Everton fans are growing increasingly anxious over the club's failure to sign a right-back, a position that has been a priority for several years. The issue has become a running joke among supporters, and the lack of a new arrival in that area is the only part of the summer transfer window that has not been enjoyed.
Right-back saga continues
Securing a right-back early in the window would have put many fans' minds at ease. The club has been linked with numerous players, but none have been signed. The need for a right-back is not a surprise, as it has been a requirement for several years, yet the club has been unable to find someone who ticks all the boxes for manager David Moyes.
Last season, Everton aimed for a safe campaign but were given hope of European qualification. There is a question over whether the lack of transfer activity in January, particularly in bringing in a new right-back or striker, could have helped the team finish in a European spot.
Full-back priority and attacking options
The full-back position has always been the priority. Adam Aznou has impressed in pre-season, with his forward runs adding liveliness to the attack. Defensively, he still has work to do, but his attacking intent is refreshing, especially given that Moyes' previous Everton sides featured Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman as overlapping full-backs. Since Moyes returned, the team has reverted to four sitting defenders for the past 18 months.
Moyes prefers full-backs who push forward, particularly with wingers who like to cut inside. Overlapping full-backs provide options for Iliman Ndiaye, Tyrique George, Tyler Dibling, and others. Last season, the team would cut inside but rarely deliver crosses, as strikers like Beto or Thierno Barry were static rather than making runs in behind. A right-back who can provide width would also allow Vitalii Mykolenko to push further forward.
Ndiaye's sharp return and future
There were rumours that Ndiaye could move to Saudi Arabia, and some fans were divided on the potential sale given the money it could generate. However, Ndiaye has returned fit and sharp, training hard as seen on social media. He is a player who excites fans with his movement and trickery, but his numbers need to improve in terms of goals and assists.
While selling Ndiaye for £75 million might seem good business given his output, it would overlook his defensive work, tracking back, and helping his full-backs. He also attracts two or three opponents, easing pressure on midfield. Ndiaye was not at his sharpest at the end of last season, possibly due to fatigue from the Africa Cup of Nations, contract talks, or the World Cup. He has been working on his sharpness and strength, evident in pre-season.
If he stays, his main objective is to increase his goal and assist numbers, creating more opportunities for strikers and providing an end product in the final third. Transfer windows can bring unexpected developments, and clubs must be ready for phone calls. Ndiaye would be hard to replace, as few players can play the game like him.
Transfer readiness and new signings
Top players want to play in Europe and the Champions League, making it difficult for Everton to attract the calibre Moyes desires, especially with other clubs having money to spend. There is also the issue of the payment to Burnley, a decision that baffles fans.
The squad is now heavy on wingers, with Tyrique George having had his bedding-in period and opportunities to shine. Questions remain over whether Jack Grealish will return or if Dibling will stay or go on loan. The club must be ready if the phone call comes, as past failures in such situations have been costly. The sale of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United in 2017 is a prime example, where the funds were wasted on inferior replacements.
New signings like Hayden Hackney and Christian Norgaard are seen as exactly what Everton need. Hackney, a midfielder who wants to be on the ball and play forward, addresses the issue of being too easy to play through. Norgaard brings positional sense and will help the backline, which conceded too many goals last season. With more options, the team can make more than two or three substitutions per game.
Players appear to be enjoying the club and each other, as seen on social media, but the real test comes on matchday when the going gets tough.
