the squad when they do.

Here's what Benitez's strongest line-up could be after the international break.

Goalkeeper - Pickford

There's little doubt over this position in the squad.

Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan were both added in the summer to provide experienced back-up in goal, with the former already getting some minutes under his belt both in the League Cup and the Premier League.

However, with Jordan Pickford now fit again, he certainly commands this place in the line-up.

The England No.1 has been excellent for both club and country since the turn of the year, and had his confidence clearly bolstered by his strong run with Gareth Southgate's side in this summer's Euros.

And the Everton man has brought that form back with him to Goodison park this term, producing some excellent saves and setting himself up as a real leader from the back of the pitch.

His organisation has improved, his confidence is high and his ability to stay calm throughout matches is brilliant for Blues fans to see.

Defence - Coleman, Mina, Godfrey, Digne

A return from injury could be crucial here for Everton going forward.

Seamus Coleman's absence at right-back has certainly been felt despite Ben Godfrey's best efforts to step in for the Blues captain on that side of the back line.

The former Norwich City man is clearly versatile and adept enough to fill that role on a short-term basis, but it's also clear that Everton need the Republic of Ireland international back sooner rather than later.

That would allow Godfrey to then move into his more natural centre-back position and perhaps strike up a partnership that fans have wanted to see more of over the last year.

Circumstances have limited the amount of time Godfrey and Yerry Mina have played as a central pair in a back four, but many supporters believe that could be the best partnership Everton have on offer.

That would leave Michael Keane out of this starting 11 for the time-being, although the defender's recent performances could also have him commanding a place in the side if he continues.

At left-back, the choice is very clear however.

Lucas Digne might not have grabbed an assist yet this season but he's still creating chances from that area of the pitch, while also proving a good defensive cover on most occasions.

He's the only senior out-and-out left back at the club, but he's also one of the side's best players on his day.

Midfield - Allan, Doucoure, Townsend, Gray, Richarlison

What more can really be said about Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure at this point?

The pair were already hugely appreciated by Everton fans before this season began thanks to their stellar work under Carlo Ancelotti after first joining the club.

However they have taken it to another level this term, striking up a well-balanced partnership that has consistently been at the heart of the Blues' strong performances.

The latter in particular has added a lot of attacking flair to his game and with the defensive shield of the Brazilian behind him, long may that continue for Doucoure.

Further up the pitch there's more impressive players to talk about - alongside a potential injury return.

Andros Townsend has cemented his place in the side on the right flank with a string of superb performances. He's Everton's top scorer this season and has been a surprise revelation since his summer move.

Similarly Demarai Gray has been excellent since his transfer to the club and has recently excelled in a central position behind the lead striker.

Whether he stays there or whether he moves out onto the left flank is down to Benitez, however, with Richarlison also proving very adept in supporting Calvert-Lewin in the past.

The Brazil international was in the gym and training his knee before the international break and many supporters hope he could be fit for the West Ham game later this month.

If he does return there are multiple options on where to play him, but regardless that would make a very fluid trio behind the striker for Benitez to mould.

Striker - Calvert-Lewin

Benitez will certainly welcome the return of his lead striker when it comes around.

Salomon Rondon has been thrown into a difficult situation shortly after confirming his arrival to the club, starting matches when it's clear he's not yet fully fit.

In an ideal scenario, that wouldn't have been the case - but it seems the burden will be lifted somewhat in this sense fairly soon.

Calvert-Lewin was pictured back on the Finch Farm pitch training individually before the international break, sparking hope that he could be fit by the time his teammates return to the complex.

The England international has bagged three goals in his trio of appearances so far this term, and the Blues will hope he can lead the line for the remainder of the campaign with similar success.

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