As the dust settles on yet another abject, yet entirely predictable display from team and manager, frustrations appear to have reached new heights at Goodison Park.
In a week that started with news of long awaited investment from Farhad Moshiri, the loss to West Ham was a bitterly disappointing conclusion to the week. So bad has been Everton’s league form, long suffering Toffees could be forgiven for turning their attentions to the summer as the league campaign peters out to another sorry end.
Persian riches have many dreaming of sunnier days when the summer transfer window opens.
Sitting 12th in the league and with new found wealth, one would think Everton fan’s would have a long list of targets. While that may well be the case, it’s hard not look to the summer without considering the elephant in the room – should Roberto Martinez be the man to spend the money that has been said will take Everton to “a new level”?
Doubts, big doubts circulate between the Everton faithful. However, parking that very sizeable elephant for the time being, there are areas where Everton could and should strengthen regardless of who is in charge.
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A new goalkeeper would certainly be top of the wish list for most Blues. It seems inevitable that Tim Howard will migrate back to the MLS. The clamour for Joel Robles to replace Howard as first choice was deafening earlier this season. No one can doubt how well Robles has done since he came into the team. However, it is fair to say the jury is still out on Robles as a long-term option. That is not a criticism of Robles – he has been excellent. Time will determine if he can consistently maintain those levels. Time is not a luxury Premier League managers have and one would expect Everton to strengthen in this area in the summer.
Jack Butland has been a name linked with Everton for the last number of years. Butland’s form this year and the increase in value that follows such improvement would in normal circumstances have put him out of Everton’s reach. However, the changed financial landscape at Goodison perhaps requires an adjustment of expectations in terms of the quality of player that can now be targeted.
The picture is much less clear when looking at Everton’s outfield. The quality and depth Everton possess should not be underestimated. It is common place to hear the media opine that this Everton team is underachieving. Few could disagree.
Defensively Everton possess international full backs in Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines who have found themselves selected in the Premier League team of the year in recent years. Costa Rican international Byran Oviedo has done little wrong filling in for Baines in recent weeks.
At centre-back, Everton have England and Argentina internationals in Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Ramiro Funes Mori, who are all quality players.
It is clear a right back is needed to add competition for Coleman. News of new wealth would not have Blues dreaming of a back up right back signing. Also, Everton’s defensive woes perhaps defies the proposition that they have quality in this area. While a no-nonsense, Ryan Shawcross, type centre-back might well help the team in certain circumstances.
For the most part, Everton’s defensive misfortunes have been tactical rather than down to personnel.
Additions need to be made in the attacking midfield ranks. The Ukrainian, Andriy Yarmalenko was heavily linked last summer, who is primarily a wide man with the technical ability to play anywhere. Given the questionable attitude of the enigmatic Kevin Mirallas, this is an area that will likely be addressed. Signing a player of Yarmalenko’s quality would be a real statement of intent.
Last summer Martinez’s desire to land a player fit to play the No. 10 role was no secret. This did not happen and Ross Barkley found himself first choice in that position. Barkley has not disappointed, scoring and creating goals on a regular basis, although there is a train of thought that Barkley will ultimately play deeper. His decision making could be better and with a significant transfer budget an a No. 10 the same ilk of a David Silva should be the ambition.
Up front the priority is simple, keep hold of Romelu Lukaku and provide him with support. The much maligned Arouna Kone plays a pedestrian supporting role. Martinez also added Oumar Niasse in January, but Niasse remains an unknown quantity. The Toffees will hope he can provide a remedy to those cold sweats that come when Lukaku so much as falls over, by positioning himself as a viable alternative or back up.
In short, there are plenty of areas that Everton are found wanting in but the nucleus is already in place. If the money is available to strengthen considerably, then Everton can finally dream of big money singings. What isn’t clear is if Martinez will be the man to bring in these singings.
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