Laurence Griffiths/Getty ImagesLeighton Baines helped Everton avoid their customary poor start

At the halfway point, this is Everton's best opening half of a season since 2004-05. Only goals scored keep Everton out of the Top 4. Slow starts and strong finishes are the Everton hallmark in recent years. Having rectified the starting part, the onus is on continuing the strong finishes going into Sunday's home fixture against Chelsea. The closing months of last season provide reason for optimism; only the Manchester clubs (44) picked up more points than Everton (35) after January 1.

Top of the Class – Leighton Baines

Many will disagree, with Marouane Fellaini the obvious choice. However, for sheer consistency, Baines has the edge. The left back has created 65 chances this season; that makes him the most creative player across Europe’s five major leagues (Bundesliga, Ligue 1, La Liga, Premier League and Serie A).

The dismissal at Stoke and a couple of indifferent away performances make Fellaini a close second. Since terrorising Manchester United on opening day, Fellaini has not looked back with his eight goals and three assists proving vital. Honourable mentions go to Leon Osman, Darron Gibson and Kevin Mirallas. Gibson has impressed when fit, particularly with his expansive passing range, and there is more on the other two later.

Most Improved – Leon Osman

Consistency has troubled Osman for years. Continually plugging holes in the midfield, the diminutive playmaker failed to nail down a regular position. Employed in central midfield, Osman has excelled this season. Able to display his assured passing and quick feet, Osman is playing the best football of his Everton career. Ably highlighting a tougher side of his game, Osman has attempted (46) and won (35) the most tackles within the Everton squad.

Best New Student – Kevin Mirallas

Injured has halted his progress in recent weeks but the Belgian impresses when available. Possessing two good feet, pace and skill, Mirallas looks a bargain at £6m. Filling the problematic role on the right of midfield, this jet-heeled winger adds another dimension to the Everton side.

Adept with the ball at his feet, only Baines (38) has attempted more dribbles than Mirallas (36). Before his latest hamstring setback, Mirallas had begun to form a promising partnership with Seamus Coleman. Providing pace in abundance, the two have terrorised several defences to this point. When both return from injury, they will look to rekindle their burgeoning pairing.

One to Watch - Ross Barkley

The youngster showed glimpses of his potential on loan at Sheffield Wednesday. Injuries ensured Barkley remained at Everton after his loan expired but, one brief outing at Stoke aside, Barkley has not featured since his return.

Earning rave reviews in recent months, albeit at Championship level, the next few months could see Barkley make the breakthrough. Doubts remain over Gibson's fitness and with others failing to convince in his absence, Barkley will look to seize on any chance that presents itself.

Detention – John Heitinga

Enjoying his best season in a blue shirt, Heitinga ended 2011-12 as Everton’s player of the year. Fast forward six months and the contrast could not be greater. Knocked from his perch by Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin, Heitinga has struggled this season. Occasionally lackadaisical in his approach, especially after a spell on the sidelines, Heitinga has failed to convince many this season.

Quotes attributed to his agent hint at a January move and, on current form, few would be overly concerned by his possible departure. With David Moyes linked heavily to several central defenders, Heitinga's sale would allow Everton to do extra business in the window.

School Leavers - Jack Rodwell, Tim Cahill, Joseph Yobo

The Rodwell deal favours Everton more and more with each passing week. Unfortunately, for the young midfielder, Rodwell has continued to pick up more injuries than appearances at Manchester City. The fee received represented good business and allowed Moyes to bring in Mirallas and Bryan Oviedo.

Cahill provided Everton with eight years, probably the best eight of his career. However, as his time at Goodison ended, there were signs his impact was fading. Once again, the deal with the MLS's Red Bulls made financial sense and suited all parties. Yobo's departure ended one of the most irritating transfer sagas in recent memory. On loan for two years, the transfer finally went through and the player could move on with his career at Fenerbahce.

Overall Grade: 8 (out of 10)

Primed for a European push, defensive frailties are the main concern. Without a clean sheet in 14 league games, Everton need to tighten up in defence. Last-minute goals by Newcastle, Fulham and Norwich have cost six points; points that would have Everton comfortably in the Top 4. Rediscover some defensive toughness and a Champions League place is certainly achievable.

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