Everton boss Ronald Koeman has a problem in defence.
How has Everton manager Ronald Koeman managed to leave himself short in certain areas, after spending close to £200 million during the summer?
It’s no secret that Koeman tried and failed to sign a big-name striker during the summer, leaving a 31-year-old Wayne Rooney as the man charged with the task of filling the goalscoring void left by Romelu Lukaku after joining Manchester United.
But did the Everton boss also leave himself short at the opposite end of the pitch by not signing two top-class central defenders?
Ashey Williams, a £9 million signing from Swansea City in the summer of 2016, made his second costly error of the season on Thursday as the Toffees drew 2-2 with Apollon Limassol at Goodison Park in the Europa League.
The 33-year-old was also to blame for a goal in the 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford this season and you wonder whether Koeman should have signed another proven centre-back to replace him in the long term.
Everton have loads of option in central defence. Problem is, some – Williams and Phil Jagielka – are in the final few years of their careers, while others – Lewis Gibson and Mason Holgate, at a combined age of 36 – are only beginning theirs.
Michael Keane, signed for £30 million from Burnley, is the only one at the peak of his powers and ideally Koeman should’ve brought in another tried-and-tested 20-something.
Keane and Jagielka are both “doubtful” for Sunday’s visit of Burnley, meaning it could be Williams and Holgate in central defence – the same partnership which conceded twice to the third best team in Cyprus last night.
It’s not ideal and if the Wales international makes another ricket then it’ll only highlight the issue further.
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