7. Eric Dier
Sang Tan/AP/Press Association ImagesEric Dier was only on loan at Everton for a short period of time, and never featuring for the first team, but the club are likely wishing they had negotiated an option to buy him on a permanent basis. Dier is actually from Cheltenham but moved to Portugal aged 10 years old, where his PE teacher quickly spotted his talented and recommended him to scouts from Sporting Lisbon, with the youngster eventually signing professional terms with the club in 2010. At the time, it was reported the Portuguese side had beaten the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to his signature. He then joined Everton on loan in January 2011, with their website stating it was an opportunity for the athlete to grow in a more competitive and demanding environment. This is something Dier has gone on to acknowledge, saying that his time in England came just at the right time, as he rapidly became a regular in Evertons youth and reserve sides. Unfortunately for the Blues he soon returned to Sporting later that year, making his debut in a home win over Braga in November 2012 and eventually playing 26 times for the club. He signed for former admirers Tottenham Hotspur this summer, making a flying start to his Spurs career with a winning goal against West Ham United on his debut and one the following week against QPR. An impressive rise to the Premier League, and another instance of Everton left wondering what could have been.