The international retirement of Steven Pienaar is fantastic news for all Evertonians. With the African Cup of Nations set to take place in January, David Moyes will be relieved to have the South African available for the entire season.
Pienaar’s influence on Everton’s style can not be underestimated. Since his return in January, Everton have played a brand of football not seen at Goodison for over 25 years. His link up play with Leighton Baines provides Everton with an attacking threat on the left hand side that very few teams can live with. In addition, he has added goals to his tricks and flicks, a genuine end product that has won him and Everton plaudits from a number of outspoken critics.