Louis Saha believes there could be a surprising new top-four contender in the Premier League next season, tipping to rival the likes of , , and for the European places.
The Toffees only just avoided relegation to the Championship last season, finishing 16th in the Premier League, four points above the drop zone.
Everton were being tipped for big things at the start of the 2021-22 campaign but struggled before Rafael Benitez’s sacking in January and only improved marginally under Frank Lampard.
But former striker Saha – who spent four years at Goodison Park – believes Everton can do ‘amazing things’ next season following their survival.
The 43-year-old Frenchman even believes Everton could challenge the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United and Tottenham for a top-four spot.
‘A lot of teams in the Premier League can be in the top six and become the challenger to the top four and Everton can be one of those teams, it just depends how you start the season and how well you manage the confidence within the team,’ Saha told .
‘I think Frank Lampard has managed the situation of injuries and fixture congestion really well and I believe if they play with confidence and emotion, Everton can do amazing things next year.
‘The Premier League is so tough. It’s not just about whether you have the quality, it’s also about communicating and having that team spirit that you build throughout the season and emphasise with the fans. Those are the things that make a strong side.
‘Frank Lampard has a lot of quality players in his team, especially the strikers so the fans should have hope, but they have to fix the defence.’
Everton begin the 2022-23 campaign against Lampard’s former club Chelsea on August 6, before facing Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Leeds United before the start of September.
, .
,  and .
