Stekelenburg relishing third Koeman reunion

Maarten Stekelenburg believes ‘straight and fair’ Ronald Koeman can bring stability to Everton after being reunited with his fellow Dutchman for the third time.

The goalkeeper, 33, previously played for Koeman at Dutch giants Ajax before signing for him a second time last season when he joined Southampton on a season-long loan from Fulham.

Koeman replaced Roberto Martinez as manager at Goodison Park this summer and Stekelenburg, who has a World Cup runners-up medal with Holland, followed his former boss to Merseyside, signing a three-year deal.

“Ronald is straight and fair – that is the Ronald I know,” the 54-cap Netherlands international said.

“He can bring confidence and the main thing at the moment is to get ourselves fully fit. I feel we had a good pre-season, not only judging by the results but the defensive organisation is a big thing at the moment.

“It’s so important to have a good defensive organisation, then from that you can build.”

Stekelenburg made his Toffees debut in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur and showed Everton fans what he is capable of with two fine saves to deny Vincent Janssen and Erik Lamela.

“In the first half I think we did very well,” he said. “After the first goal, things went a little bit less than before and maybe we were a little bit tired, but we will analyse it.”