Everton Football Club, one of the oldest and most storied clubs in English football, has seen many great players grace its ranks throughout its long history. From the early days of the club’s formation in the late 19th century to its more recent triumphs, Everton has always been home to some of the finest footballing talent the world has ever known. This article will rank the 8 Everton best players by Wintips.
Ranking the 7 Everton best players based on recent form
All of these players spent a significant amount of their careers with the Toffees, and all but one won at least one trophy while representing the club. Here are the top 7 best Everton players of all time:
7. Graeme Sharp (1980-1991)
Graeme Sharp is another Everton icon, having scored 160 goals in 426 appearances for the club during his 11-year spell at Goodison Park. Sharp was a crucial part of Everton’s success in the 1980s, including the 1984 FA Cup victory and the league title in 1985. His 30 goals in the 1984/85 season, including a stunning strike against Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby, were key to the team’s success.
Sharp’s contribution to Everton's success cannot be overstated, and his place in the club’s history as one of the greatest strikers of all time is firmly secured. Even after his playing days, Sharp remained closely involved with the club, serving as an ambassador and later taking on a role as a director on the Everton board.
6. Peter Reid (1982-1989)
Another player who helped define Everton's golden era in the 1980s was Peter Reid. Reid joined Everton in 1982 after a slow start to his career, but quickly established himself as one of the club's key players. A tireless and combative midfielder, Reid was known for his tough tackling and his ability to break up opposition attacks.
Reid was pivotal in Everton's 1984 FA Cup win, which marked the club’s first major silverware in 14 years, and in the 1984/85 season, he helped the team secure the league title and the European Cup Winners' Cup. For his performances during that season, Reid was named the PFA Footballer of the Year, further solidifying his place as one of the club’s finest midfielders. His second league title in 1987 only enhanced his status, and Reid remains a fan favorite for his work ethic and determination.
5. Howard Kendall (1967-1974, 1981)
Howard Kendall is a true Everton legend, with a legacy that stretches beyond his playing days. Known for his technical skill, creativity, and tactical intelligence, Kendall was an integral part of Everton’s midfield during his first spell at the club, contributing to their league title win in 1970.
After leaving Everton in 1974, Kendall went on to have a successful career at other clubs, but it was his return to Goodison Park as a manager in 1981 that cemented his place as one of the club's most important figures. Under his stewardship, Everton enjoyed an era of unprecedented success in the 1980s, winning multiple league titles, FA Cups, and European trophies. Kendall’s achievements as a manager sometimes overshadowed his abilities as a player, but his contribution to Everton's history, both on and off the pitch, is immeasurable.
His impact as a player and manager at Everton was so profound that the club’s Park End stand at Goodison Park was named in his honor, a fitting tribute to his contributions to the club.
4. Colin Harvey (1963-1974)
Colin Harvey, another member of Everton's legendary Holy Trinity, was the heartbeat of the midfield during the 1960s and early 1970s. A product of the club's youth system, Harvey made his debut at the tender age of 18 and quickly established himself as a mainstay in the first team. His technical ability, vision, and leadership on the pitch made him one of the best midfielders of his era.
Harvey was a key player in Everton’s 1966 FA Cup win and was part of the team that claimed the league title in 1970. Alongside Kendall and Ball, Harvey formed one of the most formidable midfield trios in English football history. His precise passing and intelligent movement in the middle of the park allowed him to dictate the tempo of games and was crucial in Everton’s attacking play.
After leaving the club as a player in 1974, Harvey returned to Everton as Howard Kendall's assistant manager in the 1980s, playing an integral role in the team’s successes. Though he didn’t manage to replicate his player-manager success, Harvey’s place as one of Everton’s greats was firmly secured by his remarkable achievements on the pitch.
3. Alan Ball (1966-1971)
A member of the iconic Holy Trinity of midfielders alongside Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey, Alan Ball was a dynamic and influential figure in Everton’s midfield during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Fresh from winning the World Cup with England in 1966, Ball joined Everton in 1966 for a British record fee at the time of £110,000. His arrival at Goodison Park marked the beginning of an unforgettable period for the club.
Ball was known for his relentless work rate, creativity, and technical skill. His boundless energy earned him the nickname Perpetual Motion, as he seemed to cover every inch of the pitch. His ability to pick out key passes and contribute both offensively and defensively made him one of the best midfielders in the country. During his five-and-a-half years at the club, Ball helped Everton win the league title in 1970, scoring 12 goals that season. His partnership with Kendall and Harvey was instrumental in Everton's success, and he is fondly remembered as one of the most important players in the club’s history.
Although Ball’s departure in 1971 to Arsenal was met with disappointment, his impact at Everton had already left an indelible mark. His contribution to Everton's title-winning team of 1970 is still celebrated, and his legacy as a part of the Holy Trinity remains intact.
2. Neville Southall (1981-1998)
When discussing the greatest players in Everton’s history, it would be impossible not to mention Neville Southall, one of the best goalkeepers to ever grace the Premier League. Southall’s journey at Everton was one of loyalty, resilience, and outstanding performances between the posts. Having joined the club in 1981, Southall would go on to make a record 751 appearances for the Toffees, a feat that remains unmatched by any player in the club’s history.
Southall's greatest years came during the 1980s when he was widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world. He played a pivotal role in Everton’s title-winning campaigns, particularly during the 1984/85 season when Everton won both the league title and the European Cup Winners' Cup. Southall’s shot-stopping ability, commanding presence in the box, and leadership on the field made him a central figure in the team for nearly two decades. He was even named the FWA Footballer of the Year in 1985, becoming the first goalkeeper to achieve such an honor in the history of the award.
Southall’s longevity and consistency earned him admiration from fans and fellow players alike, and his status as one of Everton's greatest ever players is secure. His contribution to the club was not just about his performances on the pitch but also the example he set for future generations of goalkeepers.
1. Dixie Dean (1925-1937)
Without a doubt, the name Dixie Dean is synonymous with Everton. William Ralph Dean, commonly known as Dixie, is perhaps the greatest player to have ever worn the Everton jersey, and his incredible goal-scoring feats have cemented his place in the history of not just the club but English football as a whole. Dean's tally of 383 goals in 433 appearances for Everton stands as a monumental achievement, and his record of 60 league goals in the 1927/28 season is widely considered one of the most unbreakable records in the history of English football.
Born and raised in Liverpool, Dean's footballing journey began at Everton, where he quickly established himself as the club’s most lethal striker. His goal-scoring exploits were not just remarkable for their quantity but also for their consistency, as Dean scored an average of more than a goal every game during his time at Goodison Park.
Dean's feats helped Everton to secure several major honours, including two league titles and an FA Cup. Despite his incredible success at Everton, his career was marred by a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1926, which he remarkably recovered from to continue his prolific run. To this day, Dean’s name is etched into the club’s history, with a bronze statue of the man standing proudly outside Goodison Park as a testament to his unmatched legacy.
In summary
In conclusion, the 7 Everton best players have left an indelible mark on the club's illustrious history. From the legendary Dixie Dean, whose goal-scoring feats remain unmatched, to the enduring legacy of Neville Southall, these players have not only shaped Everton’s success on the field but also created memories that will be cherished by fans for generations to come. Their commitment, skill, and passion continue to inspire new generations, and they will forever be remembered as the pillars of Everton’s greatness.
