Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen has insisted that Ronald Koeman "has the experience to turn it around" at Everton, amid growing calls for the manager to leave.

The Dutchman was backed heavily in the summer, spending in excess of £130m to bring in several new players in the hope of launching a potential top-four push.

Everton have struggled so far, however, winning just two of their last 10 games in all competitions to see the pressure grow on Koeman.

However, Vermaelen believes that the accomplished manager has proved in the past that he is capable of turning things around at Goodison Park.

"He's shown at Southampton and Ajax that he's a great manager," he told Sky Sports News. "He has the experience to turn it around for sure."

Vermaelen was linked with a move to Merseyside in the summer, but he has remained coy when probed on a potential switch.