Everton have signed Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Kurt Zouma but still seem a little weak at the back.
Everton have spent a huge amount of money on new centre-backs in the last few transfer windows.
Since Farhad Moshiri became the club’s majority shareholder in the summer of 2016, the Toffees spent £30 million on Michael Keane and £28 million on Yerry Mina, while bringing Kurt Zouma in on loan from Chelsea.
And then there is Mason Holgate, the youngster who appears to be rated highly by head coach Marco Silva.
But, according to Joleon Lescott, who played at centre-back for Everton between 2006 and 2009, the Toffees’ most impressive defender remains the 36-year-old Phil Jagielka.
“For me, in regards to their defence, their centre-half position, Phil Jagielka is still their best centre-half for me,” Lescott told 888Sport.
“They have spent a lot of money in that position in recent years. I’m good friends with Jags and it’s no disrespect, but that shouldn’t be the case at 36 and in recent seasons you’ve spent over £60m on centre-halves.
“Your best one is still at the club. They probably haven’t bought as wise as they should have, but Jags is still the top lad there in my eyes. It’s no disrespect to say that in my eyes, the other players are not as good.”
Jagielka has played just 40 minutes this season. He received a controversial red card before half time in the opening day draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers and has not been seen since thanks to a cartilage injury.
Lescott’s comments might be a little premature, given that Mina is yet to make his debut and Zouma has started just four games so far.
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