Everton played three home games in six days last week, with not a win to speak of. Quite frankly, Everton have needed a right back for years. Jake O'Brien is being consistently shoehorned into the role, which is so frustrating when he has performed outstandingly when called upon at centre back.
Everton played three home games in six days last week, with not a win to speak of.
It is incredibly disappointing for the club given the increased negativity building around the new stadium. With transport issues, increased prices, and it just not feeling quite like home yet, if we're to see no wins in a week then there must be something else to give the fans a lift – and that should be some new signings.
The first priority must be at full-back. Quite frankly, Everton have needed a right back for years. Jake O'Brien is being consistently shoehorned into the role, which is so frustrating when he has performed outstandingly when called upon at centre back.
David Moyes clearly doesn't feel Nathan Patterson has the consistency needed for the Premier League week in week out. Granted, he had a decent game against Sunderland, but it's probably best for the player that he gets that move he wanted last summer.
There have been strong links to Ben White over the past week (and unfortunately that negotiation stance may have swung strongly in Arsenal's favour with his goal against Chelsea last night). He has fallen largely out of favour with Mikel Arteta over the past season and has injury issues. But let's face it, he would walk into Everton's starting 11 and has the Premier League experience Moyes so clearly craves.
And where to even start with the striker situation? Last night, when heavily-linked Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco ran up and just smashed the ball hard into the corner of the net for his winning penalty at Afcon, the immediate thought was 'sign him up!'. Unfortunately, whatever grace Thierno Barry and Beto were given by the fans has now gone out of the window.
There lies the frustration for Everton, like Brentford with Igor Thiago or Sunderland with Wilson Isidor, other clubs can find a gem in striker markets that Everton don't seem to want to exploit. Everton remain stuck between fan expectation and a recruitment strategy seemingly at odds with what the manager wants in terms of league experience.
With a new recruitment team in place, this could be the moment for them to set the tone and begin building a clear footballing identity for the future.
What do you think is key for Everton? And what names would you pursue?
Category: General Sports
