It is a position that has long been problematic for Everton.
Before the acquisition of Romelu Lukaku, the blue half of Merseyside had suffered from a lack of continuity up front, really since club legend Duncan Ferguson retired in 2006.
Whether it be permanent signings or short-term loan deals, both Martinez and former boss David Moyes have attempted to finally sure up the position, with varying degrees of success.
Names such as Yakubu, Victor Anichebe, Nikica Jelavic, Denis Stracqualursi and Lacina Traore, among others, have all tried and failed to address Everton’s depth issues in attack.
The loan and subsequent permanent signing of Lukaku by Martinez has been successful thus far, although the Belgian hit something of a lull in the 2014-15 season. He scored 10 goals in the Premier League, three of which were penalties, five down from the season prior.
Samuel Eto’o was added in Martinez’ second season with the club in what was seen as another landmark deal, but the Cameroon great’s spell with the club was ultimately short-lived, moving to Sampdoria halfway through the season with three goals to his name.
Still on the books alongside Lukaku is Arouna Kone, who Martinez took to the Northwest following his departure from Wigan Athletic. Since joining, Kone has been disappointing, with his time at Goodison plagued by injuries. His form has taken a huge hit as a result, making just 17 appearances for the Toffees, many as a substitute, scoring just one goal.
Twenty-two-year-old Conor McAleny is also at Martinez’ disposal. He is relatively untried, and has had three loan spells with Scunthorpe United, Brentford and most recently Cardiff City since joining the senior squad in 2011. Those stints produced little for the youngster, playing just 15 times and scoring twice.
He did, however, impress against Stoke City in Everton’s first of two matches in the Asia Trophy and looks as though he could get more opportunities in the upcoming campaign.
Belgian striker David Henen has signed on permanently after his year-long loan from Olympiacos, but much like McAleny, he is still inexperienced in the top flight at 19-years of age.
Workhorse Steven Naismith is also more than capable of playing in the middle, but he does not offer the presence of a true target man and lacks dynamic pace.
This striking department does not represent any serious depth and is a problem that contributed to the Toffees’ downfall last season. Kone’s injury problems make it difficult to have faith in his ability to fight for a starting berth and score goals, McAleny is still developing and Naismith is best used as a versatile utility.
Kone started for the Blues against Arsenal in their clash at the Singapore National Stadium, but they looked devoid of any attacking threat in the middle. It was only after Lukaku’s late introduction that Ross Barkley scored a consolation goal. Admittedly, by that time, the Gunners slowed a little with the result all but sown up.
To pin goalscoring expectations on the aforementioned quintet would be a brave move by the gaffer, but the cons far outweigh the pros and the risk is one not worth taking in such a crucial season for Martinez and the club.
In the midst of Everton’s longest losing streak in a decade, Martinez was effectively bound to start Lukaku up front due to the lack of alternatives. As a result, the team stagnated through a six-game losing streak which included a run of four consecutive losses.
The addition of the quick feet of Gerard Deulofeu will go to great lengths in providing attackers with fast, early delivery, something that was desperately lacking in the opening stages of the 2014-15 season, but much like his teammates, simply shifting the onus onto his shoulders is not the answer.
Another striker would not just to offer an alternative and deputy to Lukaku, but would provide invaluable competition and rotation in attack.
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There is plenty of talent to be chased, too, if the club is willing to aim high. Classic No.10s including Edin Dzeko, Mario Gomez and Manchester United’s ‘mystery’ target, Fernando Llorente, all appear surplus to requirements at their respective clubs, despite having two or more years left on their contracts. Their wages, however, could prove a major sticking point.
Manchester United misfit Javier Hernandez presents as an attractive option. The Mexican has been linked to a plethora of clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and MLS expansion club Orlando City. Very much on the outer at United, the nimble ‘Chicharito’ offers vastly different qualities to those brought to the table by the bustling Lukaku and would add a different dimension to the front line.
Whatever the club seeks in a new attacker, it cannot sit on its hands with the new season just around the corner.
The centre-forward position has proven a difficult one to fill in the past, and Everton again risk striking out in the new season if their depth curse cannot be dispelled. Lukaku is more than capable of being that man, but he needs some help.
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